Governor signs veterans housing bill in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Gov. Jerry Brown in San Diego Thursday signed legislation that could lead to better housing opportunities for
the state's military veterans.

Brown signed the Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act of
2014 at Veterans Village of San Diego, a shelter for former members of the
armed forces who are living on the streets.

The bill puts a measure on the June ballot that will allow voters
to decide whether to take the remaining $600 million authorized by a bond act
in 2008 and redirect it to build affordable multi-family housing for veterans.

The 2008 bond measure enabled veterans to purchase single-family homes,
farms and mobile homes through the CalVet Home Loan Program. The recent
recession and shakeup of the housing market, plus changing demographics for
veterans, has rendered the program ineffective, according to text of the bill
to be signed today.

The bill was co-authored by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, D-San
Diego. Other listed co-authors include Sens. Marty Block, D-Lemon Grove, Ben
Hueso, D-San Diego, and Mark Wyland, R-Carlsbad, along with Assemblyman Brian
Maienschein, R-San Diego.