AUGUSTA — Veterans came to the Statehouse today to support a bill to put more money in a fund designed to help them in an emergency.

Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport, is sponsoring legislation that would increase funding from $50,000 to $250,000 a year in an emergency assistance fund.

Her bill would also increase the maximum grant awarded to a veteran from $500 per emergency, with a $1,000 a year maximum, to $5,000 per emergency with a $10,000 per year maximum.

The money is designed to help veterans after a fire, flood or serious illness. It is administered by the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management and applies to all veterans, past and current.

Donald Simoneau, immediate past commander of the American Legion in Maine, told lawmakers that for 12 years he’s been told there’s not enough money in the budget to support the program.

“Once in 12 years, I’d like to be told, yes the veterans count and we’re going to fight for you,” he said.

The Legislature’s Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a work session on the bill Friday.