The 2013-14 Governor’s Budget released today includes funding that will help the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) continue to serve California veterans and their families.

The proposed budget includes $27 million for the ongoing funding needed to open the Redding and Fresno Veterans Homes. These funds are in addition to the $9.4 million that was included for the current fiscal year to begin the hiring process for staff that will serve the veterans in the two new homes. Job examination list eligibility placement processes are currently underway, and hiring will take place this Spring. The plan calls for the first residents to be admitted to the Redding and Fresno Veterans Homes in the fall of this year.

The Budget also includes $96,000 for the Veterans Service Office Fund. That money will be used to maintain the annual licensing fees for the County Veteran Service Offices enterprise standard case management software—a statewide system that the counties and the Department have implemented.

An additional $153,000 in Federal Trust Funds have been proposed to pay for two positions and operating costs at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery and the Yountville Veterans Home Cemetery that will help maintain the perpetual memorials to the men and women who served honorably in the U.S. Military. The funding has been provided through a recent increase in burial allowances the State receives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“This new budget shows the Governor’s continued commitment to California veterans and their families,” said Peter J. Gravett, CalVet Secretary. “We are proud to serve our military veterans statewide and thrilled that now we will be able to better serve those living in the Central Valley and North State.”