DAV

Monday, November 7, 2011

DAV STAND UP FOR VETERANS: Improving Jobs Outlook for Veterans


The following was received as a DAV Action Alert:

Improving the jobs outlook for veterans remains problematic. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic News Release of October 7, 2011, noted the unemployment rate of veterans, generally, was 8.1 percent for 2011 compared to 8.0 for 2010.  Veterans of the current wars (September 2001-present), have an unemployment rate of 11.7 percent for 2011 compared to 10.2 for 2010. Women veterans' employment statistics are worse still with an unemployment rate of 14.7 percent for 2011 compared to 9.2 percent for 2010.

The Administration, working to reverse unemployment trends in the veteran population announced the initiative "We Can't Wait: Supporting Our Veterans." The plan presses specifically for enhanced employment opportunities for medics and corpsmen through a "Call for a Career-Ready Military."

The goal is to help medics use their military training to meet states' licensure and certification requirements for jobs as nurses, physician assistants or other health care jobs once they leave the military. The Administration plan would give priority to nurse training programs that serve veterans through grants awarded to the Health Resources and Services Administration. DAV has long supported definitive action in this area and encourages Congress to support legislation to advance this initiative.

We call for Congressional action to help turn this negative veteran employment trend around by passage of those provisions of the American Jobs Act of 2011, S.1549, introduced by Senator Harry Reid (NV) on September 13, 2011, which impacts veterans' unemployment. The bill, if passed, presses for a Short-Term Unemployed Tax Credit of 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages (up to $2,400) for employers who hire veterans unemployed at least four weeks, and the Long-Term Unemployed Tax Credit which offers 40 percent of the first $12,000 of wages (up to $4,800) for employers who hire veterans unemployed longer than six months.

There have also been significant veterans' jobs proposals introduced in both the House and Senate that should receive final Congressional action and be sent to the President for his approval:

H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller (FL), was approved by the House on October 12 and is now awaiting action in the Senate. This legislation would offer college training to unemployed veterans and allow 100,000 unemployed veterans ages 35 through 60 to apply for job training benefits through the Department of Labor.

S. 951, the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (WA), was approved by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on July 18 and is also awaiting action by the full Senate. This legislation would require all transitioning servicemembers to participate in the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) and authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstration project for the credentialing and licensing of veterans to work in jobs equivalent to their military specialties.

We ask that Congress and the Administration work together and break the gridlock holding back these efforts to help veterans find gainful employment following their honorable military service. 
 
Please Contact Your Elected Officials Today by clicking on the below link!
 
 
Thank you for anticipated cooperation.
 
Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin

Friday, November 4, 2011

DAV's Stand Up For Veterans Update





Stand Up for Veterans Update
More Info
November 4, 2011
 
 
COLA for Disabled Veterans and Survivors Gets Final Congressional Approval
As a result of the House's unanimous approval of S. 894, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011, disabled veterans will get a 3.6% COLA increase in their disability compensation, the first increase since December 2008. The bill's sponsor, Senator Patty Murray (WA), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, said that, "...in this difficult economy, our veterans deserve a boost in their benefits to help make ends meet." House Chairman Jeff Miller (FL) said that, "Due to low inflation the past two years, our veterans have not received an increase. This additional income will help them make ends meet in the coming year."
Although the COLA bill was approved unanimously in both the House and the Senate, and President Obama is expected to sign the legislation before Veterans Day, there is still concern that the Super Committee might consider a proposal to take the COLA back from disabled veterans and their survivors, a move that could generate significant outrage amongst disabled veterans.
Bills to Boost Veterans Employment Stalled in Senate
Despite bipartisan and bicameral support for legislation to boost employment prospects for veterans, it now seems unlikely that any bill will make it to the President's desk before Veterans Day. According to an article today by Military Times, "...Senate Democrats are considering adding two White House-sponsored tax provisions that could delay a final vote." The Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 (S. 951) sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (WA) was approved by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on July 18, and H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller (FL), was approved by the House on October 12, but both bills are waiting for floor time in the Senate.
According to the Military Times article, "If the Senate adds tax credits to the bill — not yet a certainty — the measure would have to return for another vote in the House...", which has not shown interest in the Administration's jobs provisions and is also out of session next week.  DAV and other major veterans organizations have made passage of comprehensive veterans jobs legislation a top priority for this year.
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Pending Legislation in Congress (Edited Version)


My previous 2 updates were excerpts from DAV Legislative Bulletin October 2011 - Uncertainty for VA Programs and Legislation Passed in the House.  They were for informational purposes. 

Below is the Pending Legislation section for informational purposes.  One more excerpt will follow shortly. 

For the more adventuresome, the entire October 2011 Legislative Bulletin is posted separately. 

Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin
 

Pending Legislation

H.R. 2148
, to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary andexchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents. 
H.R. 2318
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of VeteransAffairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension provided under that title by up to $500. 
H.R. 2424
, to amend the Small Business Act to ensure that certain federal contracts are set aside for small businesses, to enhance services to small businesses that are disadvantaged, and for other purposes. 
H.R. 2433
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws relating to the employment and training of veterans, and for other purposes. 
H.R. 2530
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased flexibility in establishing rates for reimbursement of State homes by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for nursing home care provided to veterans. 
H.R. 2534
, to provide that the public debt limit shall not affect timely payment of certain Social Security, public debt, defense, veterans, and Medicare obligations. 
H.R. 2559
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to homeless veterans, and for other purposes. 
H.R. 2590
, to ensure that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who receive Social Security and certain other federal benefits, as well as federal, state, and local government retirees, receive a one-time $250 payment due to there being no cost-of-living adjustment in 2011. 
H.R. 2646
, to authorize certain Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility projects and leases, to extend certain expiring provisions of law, and to modify certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 
H.R. 2711
, to provide relief payments for non-COLA years to recipients of Social Security, supplemental security income, railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability
compensation or pension benefits. 
H.R. 2875
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the reemployment of certain persons following absences from a position of employment for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment for certain injuries and illnesses, and for other purposes. 
H.R. 2996
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of time in which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs presumes the service connection of certain disabilities of veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn, and for other purposes. 
H.R. 3016
, to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, and for other purposes. 
H. Res. 376
, calling for the repatriation of POW/MIAs and abductees from the Korean War. 
S. 1154
, to require transparency for Executive departments in meeting the governmentwide goals for contracting with small business concerns owned and controlled by servicedisabled veterans, and for other purposes. 
S. 1172
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the efficiency of the appeals process under the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims by improving staff conferences directed by such Court, and for other purposes. 
S. 1184
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and for other purposes. 
S. 1334
, to amend the Small Business Act to ensure that certain federal contracts are set aside for small businesses, to enhance services to small businesses that are disadvantaged, and for other purposes. 
S. 1391
, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma, and for other purposes. 
S. 1474
, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a deduction for travel expenses to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities. 

Pending Legislation in Congress (Full Version)


DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 
807 Maine Ave., SW ■ Washington, D.C. 20024-2410 ■ Phone (202) 554-3501 ■ Fax (202) 554-3581 
LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN
October 2011 

Uncertainty for VA Programs as Federal Budget and Deficit Debates Remain Unresolved
On October 5, 2011, President Obama signed a short-term continuing resolution to keep
the federal government operating until November 18, at which time a new funding measure will
have to be adopted.  By November 23, less than one week later, the congressional Joint Select
Committee on Deficit Reduction (often referred to as the “Super Committee”), must make its
recommendations to the House and Senate about how to reduce the national debt by at least $1.2
trillion over the next ten years.  This Joint Committee was established in August with passage of
the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25), which also enacted spending caps to
reduce future spending by almost $1 trillion over ten years as part of a deal that allowed the
federal debt ceiling to be raised.  

After the Super Committee makes its recommendations, Congress must vote within one
month (by December 23) on legislation to either accept or reject these recommendations to
reduce the long-term debt of the United States.  If such legislation is approved by Congress, the
President must then either enact or veto the legislation.  If no debt reduction legislation is
enacted through this process, then the enforcement mechanisms contained in Public Law 112-25
would trigger automatic across-the-board cuts resulting in an additional $1.2 trillion reduction in
federal spending over the next ten years.  

As we consider how these budget and deficit showdowns may affect veterans and the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it is important to remember that the VA health care
system is already funded for the current fiscal year that began on October 1, thanks to the
advance appropriations process that we fought so hard to enact a couple years ago.  As a result,
veterans seeking medical care through the VA health care system should be at little risk of
having their treatment interrupted or disrupted even if there is any type of government shutdown
this year.  

But while VA health care operations and personnel are funded for the balance of this
fiscal year through next September 30, there still remain tens of thousands of VA personnel,
including benefit claims processors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and employment
specialists, who could face work disruptions if Congress is unable to secure a longer term
agreement on the budget or deficit reduction.  Veterans, survivors or dependents who receive
mandatory federal benefit payments, such as disability compensation, can expect to continue
receiving these benefits even in the event of a government shutdown, although there is some
possibility that payments could be delayed, especially with respect to new claims.  

Moreover, based on our interpretation of the Public Law 112-25 and prior budget laws,
and after consultation with outside budget experts, it appears that VA health care and benefit
programs would be exempt from any automatic budget cuts, including those mandated by a
process called sequestration.  However, it is important to note that VA programs would not be exempt from the Super Committee process itself, should it recommend cuts to VA programs,
services or benefits.  For this reason, we are working closely with both the House and Senate
Veterans’ Affairs Committees as they consider making recommendations to the “Super”
Committee later this month.  We are also reaching directly to Members of the “Super”
Committee and other congressional leaders to ensure that any legislation being considered to
reduce spending or the deficit does not attempt to balance the budget on the backs of America’s
veterans, especially disabled veterans.

Legislation Passed in the House 

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, the House of Representatives passed four veterans bills.
The House passed the amended bill, H.R. 2074, by voice vote.  The bill requires the VA to report
and track sexual assaults at its medical facilities and train employees on security issues relating
to such assaults.  Additionally, the bill requires that the VA outline consistent procedures for
investigating sexual assault and safety incidents and create clinical guidance for treating sexual
assaults reported more than 72 hours after the incident.

H.R. 2349, as amended, requires the VA to carry out a pilot program to assess the skills
and training provided to claims processors at the Veterans Benefits Administration. The bill also
allows those found by VA to be “mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent or
experiencing an extended loss of consciousness” to purchase or transport firearms, unless a
judicial authority determines the people are a danger to themselves or others.

