STATEHOUSE — Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 352, sponsored by State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) and co-sponsored by State Representative Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville), was signed into law by Governor Mike Pence on Thursday at the Indiana War Memorial. The new law provides financial assistance to veterans and their families.
“I am committed to giving our veterans and their families the support and recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Hamm. “I want them to know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe and to protect our freedoms.”
SEA 352 allows veterans and their families to apply for Indiana’s Military Family Relief Fund any time after their service, instead of only within a three-year period. The fund, established in 2007, is financed through the sale of the “Support Our Troops” license plate as well as the “Hoosier Veteran” license plate.
“Removing the eligibility cap allows 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. “As a state, this is just one small way for us to show our appreciation for their service and to recognize their needs.”
The Military Family Relief Fund 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.
SEA 352 will go into effect on July 1, 2014.
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