The California State Assembly is committed to protecting veterans and their families. The Legislature passed new laws that aim to help members of the Armed Forces, both when they are home and when they are abroad.
Assembly Bill 74 approves $1.1 million to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families residing in California receive the resources and information they need to successfully transition from military to civilian life. It will also provide a $670,000 General Fund for the Work for Warriors employment assistance program to reduce unemployment amongst veterans. This legislation also provides an augmentation of $5 million ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund for veteran’s resource centers. It will also provide a $750,000 one-time Proposition 98 General Fund to expand the Norco College VRC and $1.5 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund to expand the Mira Costa College VRC.
Assembly Bill 368 designates the ARDA site in the Great Park as the Southern California Veterans Memorial Park & Cemetery.
Assembly Bill 498 exempts veterans who are honorably discharged or honorably relieved from the Armed force and a resident of California from any local business fees for a business selling or providing services.
Assembly Bill 550 creates a pilot program for a Medical Foster Home (MFH) program for veterans. The program utilizes an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, aides and staff provided by the Veterans Health Administration. This program works alongside volunteer families and individuals who open their homes to care for these veterans.
Assembly Bill 558 will require the State Bar to engage with military service providers and other legal aid organizations to provide legal services to veterans and their families who cannot afford legal services.
Senate Bill 222 prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of veteran or military status. It prioritizes the importance of housing for veterans.
Senate Bill 245 allows veterans to adopt pets from public animal shelters without any adoption fees. Veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) could benefit from an animal companion.
Resources
County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Services
3989 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 694-4801
Veterans Village of San Diego
4141 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 393-2000
211 San Diego Military & Veteran Services
San Diego, CA 92142
2-1-1
County MVRC North Coastal Health Center
Oceanside, CA
(442) 262-2701
Escondido Military and Veterans Affairs Resource Center
649 W. Mission Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 740-5572
VA Regional Office (VARO) San Diego
8898 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108
(858) 694 -3222
National City Military and Veterans Affairs Resource Center
401 Mile of Cars Way
National City, CA 91950
(619) 731-7745