H.R. 2302, as amended, directs the VA secretary to notify Congress of conferences
sponsored by the department.

H.R. 1025, provides honorary veteran status to individuals who served at least 20 years in
the reserves, are younger than 60 and were never called to active duty.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, the House voted on and passed H.R. 2433, which
offers college training to unemployed veterans.  The legislation allows 100,000 unemployed
veterans ages 35 through 60 to apply for benefits through the Department of Labor. Eligible
veterans could choose to enhance their skills with up to a year of training for high-demand fields
such as technology and health care.  

 These bills will now go to the Senate for its consideration.

Pending Legislation

H.R. 2148, to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and
exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to
their dependents.

H.R. 2318, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension provided under that title by
up to $500.

H.R. 2424, to amend the Small Business Act to ensure that certain federal contracts are
set aside for small businesses, to enhance services to small businesses that are disadvantaged,
and for other purposes.

H.R. 2433, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the
laws relating to the employment and training of veterans, and for other purposes.

H.R. 2530, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased flexibility in
establishing rates for reimbursement of State homes by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
nursing home care provided to veterans.

H.R. 2534, to provide that the public debt limit shall not affect timely payment of certain
Social Security, public debt, defense, veterans, and Medicare obligations.

H.R. 2559, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to homeless veterans, and for
other purposes.

H.R. 2590, to ensure that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who receive
Social Security and certain other federal benefits, as well as federal, state, and local government
retirees, receive a one-time $250 payment due to there being no cost-of-living adjustment in
2011.

H.R. 2646, to authorize certain Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility
projects and leases, to extend certain expiring provisions of law, and to modify certain authorities
of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

H.R. 2711, to provide relief payments for non-COLA years to recipients of Social
Security, supplemental security income, railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability
compensation or pension benefits.

H.R. 2875, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the reemployment of
certain persons following absences from a position of employment for the purpose of obtaining
medical treatment for certain injuries and illnesses, and for other purposes.

H.R. 2996, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of time in which
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs presumes the service connection of certain disabilities of
veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi
Freedom or Operation New Dawn, and for other purposes.

H.R. 3016, to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
jointly operate the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, and for other purposes.

H. Res. 376, calling for the repatriation of POW/MIAs and abductees from the Korean
War.

S. 1154, to require transparency for Executive departments in meeting the governmentwide goals for contracting with small business concerns owned and controlled by servicedisabled veterans, and for other purposes.

S. 1172, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the efficiency of the appeals
process under the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims by improving staff
conferences directed by such Court, and for other purposes.

S. 1184, to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the enforcement penalties for
misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by
veterans or as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and
for other purposes.

S. 1334, to amend the Small Business Act to ensure that certain federal contracts are set
aside for small businesses, to enhance services to small businesses that are disadvantaged, and
for other purposes.

S. 1391, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation
evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with post-traumatic stress
disorder or mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma, and for other purposes.
S. 1474, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a deduction for
travel expenses to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with
examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities.

H.R. 2309, the Postal Reform Act of 2011

On June 23, 2011, Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) introduced H.R. 2309, the Postal
Reform Act of 2011.  The bill was approved by the Subcommittee on Workforce, U.S. Postal
Service and Labor Policy on September 21.

Direct mail is DAV’s largest source of fundraising.  With the proposed 10 percent
increase per year over six years, our postal expense would almost double. This dramatic increase
in one expense category would require DAV to eliminate some portions of our fundraising mail.
Further, we would have to significantly reduce the amount of first class stamps we buy and affix
to our return envelopes. Naturally, this would greatly reduce the percentage of response and
number of donations we receive.

Specifically, Section 403 would cripple DAV’s fundraising effort by drastically reducing
our direct mail program, which in turn would reduce contributions and directly impact the level
of service DAV would be able to provide to disabled veterans. During times of economic
uncertainty, charities struggle to meet ever-growing needs. Disabled veterans are
disproportionately impacted by unemployment – especially those just returning from the
battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom have endured multiple combat tours. They
and veterans from all generations are our nation’s heroes, deserving the finest services and
advocacy our nation can provide.

 Please send the prepared e-mail from our website,
http://capwiz.com/dav/issues/alert/?alertid=53979501, if you have not already done so, asking
your Representative to vote “no” on H.R. 2309 if Section 403 is not removed.
Hearings

 All DAV testimony can be read in full on our DAV website, at:
http://www.dav.org/voters/Testimony.aspx.

 On July 11, 2011, DAV submitted testimony for the record to the House Veterans'
Affairs Subcommittee on Health discussing our organization’s concerns with and providing
recommended changes to VA’s proposed interim final rule to implement title I of the Caregivers
and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-163.  

 On July 15, 2011, DAV submitted testimony for the record to the House Veterans'
Affairs Committee concerning H.R. 2433—the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, H.R.
1941—the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, and H.R. 169—a bill to require VA to create a hyperlink
to the VetSuccess website on its own website.

On July 20, 2011, DAV testified before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on
Oversight and Investigations on three legislative measures:  H.R. 2243—the Veterans
Employment Promotion Act, H.R. 2383—the Modernizing Notice to Claimants Act, and H.R.
2388—the Access to Timely Information Act.  

 On July 25, 2011, DAV testified on several health-related measures before the House
Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health including: H.R. 198, H.R. 1154—the Veterans Equal
Treatment for Service Dogs Act, H.R. 1855—the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Service’ Improvements Act of 2011, H.R. 2074—the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act,
and H.R. 2530—a bill on reimbursement rates for State Veterans Homes and two draft measures
related to spina bifida and VA capital infrastructure issues.

New Web Content Weekly

 Beginning in October 2011, the DAV legislative staff will be adding content weekly on
subjects of interest to members.  Some will require action from our DAV Commander’s Action
Network (CAN) and others will be used to keep you informed of progress on various issues
before Congress and the Administration.  Please check http://capwiz.com/dav/home/ regularly to
stay informed on legislative actions.

Women Veteran Surveys 

On July 15-17, 2011, over 700 women veterans and VA Women Veterans Program
Managers gathered in Washington, D.C. for the National Training Summit on Women Veterans.
DAV was a proud co-sponsor of this special event.  During the opening session of the Summit
VA Secretary Shinseki addressed the participants and made a call-to-action to help improve the
services provided by VA to our nation’s women veterans.  The Secretary asked for all women
veterans to provide him one or two key issues that need to be addressed immediately.  During the
Women Veterans Seminar at DAV’s National Convention in New Orleans, we asked women 6
attending to complete a brief informal survey to share with VA.  The completed surveys have
been turned over to the VA for review.  We will report the results when they are provided to us.

Conclusion 


To ensure the successful enactment of the legislation that we support, our DAV and
Auxiliary members must become active members of DAV’s grassroots – DAV CAN — and all
of us must do our part to let our elected officials know about our support for legislation that
builds better lives for our nation’s service-disabled veterans, their families and their survivors.
Please make a pledge to redouble your efforts to communicate our concerns to your elected
officials.  This is a key to our success.

JOSEPH A. VIOLANTE
National Legislative Director
JAV:lmb

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Veterans' Legislation Passed in Congress



Below is a DAV analysis on Congressional veterans' legislation passed last month.

Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department fo Wisconsin


Veterans' Legislation Passed in Congress
On October 10, 2011, the House of Representatives passed five veterans bills, H.R. 2074, H.R. 2349, H.R. 2302, H.R. 1025 and H.R. 2433.
 
H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, introduced by House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (FL), offers college training to unemployed veterans. The legislation allows 100,000 unemployed veterans ages 35 through 60 to apply for benefits from the Department of Labor (DOL). Eligible veterans could choose to enhance their skills with up to a year of training for high-demand career fields. It provides an opportunity for unemployed veterans aged 35 to 60 to gain new skills by offering them a temporary education and training benefit. The program would allow these veterans to enroll in courses at community colleges and technical training schools. Education payments would only be payable to veterans enrolled in education or training courses that lead to an associate degree, certificate, or similar qualification, in a high demand occupation as determined by the Secretary of Labor.

To qualify for the retraining assistance, veterans must be unemployed; at least 35, but not more than 60 years of age; discharged from active duty service under honorable conditions; and ineligible to receive any other educational assistance from VA.

Approval of this legislation also makes participation in the Transition Assistance Program mandatory for most military service members. It would mandate that the DOL's licensure and certification demonstration project to identify and to eliminate barriers between military training and civilian licensure or credentialing for military occupational specialties. Enactment of the legislation would require DOL, in concert with state workforce agencies, to implement new performances measures to evaluate the priority of services provided to eligible veterans and mandates that Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives' sole duty will be to assist eligible veterans in finding suitable employment.

DAV is pleased to support this bill as it makes important improvements to support veterans transitioning to civilian life, especially those who return with disabilities from their service and provides greater opportunities for training for unemployed veterans allowing them to improve skills, potentially leading to employment.

H.R. 2074, the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act, introduced by Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY), is a comprehensive measure that requires the VA to report and track sexual assaults at its medical facilities and train employees on security issues relating to such assaults. The bill also includes provisions that authorize increased flexibility in establishing payment rates for nursing home care provided by veterans state nursing homes; improve rehabilitative services for veterans for veterans with traumatic brain injury; and clarify the use of service dogs on VA property. DAV supports these provisions in H.R 2074, under DAV Resolution Nos. 193, 184, 190, and 212 respectively.
H.R. 2349, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2011, introduced by House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Jon Runyan (NJ), requires the VA to carry out a pilot program to assess the skills and training provided to claims processors at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). The bill also authorizes VBA to use electronic communication to provide notice to claimants and limits its duty to assist claimants in obtaining private medical records under certain circumstances. The bill also reinstates criminal penalties for anyone charging or attempting to charge veterans unauthorized fees for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim prior to a notice of disagreement being filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs. DAV does not have a resolution regarding this particular bill; however, we are not opposed to passage of the bill.
H.R. 2302, introduced by Representative Marlin A. Stutzman (IN), directs the VA secretary to notify Congress at least 180 days before a conference sponsored by the Department that are at least three days in length, attended by 20 or more individuals and have an estimated cost of at least $5,000.00. The Committee, in its oversight role, wished to monitor such expenses more closely given the growing deficit, and scarce discretionary funding resources. DAV does not have a position on this bill as we have no applicable resolution.
H.R. 1025, introduced by Representative Timothy Walz (MN), provides honorary veteran status to individuals who served at least 20 years in the reserves, are younger than 60 and were never called to active duty. DAV has no resolution on this matter, but expressed our concern that, if passed, it may lead to misunderstandings by the public about those veterans who earned the designation of veteran and their subsequent benefits as compared to "honorary veterans." The DAV advised the Committee that if they did choose to move forward with this legislation then it should clearly specify that "honorary veterans" would not be entitled to the same benefits provided to those who served on active duty.
Now that these bills have been approved by the House, they go to the Senate, where they may be considered along with other legislation that the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee has approved.

