Frank Castiglia Jr.: Veterans Get Short End Of The Stick Again

by Contributor | July 5, 2020 5:44 pm

Yes once again our fine men and women that served our country are getting the short end of the stick, It isn’t the Federal Gov’t that is doing it it’s your own local Oswego County Legislature that is doing it.

On Thursday July 9 a resolution authorizing the repurposing of a “NYS HOME Local Program Funds” known as “Manufactured Home Replacement Program-Veterans First.” The purpose is to take the remaining balance of a $600,000 award which is $364,916 which was earmarked for Veterans and give that money to those affected by the COVID-19.

 The smoke and mirrors distribution is meant to help with rent to those that can’t afford to pay their rent. In there, there is a little clause that it may be used by Small Business owners to help pay their rent. Now who do you think will get this money, I for one feel that any small business that made any contributions to a local elected official will be up first. Now the person that they pay rent to will help I’m sure because they will benefit greatly. It’s not who needs it but who you know that can get it for you.

My feelings are that of all the Veterans out there that may need this help only about 10% knew about this fund. Only $265,084 of the $600,000 was used. The $364,916 should stay where it is. There should be a all-out campaign to get all Veterans notified of the availability of this fund and money.

The Governor recently extended the State Mandate that no-one can be evicted from their residence do to lack of income caused by COVID-19. That means any money given thru this resolution will only benefit the Landlords or Small Business Owners.

Furthermore a bill (HEROS ACT) just passed last week by the House of Representatives is now in the hands of the Senate. It does have items that the Republicans have issues with and I do also. The main focus for us is that there is $100 billion in aide for Renters and Landlords. Also there is another round of Small business owner grants, as well as Stimulus Checks.

This means there is a good possibility that  enough money will be available through the Federal Government to help the individual renters, Landlords and Small Business owners  without taking any money that was earmarked to help the Veterans.

Veterans First-

Call your Legislator and tell him to send this back to the Committee until the next Stimulus Package is voted on. If there is no help for the Small Businesses or Renters then bring it back. The deadline is August. 

Frank Castiglia Jr.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/frank-castiglia-jr-veterans-get-short-end-of-the-stick-again/

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