New Jersey § 38a:3-57

§ 38a:3-57.

a. It shall be the duty of the New Jersey Commission on Veterans' Benefits to develop,

maintain and annually update a five-year Statewide veterans' benefits strategic plan

that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure that all State departments and

agencies are effectively delivering comprehensive services and support for veterans

and their families in this State. b. In developing and updating the strategic plan, the commission shall conduct an

analysis to identify the various programs and benefits provided by the State to the

veteran population, and to evaluate those programs to assess their status and effectiveness. Areas of analysis shall include, but need not be limited to, each existing program's

status, successes, and challenges in addressing the veteran population's: (1) access

to benefits; (2) educational, job skills, employment, and business opportunities;

(3) physical and behavioral health and long-term healthcare options; (4) criminal

justice issues; (5) housing opportunities and homelessness; and (6) special needs

as determined by the commission. The strategic plan shall be based upon comprehensive data gained through open and

transparent engagement with State departments and agencies and veterans' stakeholders. c. The commission shall develop recommendations to be submitted to the Governor and

the Legislature to address any deficiencies in the provision of benefits and services

to veterans in this State. The recommendations shall specifically address whether the existing State programs,

services, and resources are adequate to meet the veteran population's existing needs;

are being used to fulfill objectives in a manner that complements and leverages State,

federal, and private resources; and how they may more effectively deliver veterans'

services to all current and future veterans in the State of New Jersey.