The Senate passed S. 894, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011, introduced by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Patty Murray (WA), which would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the rates of veterans disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

On October 18, 2011, it was announced that there would be a 3.6 percent COLA for Social Security recipients next year. The Senate immediately and unanimously passed S. 894 to apply this same COLA increase to veterans' disability compensation payments. Earlier this year, the House approved companion legislation, H.R. 1407.

Once the COLA legislation is sent to the President and signed into law, it will provide a much-needed increase for the 3.2 million disabled veterans who receive monthly disability compensation payments as a result of injuries or illnesses suffered in service to the nation.


The House and Senate must now decide which bill will be sent to the President before a COLA can become effective for veterans and their dependents and survivors.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

All:
 
FYI - Below is the November/December timetable for VA Funding.
 
Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin


DAV
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
807 Maine Ave., SW ■ Washington, D.C. 20024-2410 ■ Phone (202) 554-3501 ■ Fax (202) 554-3581
LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN
October 2011
Uncertainty for VA Programs as Federal Budget and Deficit Debates Remain Unresolved

On October 5, 2011, President Obama signed a short-term continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating untilNovember 18, at which time a new funding measure will have to be adopted.

By November 23, less than one week later, the congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (often referred to as the “Super Committee”), must make its recommendations to the House and Senate about how to reduce the national debt by at least $1.2 trillion over the next ten years.

This Joint Committee was established in August with passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25), which alsoenacted spending caps to reduce future spending by almost $1 trillion over ten years as part of a deal that allowed the federal debt ceiling to be raised.

After the Super Committee makes its recommendations, Congress must vote within one month (by December 23) on legislation to either accept or reject these recommendations to reduce the long-term debt of the United States.

If such legislation is approved by Congress, the President must then either enact or veto the legislation.
If no debt reduction legislation is enacted through this process, then the enforcement mechanisms contained in Public Law 112-25would trigger automatic across-the-board cuts resulting in an additional $1.2 trillion reduction in federal spending over the next ten years.

As we consider how these budget and deficit showdowns may affect veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it is important to remember that the VA health care system is already funded for the current fiscal year that began on October 1, thanks to the advance appropriations process that we fought so hard to enact a couple years ago.

As a result, veterans seeking medical care through the VA health care system should be at little risk of having their treatment interrupted or disrupted even if there is any type of government shutdown this year.

But while VA health care operations and personnel are funded for the balance of this fiscal year through next September 30, there still remain tens of thousands of VA personnel, including benefit claims processors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and employment specialists, who could face work disruptions if Congress is unable to secure a longer term agreement on the budget or deficit reduction.

Veterans, survivors or dependents who receive mandatory federal benefit payments, such as disability compensation, can expect to continue receiving these benefits even in the event of a government shutdown, although there is some possibility that payments could be delayed, especially with respect to new claims.

Moreover, based on our interpretation of the Public Law 112-25 and prior budget laws, and after consultation with outside budget experts, it appears that VA health care and benefit programs would be exempt from any automatic budget cuts, including those mandated by a process called sequestration.

However, it is important to note that VA programs would not be exempt from the Super Committee process itself, should it recommend cuts to VA programs, services or benefits.

For this reason, we are working closely with both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees as they consider making recommendations to the “Super” Committee later this month.

We are also reaching directly to Members of the “Super” Committee and other congressional leaders to ensure that any legislation being considered to reduce spending or the deficit does not attempt to balance the budget on the backs of America’s veterans, especially disabled veterans.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Wis. Dental Assoc.: 245 elderly, disabled receive $762,000 in donated dental care


Wisconsin Dental Association, www.wda.org, 6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2360, West Allis, WI 53214
CONTACT: Victoria M. Bohman, Executive Director
PHONE: 414-755-4198 (direct)
E-MAIL: vbohman@wda.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

245 elderly, disabled receive $762,000 in donated dental care

WEST ALLIS, WIS., Aug. 25, 2011 – Two-hundred and forty-five disabled, senior, poor and uninsured adults across the state received $762,366 worth of comprehensive dental treatment at no cost to them from some 200 volunteer dentists between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 under the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation’s Donated Dental Services program. In addition, 75 dental laboratories gave $42,151 in materials and services.

“I am in awe of the doctors I have had the luck to work with and feel so blessed to have received such an amazing gift,” wrote a DDS patient from Oshkosh, Wis. in a  thank you note to program coordinators Over the course of six months, the woman was treated by a general dentist and oral surgeon with support from three dental labs. She required 10 fillings, two crowns and several extractions before receiving new upper and lower partial dentures.

