Veterans' Caucus wants family aid bill passed

Rep. Chris Deschene, a USMC veteran.

UPDATE, 6/10: A Senate Committee has approved SB1176, just one week after Democrats took the lead in calling for passage of this bill. We are also working on a common sense amendment to make this bill even stronger.

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Democratic Veterans' Caucus held a news conference at the State Capitol today calling on the legislature to pass SB1176, a bill that will deliver much needed assistance to Arizona's military families who suffer from hardships presented when a loved one is injured or killed while serving our country.

Members of the Arizona Democratic Veterans Caucus were there, as well as former Marine, Representative Chris Deschene (D-Window Rock), Representatives Pat Fleming (D-Sierra Vista) and Daniel Patterson (D-Tucson) who both serve on the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, Representative Matt Heinz (D-Tucson) and Senator Manny Alvarez (D-Elfrida).

"Action is needed now to help Arizona's veterans and their families," said Rep. Daniel Patterson. "It's time for legislative leadership to walk the talk on supporting the troops and pass this bill." Patterson's district 29 includes Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the Southern Arizona VA Hospital.