In one of the largest gatherings of its kind, the California Interagency Council on Veterans (ICV) brought together more than 130 representatives from federal, state, and local organizations to discuss ways in which to make it easier for veterans and their families to claim the benefits and services they have earned through military service.

This gathering began Wednesday and will continue Thursday at the Sacramento Convention Center.

“We are pleased to see so many representatives from all levels of government and non-governmental organizations come together to work toward making it easier for veterans and their families to receive the many benefits and services they so desperately need,” said Peter J. Gravett, Secretary, California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).

The California Interagency Council on Veterans’ Web site is now active and can be accessed at www.icv.ca.gov.

Representatives from all levels of government, including the California Departments of Veterans Affairs, Health Care Services; Housing and Community Development; Military; Employment Development; and University, College and Judicial systems were present.  

Also present are representatives from community-based organizations, veterans service organizations, and local service providers.

Attendees are discussing issues important to veterans, such as housing, education, health and employment.

California is home to 2.2 million veterans, with 30,000 more veterans annually making the Golden State their home.

The unemployment rate among younger veterans is almost twice as high as that for the overall population, indicating a greater need for coordinated and efficient delivery of benefits and services to veterans.

The ICV is tasked with identifying and prioritizing the needs of California's veterans and coordinating the activities at all levels of government in addressing those needs.

The governor’s news release and executive order establishing the ICV is available at http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17177.