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Last updated on Friday, March 6, 2015
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana House Health and Public Safety committee passed a bill that would create a recovery program to help Hoosier veterans suffering from brain injuries.
"We need to jump at this opportunity and not just pass it out of this committee, (but) ensure that it is funded, that we get things going in the right direction," Zent said. "I feel that that would be one of my biggest contributions to not only veterans, but to this country."House Bill 1615, which was authored by Rep. Dennis Zent, R-Angola, would establish the Veterans Recovery Program and Fund for five years. The program would be dedicated to caring for veterans suffering from brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Veterans from around the state stood in front of the House chamber to show their support for the bill. One veteran, Austin Fritz, 32, served as a sniper for two tours in Iraq before returning home to Bloomington with PTSD and a severe brain disorder.
"I'm here because I have a brain injury," Fritz said. "Fix me."
Austin's condition causes him to operate at a 4-or-5-year-old level and to live with his mother and stepfather in constant care.
The bill also mandates that the state commissioner of insurance must establish the rules and guidelines of the Veterans Recovery Program and appoint an advisory board for the program. An annual report will also be required.
The bill passed 12-0. It will now move to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
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