California Veterans Services and Workforce Development Division.

Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer various benefits for veterans. This bill would establish the California Veterans Services and Workforce Development Division within the department to administer veterans assistance programs provided by the state, and to coordinate with other state entities regarding informing veterans of benefits and assistance programs and changes in existing veterans programs or new veterans programs. This bill would on or before July 1, 2015, require the division to administer the programs and services described in the federal Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program, as specified. This bill would require the division to coordinate with the Employment Development Department (EDD) for the transfer of the existing administration of these programs and services from the EDD to the division, including, but not limited to, coordinating the transfer of state civil service employees, records, and appropriated funds related to the administration of these programs. This bill would require the department to utilize its existing resources to pay any costs incurred by the department in implementing the transfer. This bill would also make legislative findings and declarations relating to the need for, and provision of, services for veterans.