The competitive grant program is created to fund innovative initiatives to provide crisis and emergency relief, education, training, and employment assistance to veterans and their families in their communities.

     (1) The veterans innovations program board is created to exercise the powers granted under RCW 43.60A.160 through 43.60A.185 related to the competitive grant program.

     (a) The board consists of seven citizens of the state, appointed by the governor, with recognized experience in serving veterans and their families in the community regarding transition and readjustment issues; education, training, and employment needs; and other needs experienced by veterans and their families stemming from service to their country.

     (b) The members of the board select the chair.

     (c) The department shall provide staff support to the board.

     (d) Members of the board receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

     (2) The board shall:

     (a) Establish a competitive process to solicit proposals for and prioritize project applications for potential funding. The purpose of the proposals shall be in three categories:

     (i) Crisis and emergency relief;

     (ii) Education, training, and employment assistance; and

     (iii) Community outreach and resources; and

     (b) Report on January 1, 2007, to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature and to the joint committee on veterans and military affairs on the implementation of chapter 343, Laws of 2006. The report must include, but is not limited to, information on the number of applications for assistance, the grant amount awarded each project, a description of each project, and performance measures of the program.

[2006 c 343 § 5.]

NOTES:

     Sunset Act application: See note following RCW 43.60A.160.

     Findings -- 2006 c 343: See note following RCW 43.60A.160.