By Chris Wangsaporn  

“I think that when it comes to helping our veterans, we should make sure that we are doing all that we can.” -Ling Ling Chang

(Photo Courtesy: ad55.assemblygop.com)
Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang, 55th District

Sacramento – On Wed., Feb. 18, Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) introduced Assembly Bill 388, legislation to ensure that funds generated by Proposition 41 are spent efficiently and effectively.  AB 388 will place a requirement on those who receive Prop 41 generated funds to report on the effectiveness of their housing programs for homeless and low-income veterans.

“$600 million dollars is a large sum of money which will create real possibilities when it comes to providing homes to men and women who have served our country,” said Chang. “I think that when it comes to helping our veterans we should make sure that we are doing all that we can.  I am confident that the voters who approved these bond funds will agree that accountability is necessary in order to make sure we are helping as many veterans as possible.”

Proposition 41 was approved by voters in June 2014, authorizing $600 million in bonds.  Those funds will be allocated to various local governments and non-profits in order to provide multi-family housing to low-income veterans and supportive housing for homeless veterans.   While the language of Prop 41 imposes reporting requirements on the Department of Housing and Community Development as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, AB 388 strengthens the efficiency of reporting by requiring those who receive the funds to demonstrate the effectiveness of their housing programs.

Chang added, “It is shameful that veterans who serve our country come home and end up sleeping in shelters or under freeway overpasses.  I want to know that the programs that are put in place to help them are working and that we are showing them the gratitude they deserve.”

The 55th Assembly District contains parts of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. It includes the cities of Diamond Bar, Walnut, City of Industry, Rowland Heights, West Covina, Brea, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Covina, and Chino Hills. Follow Assemblywoman Chang on Twitter @AsmL2Chang