By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $200,000 for hiring additional staff for women veterans’ outreach, centralizing the administration of services and expanding transitional support for women veterans returning to the state.

“While women are the fastest growing population of veterans, veteran organizations and care have historically been geared towards men,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “An amendment of mine to the fiscal 2022 budget commissioned the study that outlined these discrepancies. This follow-up amendment authorizes the necessary funding to implement the study’s recommendations, including expanding outreach services to identify women veterans and inform them of the benefits they qualify for.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the $200,000.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes