VFW Washington Weekly
February 19, 2008

In This Issue:

1. Senate Hearing on VA Budget
2. House VA Committee Hearings
3. GI Bill Press Conference
4. Vets Need to Apply for Rebates
5. Reservist & Veteran Small Business Help

1. Senate Hearing on VA Budget:

The VFW testified this week on behalf of the Independent Budget (IB) before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. On the heels of last week's hearing before the House VA Committee, we again presented our views on the construction portion of the proposed FY 2009 VA budget. We believe the VA construction funding is woefully inadequate and does not come close to meeting the IB's recommendation of $1.275 billion for construction projects. Both major and minor construction are almost half of what was in last's year's budget, with major construction almost $700 million short and minor construction almost $300 million short. Committee members addressed their concerns with VA's overall funding with nods to research dollars, outreach to Guard and Reserves, and to updating the GI Bill. As proposed the budget is $3 billion short in total discretionary funds, which includes $1.6 billion short for medical care, $113 million short for medical/prosthetic research, and $300 million short for disability claims processing.

For full VFW testimony, visit the Senate VA website at: http://veterans.senate.gov/public/

2. House VA Committee Hearings:

VFW also testified this week before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. . Economic Opportunity testimony concerned expiring VA programs that deal with transition and stabilization benefits, such as employment, housing and education. The VFW believes these programs provide critical services in helping veterans and their families to transition from military to civilian life. We also testified that Congress needs to remain proactive, especially with regard to the GI Bill, so that we can boldly invest in today and tomorrow's veterans. . Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs testimony focused on the VA Claims Processing System. VFW testified as part of a VSO panel and relayed to the Committee that there are no quick fixes to improve the claims processing backlog or workload. We do believe Congress has the opportunity to make changes, improve production, reduce backlogs, and ensure that claims are accurately adjudicated, but the Veterans Benefits Administration must be involved every step of the way. Some of the improvements we suggested include training adjudicators to recognize a properly developed claim that is "ready to rate," to focus on quality, to getting the claim right the first time, and to improving electronic filing capabilities.

For complete coverage of both hearings, visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

3. GI Bill Press Conference:

Sens. Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) held a press conference to promote the Independent Budget and its call for a new GI Bill for the 21st Century. The VFW has strongly advocated for the bipartisan S. 22 , The Post-9/11 Veterans' Educational Assistance Act, which provides payments for tuition, books and fees, as well as a $1,000 monthly stipend for those veterans whose military service qualifies them for the program. The Webb-Hagel bill has been co-sponsored by a total of 32 members of the Senate and 92 members of the House.

For more information and to view a video clippings of the press conference, go to: http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=292863

4. Vets Need to Apply For Rebates:

With the strong backing of the VFW, the recently signed Economic Stimulus package allows disabled veterans - whose primary income consists of VA compensation - to qualify for rebates. The catch is you must file a federal tax return. Many social security recipients and veterans who might not otherwise need to file a tax return must do so to receive the economic stimulus payment.

This link provides information on how to file to receive your rebate: http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=179096,00.html

5. Reservist & Veteran Small Business Help:

The President signed into law H.R. 4253, the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008, which requires an interagency task force to coordinate efforts to improve opportunities for small businesses owned by veterans. The law also permanently reauthorizes the SBA Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs, and expands small business development and loan programs for veterans and reservists.