Bills protect key veteran funding

Observer Staff

11/29/2005 12:00:00 AM

Rep. Bill Caul's initiative to save emergency assistance for Michigan veterans and their dependents is one step closer to becoming law after the state Senate recently announced unanimous approval of the bills.

The package, introduced by Caul, R-Mt. Pleasant, saves funding for the Veterans Trust Fund, which provides emergency financial relief for state veterans and their dependents during personal emergencies. Emergencies can include times of unemployment or when veterans have trouble paying gas or electric bills.

"Saving this fund comes at a critical time in Michigan, as well as the rest of the country, where unemployment continues to be concern and home heating bills are expected to rise dramatically this winter," said Caul, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Affairs. "We owe veterans so much for their valiant efforts to safeguard our freedoms. The trust fund must continue to be available for current veterans as well as for when our new war veterans come home."