The Iowa Legislature

State of Iowa

Eighty-Second General Assembly

STATEHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

For Immediate Release Contact: Larry McKibben

Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 (515) 281-3371

McKibben Fights for Additional Funding for Iowa’s Soldiers

Senator’s Amendment Adds Another $500,000 for Homebuyer Assistance Program

DES MOINES – State Sen. Larry McKibben today successfully attached an amendment to a supplemental appropriations bill to include an additional $500,000 for the Military Service Member Homeownership Assistance Program.

The bill, approved today by the entire Senate, now includes a total of $2 million for the program, which helps members of the National Guard and military reserves purchase homes through dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $5,000.

“Military service often comes with great sacrifice for soldiers and their families,” said McKibben, who is a member of the Senate Veterans Committee. “This legislation is a small way we can give back to those who have so honorably served our country.”

The legislation originally included $1.5 million for the program. McKibben’s amendment brought the total appropriation to $2 million.

“More than 400 service members have taken advantage of the program to purchase homes in Iowa, including 68 families who had previously lived outside the state,” McKibben said. “The popular program has already used the $2 million set aside by lawmakers last year. The additional money will help meet unmet needs so that more military families can afford the cost of down payments on homes.”

The legislation also provides an additional $2 million for the Injured Veterans Grant program. The program provides grants, of up to $10,000, for family members of veterans who have been seriously injured while in the line of duty.

“Many times injured soldiers can spend weeks and months in an out-of-state military hospital for treatment and rehabilitation. This program helps ease the financial burden on the soldier’s family members who often must take a leave of absence from their jobs and travel out-of-state in order to spend time at the hospital,” said McKibben.

The bill now goes to the House for further consideration.

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