Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB975

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Veterans; directing the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to create financial assistance program; allowing certain spouses to qualify for the program. Effective date.

Impact

With the enactment of SB975, veterans in Oklahoma will have access to a structured financial support system aimed at easing the burden of unemployment. This program is specifically tailored for those who have served in the military and affirms a commitment to providing them and their families the necessary assistance during challenging times. The effective date of implementation is slated for November 1, 2023, marking a step towards a more supportive environment for veterans within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 975 aims to provide financial assistance to veterans who have been terminated from their jobs, along with certain unremarried spouses of deceased veterans. The bill mandates the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to create a program offering assistance of up to $500 per calendar year. This initiative seeks to support veterans in their transition to find new employment after job termination, as well as to recognize the contributions of their surviving spouses.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial at first glance, it may raise concerns about its funding and sustainability. Questions might arise regarding the allocation of state resources to support this program, especially in the context of wider fiscal responsibilities. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the assistance offered, considering whether $500 is sufficient to significantly impact the financial stability of veterans and their families. Additionally, ensuring that the program is accessible and properly managed is crucial to its success.

Companion Bills

OK SB975

Carry Over Veterans; directing the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to create financial assistance program; allowing certain spouses to qualify for the program. Effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK SB1354

Veterans; requiring Oklahoma Department of Veteran's Affairs to create certain program to create certain headstone or marker; providing certain burial grant; providing eligibility requirements; creating revolving fund. Effective date.

OK HB7472

To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal a certain limitation on the receipt of assistance under both the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment program and Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs.

OK HB3078

Veterans; executive department; forms; donations; Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.

OK HB3044

Taxes; Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; reauthorization; effective date.

OK SB530

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; authorizing establishment of the ODVA Foundation; allowing Foundation to receive contributions; directing incorporation of Foundation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB530

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; authorizing establishment of the ODVA Foundation; allowing Foundation to receive contributions; directing incorporation of Foundation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB914

Repealing expired programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs; definition, terminology, and grammatical changes for the Department of Veterans Affairs, mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder; reporting on rules proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; asset calculation for determining eligibility for veterans assistance payments; and deceased veterans’ graves (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Veterans Affairs).

OK AB935

Repealing expired programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs; definition, terminology, and grammatical changes for the Department of Veterans Affairs, mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder; reporting on rules proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; asset calculation for determining eligibility for veterans assistance payments; and deceased veterans’ graves (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Veterans Affairs).

OK HB4279

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; funds; audits and reports; effective date; emergency.

OK HB3042

Veterans; Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Supplemental Revolving Funds; purpose; source of funds; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.