Policy Proposals During Iowa Veterans Day On The Hill

Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — Veterans groups are seeking a state tax break for the estimated 47 thousand disabled veterans in Iowa who are homeowners.

Darlene McMartin is chair of the Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs.

McMartin was among this past week’s speakers at a ceremony during Veterans Day at the Iowa Capitol. McMartin and others are calling on legislators to expand Veterans Treatment Courts where criminal cases against veterans may be resolved by referrals to substance abuse or mental health treatment.

Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing adding half a million dollars for the state program that provides grants to veterans who are buying a home. The five-thousand-dollar grants can be used to cover down payments and closing costs.

The grants to low-income veterans may cover expenses for things like hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental work as well as repairs to homes and vehicles. According to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, 178 thousand veterans live in Iowa. That’s about five percent of the state’s population.

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