Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll Proposes Salem Veterans Assistance Fund

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Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll today filed a request with the City Council to establish a new Veterans Assistance Fund for Salem veterans. If approved by the City Council, Salem taxpayers will see an option to donate to the fund on future property tax bills. All donations will be utilized to provide Salem veterans and their dependents with aid for food, transportation, and heat and oil expenses. The application process, eligibility standards, and management of the fund will fall to the City’s Veterans Agent.

“I hope the City Council will adopt the proposed measure to establish this fund and add this donation option to Salem tax bills,” said Mayor Driscoll. “The state allows municipalities to set up these special funds to help our deserving veterans and their families with critical essentials such as food and heating expenses. These men and women have given so much to our community, this is an appropriate way to continue our efforts to give back to them. If approved, I hope Salem residents will consider filling in the line on their next tax bill and giving, even a small amount if that’s all they afford, to this worthwhile new fund.”

“These generous donations will reinforce our community’s commitment to our veterans and enhance the city’s already extensive veteran benefits,” added Salem Veterans Agent Kim Emerling. “These funds will be used for any type of need or emergency not already covered under the present umbrella of benefits.”