Rep. Macer speaks on outrages at IDVA

INDIANAPOLIS  –  State Rep. Karlee Macer (D-Speedway) today issued the following statement on the scandals now facing the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). According to recent media reports, IDVA employees may have an inside track for receiving assistance from the Military Family Relief Fund. The fund, created in 2007, provides emergency financial support to current service members and honorably discharged veterans. Macer's statement follows:

“Veterans and taxpayers alike have put their faith in the Legislature and the IDVA to ensure that our veterans are cared for in a fair and consistent manner.

“By giving preferential treatment and an inside track to department employees, not only has the IDVA broken the trust of our veterans, but they have grossly mismanaged a fund dedicated to making sure that those most in need of these funds are able to receive them.

“Downplaying this and passing blame are simply unacceptable.

“To take advantage of funds earmarked for our veterans in need and allocating them to frivolous employee expenses is nothing short of disgraceful.

“We demand nothing less than an even playing field for all veterans looking to access these funds. This is not right, it is not fair, and it’s a far cry from the intended usage of these funds.

“Those responsible for this gross misuse should be investigated thoroughly and provide answers to the hundreds of veterans whose applications were denied, while employees were granted near automatic approval.”