Many DDS patients generally need extensive dental work that can include bridges, crowns or dentures at a cost of about $3,200 per person.

DDS patients do not qualify for government assistance programs and cannot afford dental care, because a permanent disability, chronic illness or advanced age restricts their income-earning capability. Patients are selected on the basis of financial need and a phone interview with a referral coordinator. A patient candidate then visits a volunteer dentist who assesses dental need and decides whether to accept the financial and clinical responsibilities of providing comprehensive dental care for the individual.

The state of Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wisconsin and WDA Insurance and Services Corp. provide limited monetary support for administrative and lab costs. In the past, participating dentists have donated more than eight dollars in clinical expertise, treatment and materials for every dollar in funding from the three entities and more than $13 in care for every dollar the state pays into the program.

The amount dentists donate will increase in fiscal year 2011-2012 when the state reduces its support of the program by $6,000.

Drs. Douglas and Jeffrey Wolk, brothers and general dentists in Oshkosh, are two of the program’s volunteer dentists who provide this often life-changing care to DDS patients in their private practices without public or legislative fanfare.

"I have been involved in the DDS program since 1999,” Dr. Doug Wolk said. “During that time, I have met and been able to help a lot of very nice people with their dental needs. For whatever reason, they have not been able to access quality dental care. This program connects willing dentists with patients in need.

“I'm sure I am speaking for every dentist in the program when I say that it is our pleasure to help, because we know the patients are so grateful."

September is Healthy Aging Month, a good time to remember that the U.S. Surgeon General recognizes oral health as an integral part of a person’s total health. Studies show poor oral health may be linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and oral cancer.

Ensuring residents have proper dental care, with a doctor of oral health being the primary care provider, is important to the Badger State economically and socially.

Donated Dental Services was established in 1998. Since then, 749 volunteer dentists have donated more than $6.8 million in care to 2,399 patients; 150 dental labs contributed $494,000 in additional supplies and services.

Visit WDA.org for more information on this charitable care program. Residents of Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Fayette, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties can also contact DDS Program Director Carol Shoemaker at 888-338-6852. Residents of all other Wisconsin counties should call DDS Program Coordinator Bonnie Townsend at 866-812-9840.
To make a tax-deductible donation to support the elderly and disabled who receive needed dental care through this statewide oral health program, make checks payable to the WDA Foundation and note “Donated Dental Services” in the memo line. Mail to: WDA Foundation, 6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2360, West Allis WI 53214.

The Wisconsin Dental Association was established in 1870. With more than 3,000 members statewide, the WDA represents 88 percent of all licensed dentists in Wisconsin. Members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA Foundation was created as the charitable arm of the association in 1957. A qualified, tax-exempt corporation, the foundation provides scholarships to dental and dental hygiene students, gives financial support to projects providing dental care to the underserved and other dental-related philanthropic endeavors. It also administers Donated Dental Services and helps underwrite the Mission of Mercy program. WDA Foundation is a proud member of Community Health Charities of Wisconsin. For more information, call 414-276-4520, visit our WDA.org website and find us on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.

DAV State Commander's Statement on Nomination of WDVA Secretary

DAV
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF

KEVIN “KC” JOHNSON
COMMANDER
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN

ON THE NOMINATION OF JOHN SCOCOS AS THE WDVA SECRETARY


The one, single purpose of DAV is to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families. We will work with, but not for, whoever is confirmed as the new WDVA Secretary to see that the lives of the more than 53,500 service-disabled Wisconsin veterans and their families are made better. All dealings and transactions will be done in an open and transparent manner.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Update from the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee Chair




August 19, 2011

Welcome, Readers!
The Spanbauer E-Update is the e-newsletter designed to keep my constituents and friends up-to-date with the latest State Capitol news. I hope that you will find these updates informative, and also it will give readers another way to communicate to me their concerns.


Please feel free to forward the newsletter to friends and family who you think would like to know what is happening at the State Capitol. To sign up, send an email to Rep.Spanbauer@legis.wi.gov and requestSpanbauer E-Update.  

Redistricting Update
Since my last E-Update, Governor Walker signed Senate Bill 148 and Senate Bill 149 into law as Acts 43 and 44, respectively.  Act 43 redraws Wisconsin's 99 Assembly and 33 Senate districts to reflect changes in the state's population since the 2000 census, and Act 44 redraws Wisconsin's eight congressional districts.

....

You may view the new maps from around the state at the Legislature's redistricting website.


Gearing Up for September
The Legislature is expected to reconvene in mid-September, and both houses are holding committee meetings on bills that may be voted on this fall.

On August 30, for example, the Assembly Committee on Urban and Local Affairs, of which I am a member, will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 18, a bill I introduced (the Assembly version is Assembly Bill 27) that will, in its current form, allow the surviving spouses and children of state and local law enforcement and correctional officers who die in the line of duty to continue to be covered by their late spouses' or parents' health insurance.  This protection is already available to the survivors of local firefighters under a law the Legislature passed during the 2009-2010 session, 2009 Act 285, and I felt that the families of law enforcement officers deserve the same level of protection.  An Assembly amendment to SB 18 will be introduced to cover state-employed firefighters, who were accidentally omitted from the Senate amendments that extended SB 18, which originally covered only local law enforcement officers, to state law enforcement and correctional officers.

