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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM Since March 20, 2003 the Bush administration has spent approximately $474 billion on the Iraq War, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The CBO has also estimated that the total cost of the war for taxpayers will be approximately $1.9 trillion. Local governments have also been faced with spending increases for veterans due to those returning from the Iraq War. According to Richard Girard Jr., director of the Western Hampden District Department of Veterans' Services, the town of Agawam annually allocates approximately $80,000 for their Chapter 115 budget under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115, honorably discharged veterans and their dependents are eligible for financial assistance for various living expenses such as fuel, rent or medical care. Due to an increasing number of sick or dying World War II and Korean War veterans, returning Iraqi War veterans and recent economic changes, Girard was forced to go before the City Council last week to request an additional $30,000 from the Reserve Fund for Chapter 115 funding in FY2008. "Thirty thousand dollars is a very small price to pay for what the veterans have given for our country," City Councilor George Bitzas said, prior to the council voting unanimously in favor of the funding. Girard explained that in February 2002, the town of Agawam was spending about $5,200 per month on Chapter 115 expenses; however, he added that as of this year Chapter 115 spending has increased to approximately $8,200 per month. He said in 2002 approximately 12 Agawam residents were involved in the Chapter 115 program; he added that there are currently approximately 25 residents enrolled in the program. Girard said he has also requested a $40,000 increase in Agawam's FY2009 Chapter 115 budget totaling $120,000 in order to ensure that each veteran receives all of his or her benefits. Mayor Susan Dawson said she will carefully review Girard's request for increased Chapter 115 funding when preparing the FY2009 budget. She added that she believes it is a logical request as it is the duty of legislators to provide for veterans' needs. Girard noted that the town receives a 75 percent reimbursement from the state for Chapter 115 expenses. Girard explained that single veterans may be entitled to Chapter 115 assistance if he or she has a monthly income of less than $1,494 and cash assets of less than $1,600. Married veterans cannot have a combined monthly income of more than $1,975 or more than $3,200 in cash assets. A single veteran or widow who has an income of less than $1,702 per month and cash assets of less than $1,600 or a married veteran that has an income of less than $2,282 and less than $3,200 in cash assets may be entitled to some reimbursements of medical expenses, he explained. "I've really made it a mission to get this money to the people who are suffering," he said, adding that he attributes increased fuel costs, the slumping job market and the depressed economy as the most significant reasons for the rising needs of veterans. For more information about Chapter 115 contact the Western Hampden District Department of Veterans' Services at 786-0400 ext. 236. |