Macer proposal to assist women veterans advances to House floor

STATEHOUSE – The Indiana House Veterans Affairs & Public Safety Committee has approved legislation authored by State Representative Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis) that would begin to address the needs of Hoosier women veterans.

House Bill 1117 establishes the Hoosier women veterans program, which will provide information and services to those women who have served in the armed forces.

“This bill will help inform women veterans about their rights and help them find information and services regarding housing, medical needs or even finding someone to take up military sexual assault cases,” said Macer.

The bill implores that the state recognize women who have served in the armed forces and looks to give a voice to Hoosier women veterans.

Macer said services provided by the program also aim to improve veteran’s awareness of exactly what benefits and services they are entitled to receive. Other key duties of the program include advocating for women veterans and honoring them through organized activities and events.

In addition to the outreach services, the program establishes a fund to be distributed by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in order to meet the needs of Hoosier women veterans. This fund will be used to advance the goals of the program, including reviewing initiatives designed to address the needs of Indiana’s women veterans.

Inspired by Kris Bertrand of Indianapolis, a veteran and previous veteran’s services officer, Macer says advocacy is one of the most essential functions of the program in order to move the state forward.

“This program will assist in filing claims for benefits and help to dispel some myths about women veterans,” said Bertrand. “Veterans come in all shapes and sizes and programs like this empower our women to stand up and say ‘I served. I’m a veteran’.”

House Bill 1117 will now move to the House floor for further action.