On September 1, the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, of which I am chair, will also hold a hearing.  One of the proposals to be heard, Assembly Bill 66, is a bill I introduced that will make court proceedings involving child custody or physical placement when one of the parents is a service member more accommodating to the service member if he or she is called to active duty.  For example, a court would not be able to modify a custody order while the service member is deployed, and the service member would be able to assign his or her placement rights to a third party (such as another relative) during deployment.  Service members would also be able to participate in family action hearings via telephone or other electronic means if they are away on active duty at the time.

The other proposal before the committee, Assembly Bill 121, introduced by my colleagueRep. Kevin Petersen of Waupaca, will expand eligibility for the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit to surviving, unremarried spouses who receive dependency and indemnity compensation from the federal government as the result of their late spouses' service-connected death.  The credit is currently generally available only to surviving, unremarried spouses whose spouses died in active duty or who had a service-connected disability rating of at least 100%.  AB 121 extends this credit to spouses who are no less deserving but who fall through a loophole in the current law.

As always, you are welcome to contact my office to share your thoughts and concerns about legislation and other state issues. My office’s toll-free number is (888) 534-0053.


Office Hours
I am looking forward to a productive fall session, and I will continue to hold office hours around the 53rd Assembly District so that I can personally meet with you and hear your comments and concerns.  I hope you will stop by to visit at the following places and times:

Monday, August 22

Rosendale Village Hall
211 N Grant St, Rosendale
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Rosendale Town Hall
N8472 County Road M, Ripon
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.





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Saturday, August 20, 2011

DAV-WIS. POSITION ON THE NOMINATION OF FORMER SECRETARY SCOCOS AS THE NEW WDVA SECRETARY

DAV Press Release

For Immediate Release                                    CONTACT:  Al Labelle, State Legislative Director
August 19, 2011                                                                     K.C. Johnson, State Commander

DAV POSITION ON THE NOMINATION OF FORMER SECRETARY JOHN SCOCOS AS THE NEW WDVA SECRETARY

 

As DAV told Governor, DAV remains opposed to Scocos reappointment

                                                                           
(Green Bay, Wis.) – On July 27, 2011 in accordance with DAV Bylaws, the Executive Committee of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Wisconsin, met to review the eight candidates for Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in a telephone conference.  The review process was part of the recently passed AB 96 which reorganized WDVA and was signed into law by Governor Scott Walker in July as Act 36 with the strong support of DAV.       
                                                                                                          
The names of the candidates were provided by the Governor’s Office. Resumes were provided to the DAV Committee upon request for additional information.  Candidate statements regarding their application for the WDVA Secretary position were inexplicably not provided.

After substantial discussion, the Executive Committee recommended three candidates for the position – Jason Johns, Kent Koebke and Andrew Schuster.  Former WDVA Secretary John Scocos was one of the candidates.  Previously, Scocos was removed from the position by the Board of Veterans Affairs. 

During the discussion, the DAV Executive Committee expressed a strong desire for a new direction at WDVA.  Al Labelle, DAV State Legislative Director, summed up the committee’s position when he said, “AB 96, which reorganized WDVA, was done to give a fresh new outlook to a dysfunctional government agency with an acrimonious environment.  We need to be looking forward, not backwards.  Looking backwards will only bring us once again dysfunction and acrimony,” said Labelle.

On August 1, 2011, a telephone conference was held between Governor Walker and DAV.  Representing DAV were State Commander Kevin Johnson, State Legislative Director Al Labelle and State Judge Advocate Matt Bills.  Johnson was in Green Bay, Labelle in New Orleans, preparing for the DAV National Convention and Bills was in the Governor’s Office in Madison. 

The conference was positive, cordial and professional.  The attributes of candidates Jason Johns and Kent Koebke were discussed.  Andrew Schuster had withdrawn his name from consideration.  Former Secretary Scocos’ name was not brought up.

After Commander Johnson and Legislative Director Labelle left the phone conference, believing it was concluded, Judge Advocate Bills was asked about former WDVA Secretary Scocos.  Bills replied briefly, as requested, with the terms “baggage” and “unacceptable.”

Later in the day, Legislative Director Labelle sent an e-mail to the Governor’s Office with the purpose of making the Governor aware of the Executive Committee’s feelings about candidate Scocos during its phone conference.  A portion of the e-mail follows:

  • Former Secretary Scocos is an extremely polarizing figure who raises extreme passion in the veterans community.  He is not a unifying force, but a disruptive one with a profound number of enemies.

  • Some will use his nomination to attack elected officials and state government agencies.  These negative comments will be a PR embarrassment to state government, i.e. the Governor, and the veterans community.

  • Former Secretary Scocos had 11 years to organize WDVA into a smoothly running professional agency.  Instead he went the other way.  He took an organization that performed admirably under his predecessor, Secretary Ray Boland, and planted the seeds of dysfunction and acrimony.

  • He demonstrated no ability to administer, manage or lead.  DAV received reports that he did not coordinate the activities of his department managers in a positive manner, but instead his poor management style pitted them against one another.

  • Scocos wasted valuable time attacking perceived enemies.  Some DAV officials, when making suggestions to better the lives of veterans, felt his wrath instead of his gratitude.

