Veteran legislation became law July 1st (Johnston, IA) – The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs announced improvements in how veterans benefits are delivered throughout the state. Beginning July 1, 2009, each Iowa county is required to have a veterans affairs office staffed by an employee working in veteran services for a specified minimum amount of time per week. This requirement is based on the county’s population. Governor Chet Culver commented, “With the increased sacrifices made by Iowans fighting abroad, it is fitting that each county in Iowa be an access point for state and federal benefits. This will help us serve those who give so much for our state and nation.” Culver signed the bill into law in May 2008, but the legislation did not go into effect until July 2009 to allow counties to prepare. The new law also requires the county to have an employee who is trained as a nationally accredited service officer through the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. This accreditation training will be held in Des Moines for county employees October 19-23, 2009. Currently a majority of counties fulfill the office hours and accreditation requirements. “This is a huge step forward for the state of Iowa,” stated Patrick Palmersheim, Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. “Providing services to veterans to receive entitled benefits has been a top priority of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and the Culver Administration.” In order to assist counties with the cost of this transition, $10,000 will be allocated to each county for increased hours, operating expenses, and compliance with the training requirements. Elizabeth Ledvina, President of the Iowa Association of County Commissions of Veterans Affairs commented, “Counties are excited to participate in this expansion of services. Once this new law is in place and each office is fully trained, Iowa should see an increase in federal dollars coming to our veterans.” County veteran offices assist with providing rent and utility assistance, accessing state benefits such as the Iowa Veterans Home and the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, and signing up eligible veterans for federal benefits such as service-connected disability payments, pensions, and medical care. Questions regarding federal VA benefits or this new law can be directed to a county veteran affairs office or to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-838-4692 or www.iowava.org.