Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans Equity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel lays over bill to fund services targeted to Black veterans; sponsor says bill will be refined
Summary
House File 1516, proposing state funding for programs targeted at Black veterans’ mental health, housing and employment supports, was laid over after sponsors were asked to clarify budget details and avoid overlap with existing federal benefits.
House File 1516, presented April 2 by Representative Jeff Clardy, would fund programs aimed at improving outcomes for Black veterans, including mental‑health care, job training, housing assistance and education. Testimony emphasized historical disparities faced by Black veterans and argued targeted, culturally competent services are needed.
Dr. Sean Payton, a former U.S. Air Force officer and psychologist, said the program would address systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black veterans and help them access mental health care, employment supports and homeownership. Steven Kent and other veteran witnesses described longstanding discrimination that has affected economic and health outcomes for Black veterans.
Vice Chair Olsen asked about a budgeting discrepancy: testimony referenced $4.7 million appropriated and a $5 million request; she asked where the additional $300,000 would be allocated and how the proposed services differ from benefits already available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other programs. Sponsors replied they would refine the bill, remove overlaps, and provide more detailed budget information; one testifier cited statistics that Black veterans are disproportionately represented among homeless veterans and face barriers to access.
Committee members expressed support for addressing disparities but asked sponsors to provide clearer budget lines and to describe how state funds would complement rather than duplicate federal benefits. Representative Clardy said he would meet with members and stakeholders to further develop the bill; the committee laid the bill over for further drafting and possible inclusion.
