STATEHOUSE — Legislation sponsored by State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) and cosponsored by State Representative Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) regarding the Military Family Relief Fund passed the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously on Monday.
“I am dedicated to supporting Hoosier veterans and their families,” said Rep. Hamm. “Our veterans have taken great risks and put their lives on the line to protect ours. I am pleased that the Indiana General Assembly is stepping up to support them and their families.”
Senate Bill (SB) 352 provides financial assistance to veterans and their families by allowing them to apply for Indiana’s Military Family Relief Fund any time after their service, instead of only within a three-year period. Existing law restricts the use of the fund to qualified veterans who have served since 2001 and only if the need is requested within three years of deployment.
“Removing the eligibility cap would allow Hoosier veterans who were deployed more than three years ago to apply if they experience financial hardships beyond the three-year window,” said Rep. Saunders.
The Military Family Relief Fund was established in 2007 and provides financial assistance to military families for needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, transportation and other essential family support expenses which have become difficult to afford. The fund is financed through the sale of the “Support Our Troops” license plate as well as the “Hoosier Veteran” license plate.
“The revenue from the veteran’s license plates should be put to use to aid veterans as the fund is intended,” said Rep. Hamm. “It is imperative that we lend Indiana veterans and their families a helping hand.”
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