Del. Bromwell to Introduce Veterans Legislation

During the upcoming 2016 General Assembly, I will introduce legislation to allow casino winners to contribute a small part of their winnings to help Maryland veterans. The money raised will go to a fund that helps our veterans who are seeking employment, housing, transportation, medical care or whatever the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs considers the need greatest.

The legislation requires that when casino players cash out their winnings, they are asked if they want to contribute their change to help Maryland veterans. For example, if winnings total $40.21 the winning player is asked if he or she wants to contribute 21 cents to help Maryland veterans. Winners are under no obligation to make any donation, and it should be noted that casino-goers have no way to use that portion of the winnings, as our casinos don’t accept change less than $1. They do however pay out in change, thus creating the vehicle for this legislation.

The proceeds of this plan will be sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will keep a track of the money and report it annually as a part of its budget. I consulted the state’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs, The Honorable George W. Owings III, about the legislation and he enthusiastically pledged his help in getting it approved. “I love that bill,” said Owings.

I have long felt that no matter how great the care and service we give to veterans’ problems, it is not enough. We can do better both on the federal and the state level. In Maryland there is certainly room for improvement. A 2014 audit found that veterans in Maryland were waiting an average of 80 days to see a primary-care doctor for an initial visit. That is the fourth longest wait time in the nation. Since the audit was taken, the average wait time has dropped to just under 76 days. That is still shamefully long.

Nationwide, the veterans’ unemployment rate is beyond troubling. More than 20% of veterans, 19 to 24 years of age cannot find work. That’s 5% higher than the civilian unemployment rate for that same age group.

These men and women went to war for us and came back needing government’s help with medical, job and family needs. They need and deserve the best and most prompt help we can offer. I’m hoping this small gesture can help provide these services.