(7th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Legislation Assemblyman Jack Conners sponsored to allow the state to accept donations to buy a handicap accessible service vehicle to provide critical services disabled veterans throughout New Jersey is now law.
The bill (A-1943) was privately signed on Wednesday. Conners said the law will help the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs expand outreach services to veterans.
“These services are absolutely critical, but unfortunately some veterans, particularly the handicapped and disabled, are not receiving these services because they either live in areas that lack public transportation or their disability makes it difficult to move around,” said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden). “Disabled veterans should have the same access to outreach services as other veterans, and this law is a step toward making that equal access reality.”
Conners, chairman of the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs lacks adequate funding to buy a handicap accessible vehicle that would allow disabled veterans to participate in outreach services.
“But under this new law, the state will be able to fundraise and accept donations to purchase a handicap accessible veteran service vehicle for outreach services to assist disabled veterans,” Conners said. “The vehicles will allow disabled veterans, particularly any veteran using a wheelchair, to have equal access to the information and activities they need. This is, quite simply, the right thing to do.”
Under the law, the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, or a designee, will create a non-lapsing fund dedicated to the purchase and maintenance of a handicap accessible veteran service vehicle to be used to improve disabled veteran outreach accessibility. The Adjutant General may solicit and accept donations or grants of money or property from any source, to be credited to the fund. All monies obtained shall be dedicated towards the purchase of a handicap accessible veteran service vehicle and its maintenance, and any interest on monies in the fund shall be credited to the fund.
The law takes effect immediately.
On the Net:
The Assembly Democratic Office Web site
NJ Assembly Dems on YouTube
NJ Assembly Dems on Vimeo
NJ Assembly Dems on Facebook
NJ Assembly Dems on Twitter
NJ Assembly Dems on Flickr
NJ Assembly Dems e-mail alerts