RON WIECK

STATE SENATOR

Twenty-seventh District

Statehouse: (515) 281-3371

        –

HOME ADDRESS

4362 Old Lakeport Road

Sioux City, Iowa 51106

H: (712) 276-4008

           ron.wieck@legis.state.ia.us

 

       

The Senate

State of Iowa

Eighty-first General Assembly

STATEHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

 

 

 

COMMITTEES

 

                   Business and Labor Relations, CoChair

                   Commerce

                   Government Oversight

                   State Government

                   Ways & Means

                 


For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                       Contact: Senator Wieck

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006                                                                                                                                                                              (515) 281-3371

Sen. Wieck Honors Veterans at the Capitol

 

Des Moines – The Iowa Senate today passed a $3 million bill to provide continued state support to Iowa’s veterans, according to Sen. Wieck (R-Sioux City).  Wieck met with local veterans at the Statehouse on Wednesday to discuss the legislation and other veterans issues.

 

“Military veterans have made many sacrifices in order to serve our country.  While their selflessness can never be repaid fully, this legislation is a small step we can take to provide veterans and their families with some needed assistance,” said Wieck.

 

The legislation, which now goes to the governor for his signature, includes $1 million to create a hardship grant program for military veterans seriously injured in a combat zone since Sept. 11, 2001. 

 

The bill also provides $2 million in additional funding for a popular program that helps members of the National Guard or military reserves purchase homes.  In 2005, lawmakers approved $1 million for the housing assistance program.  Since that time, the entire $1 million has been committed with more than 230 service men and women receiving funding to help with down payments on homes. 

 

“Home ownership is one of the key components of the American dream,” said Wieck.  “The additional funding for this program will allow more Iowa soldiers the opportunity to realize this dream.” 

 

The legislation also contains a commitment from the Legislature that the Veterans Home in Marshalltown will receive at least $3 million for capital improvements at a later date.

 

“Over our nation’s history, veterans have honorably served our country as members of the armed forces,” said Wieck.  “I deeply respect their service and sacrifice.”

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