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Committee funds $500,000 boost for Veterans Claim Assistance to raise VSO pay
Summary
The subcommittee approved a $500,000 add to the Veterans Claim Assistance Program to increase pay for veterans service officers who help veterans secure benefits; sponsors said the investment would bring additional federal dollars to Kansas veterans.
The Senate Ways and Means subcommittee agreed to add $500,000 to the Veterans Claim Assistance Program, intended to increase compensation for veterans service officers (VSOs) who assist veterans in applying for federal and state benefits. Senator Peck moved the ad, saying better-resourced VSOs help more veterans access federal benefits that, in turn, bring dollars into Kansas’ economy.
Committee members asked whether the increased funds would be split between the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; the sponsor and staff clarified that existing distributions are currently split equally between the two service organizations under the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs (KCVA) arrangements. The motion passed on a voice vote after brief discussion.
Next steps: the additional $500,000 will be incorporated into the package and considered in conference negotiations.
