DAV opposes proposed New Jersey Veterans Assistance Trust as committee advances S3215
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Summary
S3215, which would establish a New Jersey Veterans Assistance Trust, was released by the committee despite vehement opposition from the Disabled American Veterans of New Jersey, which warned the trust could create a state-sponsored organization that competes with legacy veteran service organizations for funds and influence.
The Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee released S3215, a bill to establish the New Jersey Veterans Assistance Trust, after lengthy testimony and questions from committee members.
Jeremy Baratta, elected department inspector for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of New Jersey, testified in strong opposition on behalf of DAV. Baratta said the bill would create a new state-sponsored veteran service organization that is not run by veterans, could solicit donations and make grants to private organizations, and therefore could divert resources from legacy veteran service organizations (VSOs) that have served New Jersey for decades. "This bill hurts Disabled American Veterans Department of New Jersey and all national veteran service organizations," Baratta said, urging the committee to pull the bill and continue dialogue about strengthening existing VSOs.
Baratta also told the committee DAV received limited notice of the bill and that efforts to convene pre-hearing discussions with sponsors were not productive; committee members acknowledged the compressed notice but said the bill will still be reviewed by Budget & Appropriations and that there will be opportunities to propose amendments. Committee members encouraged continued engagement between sponsors and VSOs before the bill reaches the budget reference.
Despite the opposition, a motion to release S3215 as amended passed by roll call. Committee members and witnesses emphasized they expected further dialogue and possible amendments in subsequent references.
