Gov. Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation in the Iowa House and Senate aimed at improving how veterans benefits are delivered across the state.
Iowa is home to nearly 178,000 veterans, but state officials say only about one-third currently receive the benefits they earned. Iowa also ranks 44th nationally in Veterans Affairs compensation per capita.
Reynolds says the proposal would modernize what she described as an outdated system by moving to a single, statewide claims process and tying county funding to performance.
Under the plan, counties would no longer receive a flat $10,000 annually for veteran service officers. Instead, funding would be based on outcomes. Counties ranking in the top third for VA compensation per capita would receive $15,000, while middle- and lower-ranking counties could earn funding increases by improving benefit delivery.
The bill would also establish statewide training standards and require all counties to use a single, state-provided online claims system.
The legislation now awaits consideration by lawmakers.
