Support Full Funding for Section 302 of the Elizabeth Dole Act

ACTION NEEDED

Urge Congress to provide full funding for Section 302 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This provision authorizes a new competitive grant program to support County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) and similar local entities, helping counties expand outreach, improve access to earned benefits and better serve veterans and their families.

BACKGROUND

Section 302 of the Elizabeth Dole Act authorizes $10 million annually for two years for competitive grants to states to create, expand or support County Veterans Service Officers and similar local entities. The program is designed to strengthen local capacity to connect veterans with federal benefits and services, especially in communities facing service gaps or resource constraints.

County Veterans Service Officers play a frontline role in helping veterans and their families navigate disability claims, health care enrollment, pension benefits, survivor benefits and other federal programs. Yet these offices are funded almost entirely by counties and local taxpayers, which can limit staffing, outreach and service delivery capacity—particularly in rural communities and high-demand areas.

Section 302 funding may be used to hire new or additional service officers, provide technical and accreditation training for current staff and improve outreach and support for veterans seeking assistance. The law prioritizes areas with high rates of veteran suicide, Veteran Crisis Line referrals or critical shortages of County Veterans Service Officers, helping direct resources where needs are greatest.

Congress should fully fund Section 302 so this new grant program can be implemented as intended and counties can better meet growing demand for veterans services. Full funding would help translate the promise of the Elizabeth Dole Act into stronger local support systems and improved outcomes for veterans, their families and survivors.

KEY TALKING POINTS

• Section 302 authorizes a first-of-its-kind federal competitive grant program to help counties strengthen County Veterans Service Officers and similar local entities.
• Full funding would help counties hire and train staff, expand outreach and improve veterans’ access to the federal benefits they have earned.
• Appropriators should provide the full amount authorized so communities with the greatest needs—including areas facing veteran suicide risks, crisis line demand and staffing shortages—can receive timely support.