GOVERNOR CULVER SIGNS LEGISLATION CREATING LOTTERY GAMES TO STRENGTHEN IOWA VETERANS TRUST FUND

The following media-ready jpeg images are available:

• Governor Culver signing the bill
• "Stars & Stripes" instant-scratch ticket
• "All American" pull-tab ticket

Slideshow from Veteran's Game Bill Signing.

DES MOINES - Governor Chet Culver has signed into law a proposal authorizing new lottery games to strengthen the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund. The governor was joined by state legislators, government officials, and veterans from around the state on Tuesday as he signed House File 2359 during a ceremony at the State Capitol.

“Iowa's veterans have served with dignity and with excellence, and all veterans have the gratitude of every citizen,” Governor Culver said. “Throughout my administration, I have been proud to stand up for these brave Iowans who have fought so hard for our state and nation. Now, we will stand up for them once more, and use Iowa Lottery profits to support our hometown heroes.”

House File 2359 authorizes the Iowa Lottery to create two new instant-scratch and two additional pull-tab games each year. Profits generated from those games will be used to support veterans and their families through the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.

Ken Brickman, the Iowa Lottery's chief operating officer and acting CEO, said the lottery is humbled by the opportunity to provide revenues for such a noble and worthy cause.

“We're looking forward to our first games to benefit the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund,” Brickman said. “Everyone can have fun playing the games and know that the money generated from the sale of tickets will be going to help those who have given so much for our country.”

The lottery's first games to benefit the Trust Fund will be available starting in July. “Stars & Stripes,” a $1 game, will be the first instant-scratch game dedicated to veterans' causes. It will have a red, white and blue theme and will begin sales on July 14. “All American“ will be the first pull-tab game dedicated to the cause. The $1 tickets will begin sales July 21 and will feature artwork of several patriotic symbols including the liberty bell, Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam and the U.S. flag.

The Veterans Trust Fund was created to provide assistance to qualified veterans to assist in paying for expenses such as:

• Travel expenses for wounded veterans directly related to follow-up medical care;
• Job training or college tuition assistance;
• Unemployment assistance during a period of unemployment due to prolonged physical or mental illness or disability resulting from military service;
• Dental, vision, and hearing assistance for veterans living in a long term care facility or under a home health care contract (further asset limits apply);
• Benefits for a child or children of a disabled or deceased veteran following September 11, 2001; and
• Individual or family counseling programs (further asset limits apply).

In addition, funds are available for family and children support groups and honor guard reimbursement.

To learn more about the Veterans Trust Fund, visit www.iowava.org.