Veterans

Current Veterans Health And Homeless Programs Starved Of Funding And Cannot Handle New Wave Of Returning Soldiers From Afghanistan And Iraq

November 11, 2009 -- U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Robert Menendez today said that current federal veteran’s health and homeless prevention programs are starved for funding and cannot handle the massive wave of traumatized veterans forced to live on the streets. Schumer and Menendez cited a new 2008 Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) report that found that between one-fourth and one-fifth of homeless persons in America is a veteran.    » read more »

In Advance of Veterans’ Day, Brown Discusses Issues Affecting Ohio Veterans

November 10, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown today announced a new initiative to improve veterans access to the benefits they have earned. Brown's Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements (BRAVE) Act would create a new fast-track system for veterans with disabilities to qualify for benefits from both the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security Administration (SSA).    » read more »

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2009) -- Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ken Lucas, and representatives from the Legal Aid Society of Louisville announced that the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has awarded a $79,000 grant to the Legal Aid Society to provide legal assistance to low-income veterans in Kentucky.

Kentucky is one of only four states awarded grant money for veterans through LSC’s Technology Initiative Grant Program.    » read more »

11/10/09 -- Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) and Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), a senior member and former Chairman of the Small Business Committee, today announced their introduction of a bill to support small businesses that employ military reservists.

The Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 will provide tax incentives for small business employers who make up the salary difference for their reservist employees while they’re serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. While many large businesses can afford to supplement the lower wages reservists earn while in active duty, small business owners struggle to offer the same service.    » read more »

Executive Order: Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government

November 9, 2009 -- By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, I hereby order as follows:    » read more »

Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

November 09, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch.    » read more »

November 09, 2009 -- SAN ANTONIO – Texas Governor Rick Perry today announced initiatives to expand and improve mental health support programs for veterans and their families utilizing state funds marked for veterans mental health.

“The men and women of the military make the ultimate sacrifice to leave their families and loved ones and serve our country fighting in distant lands,” Gov. Perry said. “While observing Veterans’ Day this week, we cannot forget to support these brave Americans and their families when they return home by ensuring they have access to the health care and benefits promised when they made their own promise to defend this nation, and by ensuring a seamless transition to civilian life and providing any support they need.”    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Senators Daniel Akaka, Jon Tester and Mark Begich held a press conference today to discuss legislation to improve health care services to America's veterans. A single Republican Senator is obstructing efforts to pass the bipartisan Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009. Among other things, the legislation will provide benefits to caregivers of severely injured veterans, expand health care services to women, improve mental care treatment, provide outreach to homeless veterans and enhance VA medical services.    » read more »

Veterans' Affairs Committee Leaders Suggest Improvements on GI Bill Processing

November 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to suggest ways to improve the processing of the post-9/11 GI Bill.

"Men and women at VA are working hard and working overtime to reduce the backlog of new GI Bill claims. This is a huge transition, and I hope our suggestions will help the Department speed up the process," said Akaka. "I want Secretary Shinseki to know that I am committed to helping him do whatever needs to be done - whether that be in resources or legislation."

The letter outlines potential improvements, including:    » read more »

Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association Donates $50,000 to Important Fund as Veterans Day Nears

November 8, 2009 -- CHICAGO - November 8, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today joined with representatives from the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association to accept a $50,000 donation to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

“I salute the Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association for supporting this important cause for more than three years,” said Governor Quinn. “When our brave men and women answer the call to duty, they should not have to worry that their families are suffering financially at home. All of us in Illinois can help our military families by donating to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund this Veterans Day.”    » read more »

Celebrates nation’s first pilot program to help veterans returning to colleges and universities

November 6, 2009 -- TAMPA – Today, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined together with representatives from the University of South Florida (USF), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the USF campus to participate in Uniforms to Mortarboards, a statewide conference to discuss issues important to Florida’s veteran students. The Governor also applauded VetsSuccess on Campus, a new, veteran-specific educational pilot program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the University of South Florida.    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Kit Bond (R-MO) today introduced an amendment that would increase funding to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans, calling it our nation's sacred responsibility to support the men and women who answered America's call to duty.

The amendment would add $6 million to the $144 million already allocated for the Homeless Grant and Per Diem Program through the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. This additional funding would bring the program to its full authorization level of $150 million. The appropriations bill is currently being debated by the full Senate.    » read more »

03 November 2009 -- Washington, DC - Late yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. Congressman John Adler, who serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and is a sponsor of the bill, said it will allow a military spouse to claim the same state of domicile as their active duty spouse, regardless of where they are stationed. The bill is expected to be signed into law quickly.    » read more »

Five-Year Plan Unveiled at Homeless Summit

November 3, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector.

“President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki. “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2009 – The secretary of veterans affairs today announced the framework of a bold initiative to end homelessness among veterans within five years.

VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki outlined the comprehensive plan to an audience of VA officials, other government representatives and private-sector homeless outreach organizers at the VA National Summit Ending Homelessness Among Veterans here. He called the goal an ambitious one that will take a nationwide collaborative effort to be successful.    » read more »