ADOPTED - JUNE 23, 1998

Agenda Item No. 34

Introduced by the Human Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 59

RESOLUTION #98-150

WHEREAS, the Michigan Senate has proposed Concurrent Resolution No. 59, calling for the increased support for training county veterans counselors; and

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners has supported and funded a Veteran's Affairs office since May 16, 1944, to provide needed services to the veteran and dependent population residents of Ingham County; and

WHEREAS, the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors (MACVC), a nonprofit veterans benefits corporation, of which Ingham County Veterans Affairs Service Officers are members, is requesting that the state set aside money to defray the expenses associated with annual training; and

WHEREAS, a large portion of the veterans and dependents rely solely on the financial programs afforded them under the Department of Veterans Affairs programs; and

WHEREAS, the MACVC, with the assistance of the National Association of County Veterans Counselors, has noticed that the federal revenue generated for veterans and dependents increases tremendously with increased knowledge, and has undertaken a comprehensive study to determine the annual expense associated with a four-day education program; and

WHEREAS, County veterans counselors are often the first point of contact for veterans and their dependents and must be knowledgeable and updated on all types of veterans benefits.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners acknowledge support of the veteran population of their county, the Ingham County Department of Veterans Affairs office, and the MACVC by declaring their support of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 59.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners appoint the Director of the Ingham County Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Randy A. Marwede, to voice support on their behalf, to members of the legislature.

HUMAN SERVICES: Yeas: Czarnecki, Smiley, Stid, Keefe, Juall

Nays: None Absent: None Approved 6/15/98