  • The Veterans Home at Union Grove has low census in some areas, many of the reasons for this occurred under his tenure.  The same can be said for the embarrassingly low number of veterans currently employed at WDVA.

  • His poor judgment is best exemplified by his appointment of former WDVA Secretary Ken Black as his assistant.  Black will go down as an abysmal Secretary and choice.

  • Scocos was fired for just cause.  It is up to the courts to decide whether the proper procedure was followed and whether restitution is warranted, not us.

  • His name did not receive one vote from the state DAV Executive Committee.

No acknowledgement or response was received from the Governor’s Office by DAV about the e-mail, but the Governor did send a letter dated August 8, 2011 thanking DAV for its participation in the selection process. 

On August 3, 2011, three state government officials met with Commander Johnson in Fond du Lac.  The catalyst for the meeting is not clear.  Many false, unsubstantiated assertions were made.  They told him that DAV was the only veterans group not supporting former Secretary Scocos and asked him to reconvene the Executive Committee. Commander Johnson refused.

On the following day, one of the government officials called the Commander to say he knew a Past National DAV Commander personally and if the Committee is not reconvened, he will give him a call.  No meeting is scheduled.
  
A letter dated August 8, 2011 was received from the Governor thanking DAV for its insight, its service to this great state and nation, and for its dedication to Wisconsin’s veterans.  He expressed confidence the new secretary will meet our standards and be a strong advocate for the state’s honored veterans.  The new secretary will be reaching out to DAV in the coming weeks.

DAV is a nonprofit veterans service organization, founded in 1920 and congressionally chartered in 1932, who will work with whoever is confirmed as the new WDVA Secretary to see the lives of the more than 53,500 service-disabled Wisconsin veterans and their families are made better.

The one, single purpose and priority of DAV will always be the betterment of disabled veterans and their families, not petty vindictive politics.  It will always do what is right for veterans, not necessarily what is popular.

-END-

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Governor Scott Walker on New WDVA Secretary Appointment Process

"Consulting with the veterans service organizations ensures that we ultimately have a candidate for that office who is someone who is going to be respected, involved with our veterans community.”  --Governor Scott Walker

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

DAV Supported AB 96, Said Scocos Reappointment as WDVA Secretary "Unacceptable"

Attached is a press release on the DAV Executive Committee reviewing the list of WDVA candidates.

Below is an e-mail sent to the Governor's Office followin the telephone conference held on August 1, 2011.  I was in New Orleans and Commander Johnson was in Green Bay.  JA Bills was in the Governor's Office.  No acknowledgement or response was ever received.

On August 3, 2011, three employees of DWD met with Commander Johnson in Fond du Lac.  The catalyst for the meeting is not clear.  Many false, unsubstantiated assertions were mande.  They told him that DAV was the only veterans group not supporting former Secretary Scocos and asked him to reconvene the Executive Committee.  He refused.

....


Sincerely,

Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin
 


From: Al Labelle
To: waylon.hurlburt@wisconsin.gov
CC: K.C. Johnson, State Commander; Ken Kuehnl, State Adjutant; Matt Bills, State Judge Advocate
Subject: Post Conference question - Former Secretary John Scocos
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 20:38:00 -0500

Waylon,

Spoke with Commander Kevin Johnson and Judge Advocate Matt Bills after the phone conference with the Governor.  We agreed the conference was both positive and professional.

JA Bills mentioned that upon Commander Johnson and myself leaving the phone conference, he was asked about former WDVA Secretary John Scocos.  According to our conversation, he replied briefly, as requested, The terms 'baggage' and 'unacceptable' were used.  Please make the Governor aware of the Department's Executive Committee (DEC) feelings about former Secretary Scocos.

During the discussion of former Secretary Scocos during our DEC phone conference last Thursday, the DEC felt he is an extremely polarizing figure who raises extreme passion in the veterans community.  He is not a unifying force, but a disruptive one with a profound number of enemies.

Some will use his nomination to attack elected officials and state government agencies.  These attacks will spread from the blogs to the mainstream media.  These negative comments will be a PR embarrassment to state government, i.e. the Governor, and the veterans community. 

DAV has heaped much praise on the Governor for his support of AB 96 and his comments on the hiring and employment of veterans and disabled veterans.  We do not want that to change.

Former Secretary Scocos had 11 years and three kicks of the can to organize WDVA into a smoothly running professional agency.  Instead he went the other way.  He took an organization that performed admirably under his predecessor, Secretary Boland, and planted the seeds of dysfunction and acrimony.

He demonstrated no ability to administer, manage or lead.  DAV received reports that he did not coordinate the activities of his department managers in a positive manner, but instead his poor management style, pitted them against one another.

Scocos wasted valuable time attacking perceived enemies.  Some DAV officials, when making suggestions to better the lives of veterans, felt his wrath instead of his gratitude.

The Veterans Home at Union Grove has low census in some areas, many of the reasons for this occurred under his tenure.  The same can said for the embarrassingly low numbers of veterans currently employed at WDVA.

His poor judgment is best exemplified by his appointing of Ken Black as his assistant.  Black will go down as an abysmal Secretary and choice.

Scocos was fired for just cause.  It is up to the courts to decide whether the proper procedure was followed and whether restitution is warranted, not us.

His name did not receive one vote from the DEC.

Please pass this e-mail onto the Governor for his information.  Thank you for anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin