Type of content: News
The House approved a series of bills Monday aimed at helping veterans win government-paid jobs, get small business loans or obtain other assistance.
The House passed six bills aimed at veterans. One bill would give preference to government contractors who employ veterans on a full-time basis. Another bill would allow all veterans to receive official identification cards through the VA.
Type of content: News
Although 49 states have passed laws addressing the portability of professional certifications and licenses, the devil is in the details for military spouses who make frequent moves from state to state.
Some states have enacted legislative language that's quite strong, but in some, it's weak, said Eddy Mentzer, the Defense Department's program manager for spouse education and career opportunities, who took part in a panel discussion on credentialing for military spouses April 28 at the American Legion's National Credentialing Summit in Washington, D.C.
Type of content: News
Two Inland Empire Congressmen are working across the aisle, in an attempt to put local veterans back to work.
On Wednesday, Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Rancho Cucamonga, and Rep. Paul Cook, R-Yucaipa, introduced an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act. If passed, the amendment would enable the Department of Defense to fund job placement programs for members of the National Guard and Reserve, similar to California’s “Work for Warriors” program. (The act authorizes expenditures, rather than actually appropriating funds.)
Type of content: News
Today, there are several programs to support spouses and parents who care for injured service members from the post-9/11 era. The VA provides a monthly stipend, travel expenses, access to health insurance, mental health services, training and respite care for designated caregivers.
The Defense Department also provides special compensation for caregivers who give up employment to care for their ill or injured service member.
But for the families of Alexis Courneen and countless other veterans injured before Sept. 11, 2001, there is no help beyond medical services.
Type of content: News
The House Armed Services Committee wants the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments' pharmacies to offer the same medications, at least for some prescriptions.
Legislation introduced this week calls for the formularies of both departments to match medications for pain management, sleep disorders, psychiatric conditions and other illnesses "determined appropriate" by the DoD and VA secretaries.
Committee aides said lawmakers are looking to ensure continuity of care and treatment when troops move from active duty to veterans status.
Type of content: News
WASHINGTON — A House subcommittee's plan to cut the budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs by more than $1.4 billion next year will "cause veterans to suffer," VA Secretary Robert McDonald said Tuesday.
Testifying at a Senate hearing, McDonald said a spending plan approved by a House Appropriations subcommittee on veterans affairs was "inadequate" to the growing needs of veterans.
Type of content: News
Montgomery County government has created the Veterans Network of Care, a breakthrough Web solution for individuals, families and agencies concerned with veterans' issues.
A kick-off event is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 24 at the William O. Beach Civic Hall at 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville. For more information, call 931-648-8482.
The Network of Care empowers veterans, service members, their families and service providers by providing online access to comprehensive services available within Clarksville/Montgomery County/Fort Campbell area.
Type of content: News
– State Rep. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna, has joined Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, in reintroducing legislation that would establish veterans’ treatment courts across the commonwealth.
The first veterans’ court started in Lackawanna County in 2009 under Judge Michael Barrasse. Since that time, the veterans’ court has shown to be a proven winner in positive results - both financially for the state and personally for veterans, according to Flynn.
Type of content: News
The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday released a $76.6 billion bill to fund military and veteran housing, benefits, training and maintenance — $1.2 billion below President Obama’s budget request.
Members of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees these areas will mark up the legislation on Wednesday. GOP leaders have already scheduled a floor vote on the measure before the House leaves for its next recess in early May.
Type of content: News
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Some Connecticut senators hope to pass legislation that would help make women veterans more aware of available programs and services.