California Budget Invests $34 Million to Expand Veterans Services

SARATOGA, California — California's newly enacted state budget sets aside $34 million to expand services for veterans, strengthen housing and benefits programs, and move forward on a long-planned Southern California Veterans Cemetery, Governor Gavin Newsom's office said July 21.

The package puts $19 million toward the Orange County cemetery, including $9 million for an access road and $10 million in spending authority to launch early planning, design work and the first phase of construction, according to the announcement.

Another $6 million is meant to bolster County Veterans Service Offices so more veterans can get help with federal disability pay, retirement pensions and medical care. A further $7 million continues the Veterans Support to Self-Reliance Program for veterans 55 and older who are homeless or at risk, and $2 million widens free legal help for veterans pursuing discharge upgrades.

The governor's office said the state has put more than $10.5 billion into support for veterans and military families since 2019, spanning housing, mental health, benefits assistance and economic opportunity.

"California has a responsibility to honor the women and men who served our country not only with words, but with action," Newsom said in a statement. The office said the money will be handled through the California Department of Veterans Affairs and local partners.

Veterans in Saratoga and elsewhere can read about state services at calvet.ca.gov, the governor's office said.

Sources:

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/21/governor-newsom-doubles-down-on-californias-commitment-to-veterans-with-major-new-investments/