Assemblyman DeVore and Senator Correa named Legislators of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Lawmakers honored at luncheon on the VFW's Annual Legislative Day
 
Sacramento, Calif., April 1, 2008 - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Department of California, hosted its annual Legislative Day Luncheon at the Sutter Club recently where Assemblyman Chuck DeVore and State Senator Lou Correa and were honored as Legislators of the Year.

"It is an honor to recognize two legislators that are great supporters of our state's veterans," said David Norris, VFW, Department of California state commander. "Senator Correa and Assemblyman DeVore have been instrumental in the progress veterans programs have made in California and we are thrilled to recognize their hard work and great achievements on behalf of veterans in our state."

Senator Correa is a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and co-authored AB 282 making it a misdemeanor for someone to misrepresent them self as having received a military decoration. Senator Correa was also a strong supporter of Governor Schwarzenegger's proposal to start allocating tuition-assistance funds for the California National Guard. Senator Correa sent a letter to his colleagues urging them to find additional funds to help support National Guard members who may lose their jobs, homes, and vehicles as a result of their repeated deployment.

Assemblyman DeVore sits on the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs and co-authored AB 187, increasing the amount a county can pay for a veteran's funeral from $50 to $350. In addition to co-authoring AB 282, Assemblyman DeVore also proposed AB 1758, an education assistance program to bolster membership and retention in the California National Guard.

Both Senator Correa and Assemblyman DeVore have authored AB 1814, to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with Veterans Service Organizations for the assistance of veterans and families in applying for federal benefits and services.

After the luncheon, the Legislative Day continued as VFW members met with members of the legislature at the Capitol.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars has 2.6 million members in approximately 9,000 posts worldwide. The VFW is America's largest organization of combat veterans. Since its inception more than 100 years ago, the VFW has donated millions of dollars and volunteer hours, been a strong supporter of the country's youth, and of patriotic and educational efforts. The VFW has also been an unwavering advocate to the military, its veterans, and their families.