The Department of Veterans' Services administers the benefits program which provides aid to qualified veterans and their dependents. The Department manages transitional housing units, homeless shelters, and nine regional outreach centers to help veterans who need emergency assistance. In addition, the Department administers a one-time cash bonus program for veterans of the Persian Gulf War and disburses an annuity to certain disabled veterans and to the parents of certain deceased veterans.

Objectives

In Fiscal Year 1999, the Department will continue construction of a state veterans' cemetery in Agawam, and will implement the newly expanded annuity program.

Budget Recommendations

The Fiscal Year 1999 recommendation includes an increase of $10.65 million over Fiscal Year 1998 for the expanded annuity program (1410-0300).

Budgetary Direct Appropriations

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS` SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
1410-0010	For the operation of the department of veterans` services	1,754,021

VETERANS` OUTREACH CENTERS
1410-0012	For the operation of veterans` outreach centers	822,884
	Local Aid Fund 100%

WOMEN VETERANS` OUTREACH
1410-0015	For the women veterans` outreach program	25,000
	Local Aid Fund 100%

VETERANS` SERVICES PENSION RECOVERY REVENUE MAXIMIZATION
1410-0100	For the elder affairs cost avoidance and cost recovery project	95,983

ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS VETERANS
1410-0250	For the operation of homeless shelters and transitional housing for veterans	2,861,000

ANNUITIES TO CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS
1410-0300	For the payment of annuities to certain disabled veterans and parents of certain deceased veterans	10,938,000

VETERANS` BENEFITS
1410-0400	For reimbursements to cities and towns for payments to certain veterans pursuant to section 6 of chapter 115 of the General Laws	8,033,000
	Local Aid Fund 100%