by Ron Seman
The Senate has unanimously approved U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka's (D-Hawaii) legislation to secure timely and predictable funding for the veterans' health care system.
Akaka introduced the measure with the backing of leading veterans service organizations, shepherded the bill through the committee, and secured the backing of more than half of the Senate before securing its passage by unanimous consent Aug. 7, setting the stage for the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to negotiate a final version of the legislation, which can then be approved by the full House and Senate.
"Congress has work in recent years to reverse VA's chronic under-funding, but we still need to address the broken way that we fund the nation's largest health care system. With advance funding we will make sure that veterans' health care receives timely and unpredictable funding, allowing VA health care dollars to go further for veterans and taxpayers," said Akaka.
Akaka's legislation, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, would secure funding for veterans' health care one-year in advance of the regular appropriations process. The bill would also ensure transparency in the funding process by requiring public reports and GAO audits on VA's funding forecasting.
Currently, VA is funded year-by-year; a process which has resulted in late funding in 19 of the past 22 years. VA operates the largest health care system in the nation, providing care for millions of wounded and indigent veterans.
I commend Sen. Akaka for having the courage to suggest this much-needed action by the House and Senate. Over the past quarter century of writing this column, I said that veterans' funding should be automatic -- not debated at each budget cycle. Can it be that someone out there has finally heard the message. Better late than never?
Yellow Ribbon GI Bill: More than 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into "Yellow Ribbon" program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve financial aid for Veterans participating in the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
"The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "Implementing this landmark legislation and providing even more veterans with a quality education is a top priority for VA. We are grateful so many schools are joining us as partners in this unprecedented effort."
Among the Northeast Ohio schools participating in the program are the University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Baldwin-Wallace College, and John Carroll University, to name a few.
The maximum benefit allows every eligible Veteran, service member, reservist and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost. The program includes payment for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend.
For information on specific schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, go to www.gibill.va.gov/GI Bill Info/CH33/YRP/YRP List.htm.
Additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, as well as VA's other educational benefits, can be obtained by visiting VA's Web site www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 888-GIBILL-1 (or 888-442-4551).
USO Poker Run: Betty Crow of Streetsboro, one of the USO's dedicated volunteers, tells us that the USO of Northern Ohio will sponsor its seventh annual Poker Run for the Troops on Aug. 16. All proceeds benefit the USO as they serve our troops.
Participants will gather at The Handle Bar, 24951 Aurora Road in Bedford Heights.
The first bikers depart at 11 a.m.; the last will go out at 1 p.m. Vehicles are welcome. There will be prizes, raffles and live entertainment by The Burnt River Band, starting at 4 p.m. For more information, call 440-439-7365, e-mail USOPokerRun@gmail.com, or visit the USO Poker Run online at www.myspace.com/usopokerrun
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Thanks.