State Rep. Jaime Greene today testified in front of the Appropriations committee in support of Senate Bill 215, which would enhance protections for individuals applying for veterans’ benefits. 

SB 215, introduced by State Sen. Sylvia A. Santana, increases safeguards for veterans utilizing veteran service organizations during benefits applications. Because there are currently few regulations relating to disability benefits, some groups claiming to offer support have instead exploited veterans and their families. 

“This is a very serious concern,” said Greene (R-Richmond). “I’m a veteran. This issue is deeply personal to me. When we have bad actors trying to take advantage of our veterans through benefit fraud, we need to put a forceful stop to it. We cannot allow this to continue.” 

Greene continued by highlighting the important need to pass this legislation. 

“This is a matter of basic respect,” Greene said. “We need to make sure that our veterans are receiving the benefits that they deserve. These people have bravely served our country, and we have a responsibility to see that they are actually getting what they are owed. We will never be able to show our full gratitude for their service, but we can do everything in our power to ensure that we are looking out for them here at home.”