Indianapolis, In. — The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee Tuesday voted in support of Republican state representative from Greensburg Randy Frye’s legislation calling for more oversight for Indiana’s Military Family Relief Fund.
The fund is a dedicated account that receives money through donations and the purchase of veteran license plates like “Support the Troops.” Recently, there were media reports of these funds being misused and this legislation would add a layer of accountability and transparency, according to Frye.
“This legislation ensures the fund is handled fairly and is available to all qualified veterans in need of assistance,” said Frye, chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. “Employees of the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs would not be able to receive grants from the fund and applications for assistance would be responded to in a timely manner. These measures ensure this fund is handled with the greatest amount of transparency and accountability.”
According to Frye, assistance could not exceed $2,500 for each application to ensure that funds are distributed fairly. However in rare cases, the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission could increase that amount provided to veterans.
House Bill 1257 now goes to the full House of Representatives for further discussion. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
