AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, presented a joint resolution urging Congress to establish a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to help veterans access housing to the Council of State Governments East (CSG) on Wednesday.
CSG is the nation's largest nonpartisan organization whose mission is to champion excellence in state government. Hepler introduced the resolution to the Maine Legislature in July where it received unanimous approval. The measure was also supported by the Legislature's Veterans Caucus.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) relies on VSOs to help veterans navigate the system and access their benefits. Some provide programming for veterans in their community through events such as job fairs. Others organize events to raise money for a subset of veterans, like for those experiencing homelessness. Examples of VSOs include the Wounded Warrior Project and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
"After a constituent contacted me about the challenges they were facing, I learned that housing is the only VA benefit that does not have an associated VSO," said Hepler. "I drafted the joint resolution to demonstrate Maine's support for a congressionally chartered VSO and have since sent the resolution to Maine's congressional delegation."
A VSO is congressionally chartered if Congress has passed a law that chartered the organization. Among the congressionally chartered VSOs are the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Hepler is serving her second term in the Maine House and sits on both the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and Marine Resources Committee. She represents the towns of Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hepler] c. 812-1111