Governor Crist Highlights Programs Supporting Military Families at Florida Veterans Resource Showcase

Governor Charlie Crist recently highlighted programs available to veterans and their families. During a visit to the Florida Veterans Resource Showcase, Governor Crist promoted military-friendly businesses and programs such as the Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program and a subsidized interest rate program offered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

“Our nation’s military families have made personal sacrifices to ensure all Americans can enjoy freedom unparalleled throughout the world,” said Governor Crist. “To express our gratitude, we are committed to serving the more than 1.7 million veterans who defended our nation and who now call our great state home.”

Governor Crist was joined at the showcase by Major General Douglas Burnett, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, and Admiral LeRoy Collins, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. During the Governor’s remarks, he expressed gratitude to all of America’s military families. He also thanked the public and private agencies and organizations that support veterans living in Florida through various programs and services. In addition to the nearly 20 vendors at today’s showcase, Governor Crist encouraged servicemen and women to visit Florida Vets First, an online, comprehensive clearinghouse for the many key services available to veterans and their families.

About Florida Vets First

Florida Vets First is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Workforce Florida Inc. The initiative creates a unified, seamless approach to addressing the needs of Florida’s military veterans, servicemembers and their families. At the interactive Web site, www.FloridaVetsFirst.com, veterans and their families will find a one-stop resource for information and links to services ranging from employment and training assistance to health care, higher education and the GI Bill, aid for the homeless, housing and benefits.

About the Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program

Lifeline assistance and Link-up are public programs developed to ensure that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services. Lifeline assistance provides a $13.50 credit per month on local phone bills, and Link-Up provides a 50 percent rebate on a telephone hook-up charge (up to $30.00). Lifeline may also be used to provide a credit on your cell phone bill or consumers may choose to get a free cell phone with free monthly minutes. Over a year’s time, the program can provide a savings of $162.00. Individuals who receive temporary cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or receive benefits from the National School Lunch program or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program qualify for Lifeline. Floridians can visit the Public Service Commission’s Link-Up and Lifeline Assistance Program Web site at http://www.floridapsc.com/utilities/telecomm/lifeline/ to apply online or obtain a printed application.

About the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s Military Heroes Program

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s Military Heroes program offers both active duty military personnel and veterans a subsidized interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. To qualify, at least one member of the household must be a veteran, defined as a member of the Florida National Guard or U.S. Service personnel honorably discharged from the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or the Reserves); or currently be on active duty. For more information, go to www.floridahousing.org.

Related posts:

1. Almost half a million more people in Florida using Lifeline program in 2009 for phones
2. Governor Crist Signs Legislation to Enhance Transparency in Private Attorney Contracting
3. Crist Signs 2010-11 Florida budget
4. Governor Crist appoints Kevin Tynan to Broward County School Board
5. Governor Crist Offers Guidelines for Reporting Oil Spill Impacts in Florida

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Posted by Andrea Freygang on Mar 12 2010. Filed under Broward County, Families, Fort Lauderdale, Local news, Military, Tallahassee. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry