2019-2020 Legislative Program: A few things ~ First, you will receive points for All-State only. One (1) point will be awarded each month a Post submits a legislative report or response letter with your monthly Community Activity report. ➤ Please send to both Comrade Director Bob Lutz via activity@vfwmi.org. and please send a copy of your legislative activity only via leg@vfwmi.org.
Second, please note, Attending other Veterans groups meetings counts as Legislative (and others).
See the All-State Guide via Activity Evaluation, which is also on this site under 'Programs.'
Third,
please be certain to sign-up for the VFW
Action Corps Weekly for timely and informative email updates on current
federal legislation. The Action Corps link as well as several others are
provided below.
Last, much thanks for your efforts to serve others!
RECENT
VFW Action Corps Weekly (22 November Edition):
Student Veteran Protection Bill Introduced: This past week Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) introduced the Protect Veterans’ Education and Taxpayer Spending(Protect VETS)Act of 2019,which would eliminate financial loopholes in higher education that could be used to prey upon student veterans. Sen. Carper, a VFW Life member, has worked tirelessly to bring about protections for veterans, servicemembers, and their families during their pursuit of higher education. Sen.Carper’s proposal would finally eliminate the problematic 90/10 loophole that has been a VFW priority for years. The VFW would like to thank Sen. Carper, along with his colleagues Senators Cassidy (R-La.), Lankford (R-Okla.), and Tester (D-Mont.) for their bold bipartisan actions to protect the interests of student veterans.
VFW Action Corps
Weekly (27 November Edition):
VFW-Supported Burn Pit Legislation Introduced: On Friday, Senator Dan
Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Senator Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) introduced
VFW-supported S. 2950, the Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition Act of 2019.
This important bipartisan legislation would recognize that veterans who served
in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and
the United Arab Emirates were exposed to more than 45 toxins, chemicals, and
airborne hazards. Although this bill would not grant a presumption of service-connection,
it would help veterans prove that any disability or illness resulting from
exposure to these environmental hazards occurred during military service. The
VFW thanks Sen. Sullivan and Sen. Manchin for introducing this legislation and
for their continued efforts to expand disability benefits for veterans. House
Passes Legislation to Expand the Veterans Legacy Program.
__________________________________________________
Senate Passes Veterans COLA and TSA
Pre-Check Bills: "Yesterday, the
Senate passed the VFW-supported H.R.
1200, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2019, which
would authorize a cost-of-living increase for certain VA benefits, equal to the
same increase granted for Social Security benefits. H.R. 1200 was passed by the
House earlier this year and now heads to the president’s desk. The Senate also
passed S. 1881, Veterans Expedited
TSA Screening Safe Travel Act, which would make Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) Pre✓® available for certain severely disabled
veterans at no cost. TSA Pre✓® is already offered to active duty, reserves,
and National Guard service members at no cost. S. 1881 now heads to the House.”
Per VFW Action Corps Weekly (2 August 2019):
Fight to End Widow’s Tax in Jeopardy: "The National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) includes several
VFW-supported provisions. One such provision would eliminate the Widow’s Tax,
which is a dollar for dollar offset of earned benefits for the surviving
spouses of about 65,000 service members and veterans who have made the ultimate
sacrifice. In the coming weeks, Senate leadership will meet in conference to
resolve the differences between the Senate and House versions and debate final
passage. Since the provision to end the Widow Tax is not in the Senate version
of the NDAA, it is in jeopardy of being left out of the final conference
agreement." Contact your Senators and urge them to #AxeWidowsTax this
year.
2020 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Application is Open: "The 2020 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is now accepting applications! The program, which is in its sixth year, is for VFW members who attend an accredited institute of higher learning. Ten student veterans will be selected for the semester-long program that focuses on real policy issues faced by veterans, service members, and their families. The highlight of the program is participation in the VFW Legislative Conference, which in the past has included meetings at the White House and with senior officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress. Those selected also spend time with their VFW Department members on Capitol Hill pushing the VFW’s legislative priorities. Alumni of the program have become more active in all levels of the VFW and changing laws to improve care and benefits for veterans." Learn more and apply for the fellowship.
New!
State of MI: Public Act 96 of 2019 – Public Health Code, Effective January 27, 2020: HB 4325
(Miller) Health occupations; counselors; scope of practice for
counselors; modify, and revise licensing requirements.
Helpful Links:
VFW Legislative Priorities (including VFW Priority Goals):
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service
VFW Action Corps Weekly: https://www.vfw.org/actioncorpsweekly
State
of Michigan Senators, Representatives, and Bills: www.michiganlegislature.org
House Clerk Phone: 517-373-0135
Secretary of the Senate Phone: 517-373-2400
Federal Bills: https://www.congress.gov//
U.S. Senators: www.senate.gov
U.S. Representatives: www.house.gov
Jennifer L. Smith, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Dept. of MI Legislative Director
420 W. Kilborn Street
Email: