North Star Bullet March 2022
Issue 2
Legislative Report 5 MNPVA News 9 Sports and Rec 12 Birthdays 29 Puzzle 31
Paralyzed Veterans of America Minnesota Chapter
Executive Officers
Directors
President: Vicky Garrison Vice President: Tim Valentin Secretary: Scott Little Treasurer: Doug Eckhoff National Director: Todd Kemery
Membership Director: Eric " Scot" Poehler Fundraising Director: John Novicki Sports/Rec Director: Ron James Legislative Director: Tim Valentin Advocacy Director: Vicky Garrison Board Members: Karl Olson
North Star Bullet Chief Editor: Vicky Garrison Editor: Megan Thibado
National Service Officers Jason Stephenson Senior Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 jamesA@pva.org
Tami Anderson Senior National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 tamiA@pva.org
Mission Founded in 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a national organization dedicated to serving former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have suffered catastrophic paralysis as a result of spinal cord injury or disease. By Public law 92-93 (1971), the U.S. Congress charted PVA.
Table of Contents 4
President's Report
5
Legislative Report
6
Secretary's Report
7
Tails and Trails
9
MNPVA News
10
MS Zoom Group Information
12
Sports and Recreation
16
MNPVA Products
17
MS Zoom Group
18
PVA Scholarship
20
PVA Sports Calendar
23
PVA Washington Update
29
Happy Birthday!
31
Puzzle
Please help us deliver the correct version of the newsletter to you! If you enjoy receiving the paper version, you don't have to do anything, but if you'd prefer to get an electronic copy, please let us know by emailing us at office@mnpva.org or calling us at (612)-467-2263.
President's Report Vicky Garrison Happy Spring! While Minnesota sometimes likes to hang on to remnants of winter, my excitement for the warmer weather is overflowing!
We continue to work hard planning events for the upcoming seasons. We also intend to hold our annual Spring meeting in May. Please get in touch with me if you would like to serve on a committee to help make this fantastic event happen.
This month we met with staff members from several US legislative officials. Completing my second season of the annual PVA Advocacy-Legislative Seminar reinforces my passion, desire, and dedication to serving veterans. We discussed many important issues that face SCI/D veterans every day. The MNPVA board of directors continues working hard for our members. I am so proud to work with such a wonderful group of veterans who love helping others as much as I do. This winter, chapter organization and maintenance have been high on our priority list. Despite the temporary office restrictions, we hope to be back in full swing with staffing by summer, taking it one day at a time until then. We are becoming very proficient at remote working while also improving the chapter's uses of digital and technology resources. After taking full advantage of the many discounts available to nonprofit organizations, we forge forward, enhancing our daily efficiency. While organizing is essential, our number one priority is directly helping our members. We've assisted several members with prosthetic and assistive equipment needs and provided information resources for many others. If we can assist you with something, please let us know. If it is within our ability, we are always glad to help. As we enter a more temperate season, I encourage all of you to check out our activities. Find a healthy activity you want to do and do it! Get out of the house and add as many doses of sunshine and fresh air as possible. Even amidst the many extreme challenges we face, those three items can make a difference in everything, including physical and mental health.
Like a child, be happy for no reason! MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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Legislative Report Tim Valentin, Vice President Well, this week we just finished up our Advocacy and Legislative week in D.C. virtually. It was as always, an exhausting week of seminars and meetings but very productive. We were able to meet with Senator Klobuchar’s staff, along with staff from Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s office and Congressman Tom Emmer’s office. The hill visits were not as plentiful as usual, but we found them to be just as productive. Our 2022 Legislative Priorities were as follows: 1. Protect Access to VA’s Specialized Health Care Services 2. Expand Access to VA Long-Term Services and Supports 3. Improve VA Health Care Services and Benefits for Catastrophically Disabled Veterans and their Survivors 4. Increase Access to VA Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans with SCI/D 5. Protect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities 6. Strengthen and Enhance Social Security Benefits 7. Increase Employment Prospects for Veterans with Disabilities As you can see, we definitely had a lot to go over in short period of time. In MN we have a fine-tuned advocacy and legislative team that can pick up where one drops off at and still keeps it rolling.
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Secretary's Report Scott Little
Being the new member of the MNPVA board of directors, I’ve spent my first couple of months as secretary learning my responsibilities and trying to find other areas to be of assistance. The past two years have highlighted the requirement to be able to work from home and we are no exception. To improve our access and workflow, whether in or out of the office, is taking a team effort to reorganize and digitize all our files. We are busy converting papers in cabinets into electronic files in the cloud. We will not allow workplace restrictions to restrict our ability to service the needs of our members. It’s sunny outside and the temperature is above freezing. I am hopeful that the weather as well as the pandemic will continue to improve. While the “virtual this” and “virtual that” allowed us to stay connected, I am anxious to meet MNPVA members in person at live events. Last December, the other board members and I attempted to contact every member of the MNPVA by phone. We were able to speak with many of you, while others we were only able to leave a message. Some of those we spoke with asked if the MNPVA could assist with various issues. I’m pleased to say we have already been able to resolve many of those issues and continue to work to assist with others. If you were left a message, I encourage you to reach out to us if you have needs that are not being met or think we may be of assistance. If you were not contacted, but receive this newsletter, please call the MNPVA office and update your contact information. We are trying to make our newsletter a podium for all members to have a voice. Do you have a story of overcoming adversity, or a continuing struggle, or a funny anecdote from your time in the military that you would be willing to share? If so, please reach out to our office. MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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Calling Members to Participate! North Star Bullet wants to highlight the unique road that led you to today! If you are willing to share your military stories or the mountains you have climbed due to being "differently-abled," we'd like to highlight it. Maybe you have a favorite chapter story to tell the newer members who may not have heard it. By telling our stories, we keep history alive. However large or small, struggles and accomplishments serve as inspiration for many others. We invite you, our members, to be a part of our publication by sharing today. So many experiences shape us into the people we become and wait patiently to be heard. Share your best memories with our chapter members, and who knows, you may find a new connection with another. Call our office at 612-467-2263 to help us keep the past alive!
When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen. - Unknown Author
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Volunteer Opportunities Are you looking for a way to serve at your comfort level? MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. Get in touch with us today to see where there is a perfect fit - we’ll make one! Join us in our quest to serve members!
Vehicle Donations Occasionally, our chapter is the recipient of an adapted, donated used vehicle. If you are a member with a need for a vehicle, please send a letter of request for consideration, outlining the need and circumstances. You can either email your request to office@mnpva.org or mail a physical copy.
We're Hiring! Spread the word! MNPVA is looking to hire a part-time receptionist for two days a week, with the possibility of additional hours in the future. Duties include answering phones, greeting visitors, and checking mail. No experience is necessary as we are willing to train the right person!
Drone Opportunity Attention, MNPVA members! We have a member who recently acquired a drone and wants to connect with other members who have one. No drone experience is needed, but tips and tricks are always welcome from the more experienced. Please email our office at office@mnpva.org if interested, and we can make the connection happen! Please contact us at office@mnpva.org or call 612-517-2131 for more information. MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
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APRIL 2022
MS Support Group Challenges are inevitable, but what happens when you are hit with an unexpected diagnosis? Living with Multiple Sclerosis takes those challenges to a whole new level with the variability and uncertainty that we encounter day-to-day. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord involving decreased nerve function associated with scar formation on the covering of nerve cells. In many cases, MS symptoms include various stages of paralysis. MS often progresses with episodes that last days, weeks, or months. The exact cause of MS is unknown. For Veterans and active-duty service members with MS, there are unique challenges that outsiders and civilians are unfamiliar with. These challenges, compounded by the social isolation from COVID, can be overwhelming. However, the support and fellowship through an online community of Veterans with MS, can be a lifechanging experience. Support groups provide a chance for individuals with MS, their family, friends, and other care partners to share common experiences and concerns, provide and receive emotional support, obtain information related to the disease and on various aspects of coping and living with MS. PVA member, Ashley Lee, facilitates an online support group for Veterans with MS that meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. For more information, and the Zoom link to the meetings, please contact the office at 1612-467-2263 or email at office@mnpva.org.
Add a subheading We want to thank all the donors, sponsors, and volunteers that help further the MNPVA's mission. Without your dedication and passion, we would be unable to support our nation's disabled heroes the way they deserve.
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k n a Th you! APRIL 2022
Sports and Recreation The North Stars Water Ski Show Team seeks disabled veterans who desire to participate in adaptive water skiing during a one-day August event on Big Pine Lake, near Perham. Friendly, trained volunteers will be available to assist. All levels are welcome. A maximum of 15-20 veterans so, if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! Contact the MNPVA office for more information.
Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America recently purchased a corporate sponsorship from Metro Gun Club. Along with several other benefits for our chapter, this sponsorship includes a discount for our members at the Metro Gun Club. Contact them at 763-7865880 today to find out the details.
This year’s National Veterans Wheelchair Games will take place from July 7th – 12th in Tempe, Arizona! Registration for participation opens February 1st. Medical forms must be included in registration - go to wheelchairgames.org to download them. Claim your spots quickly because attendance for both participants and spectators might be limited! Registration closes April 5th.
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2021 MNPVA NVWG Team
APRIL 2022
Contact the office to get your name on the ticket list!
The National Veterans Golden Age Games will take place July 18-23, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Online registration opens April 15th at 12:00 PM Central and is first-come, first-serve. Medical clearance is required before June 1st.
Spring is just around the corner, which means trapshooting season is about here! MNPVA seeks all who are interested in participating or volunteering. The team typically shoots once a week, with competitions throughout the season. If trapshooting is new to you, we have many experienced members willing to teach. We also put on several Fun Shoots throughout the year.
Our chapter continues to have very active bowling groups that meet weekly. Please call or email the office if you’re interested in joining, and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required.
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APRIL 2022
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is partnering with the University of MN to bring the Discover Abilities Clinics to the metro area. Perfect opportunity if you have ever wanted to try adaptive basketball, tennis, rock climbing, or a fitness class. These one-day clinics give you the chance to try without commitment. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for a link to register or call 1-651-241-3820.
Veterans Scuba provides Scuba Therapy opportunities to disabled veterans that fit certain criteria. They serve the 5 state area of Minnesota, North & South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. area but are willing to go the extra mile to improve the quality of life for veterans. Scuba Therapy is a great way to help relieve pain and improve fitness, and financial support is available.
Please contact us at office@mnpva.org or call 612-517-2131 for more information.
Events April 11th
Try Scuba
June 2nd - 3rd
Trolling 4 Troops
July 7th - 12th
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
July 23rd
Brainerd Fun Shoot
August 21st - 27th
Midwest PVA Fishing Event, in Ely
September 17th
Metro Fun Shoot
October 4th - 6th
Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt
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APRIL 2022
Your Life. Your Ride.
Rollx Vans is the only van manufacturer that delivers minivans and full-sized vans directly to your doorstep. Our mission is to listen to you to serve your needs and give you the freedom and mobility that you deserve. • Certified Conversion Process
• Industry-Leading Customer Satisfaction
• 24 Hour Nationwide Service
• Competitive Financing Options
• At-Home Delivery
• Customized Just for You
We take great pride in serving those who served our country. It’s why we work with the Veterans Administration to make the process as simple as possible for you. This includes bringing the vehicle to the VA for inspection, taking care of all VA paperwork, and delivering the vehicle to your home once it’s ready.
Veterans get $1,000 off the purchase of your first Rollx van today! Call 800-956-6668 or visit us at rollxvans.com.
MNPVA Products Kelly Leg Bands with Covers Leg Band $40 + shipping Leg Band Cover $8 Available in Small (15"), Medium (16"), Large (17"), and X-Large(19")
MNPVA Bowling Ramp Great for league play and alleys! Very sturdy and well built. MNPVA designed. $350 + shipping (pick-up available)
MNPVA Water Bottle MNPVA Insulated Mug $9 each + shipping (pick up available)
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APRIL 2022
Special Events Paralyzed Veterans of America hosts many virtual events for its members. These classes offer great opportunities for socialization from the comfort of your home. Classes include: - Adaptive Yoga - Book Club - Photography - Fitness Training - Nutrition Classes - Paracycling For more information, go to pva.org/adaptive-sports/special-events/
Hop out of your comfort zone today!
Comfort is the great adventure thief
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APRIL 2022
Miscellaneous Scholarship Opportunity PVA has a scholarship program for PVA members and their qualifying immediate family members. They will award scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to full-time students and $1,000 to part-time students for the 2021-22 academic year. Previous award recipients may apply but are limited to a total of two scholarships in a lifetime. The deadline to apply is May 1st, 2022. Apply online at: https://bit.ly/pva-scholarships
VA Creative Arts Competition The Minneapolis Veterans Creative Arts Competition will be held in June, with the local exhibition virtually in July. The National Festival will occur during the spring of next year. Visual arts will include fine art, applied art, and craft kits. Submissions are ongoing during June. Contact Joleen Peterson at 1-612-467-5883 for more information. Creative writing includes poetry, essays, personal experience, short stories, and monologue/duologue. Call Missi Wendt at 1-612-467-1536 or Lisa Dorschner at 1-612-467-2764 in early May for guidelines. Performing arts will cover dance, drama, and music. Entries must be 3 minutes or less in length and filmed by VA Staff over the internet. Get in touch with Kathryn Larson at 1-612-467-3622 in early May to schedule a filming session for June.
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ANNUAL AIR RIFLE & AIR PISTOL PROGRAM Cal-Diego Air Rifle and Pistol Tournament December 3, 2021 Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton, CA Wisconsin Air Rifle and Pistol Tournament March 11-12, 2022 Milwaukee Tech Area College Milwaukee, WI Buckeye Air Rifle and Pistol Tournament * May 9-19, 2022
ANNUAL PVA/NWPA BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT SERIES Buckeye Billiards Tournament July 17-18, 2021 8 Ball Sports Bar & Billiards Columbus, OH Mid-South Billiards Tournament October 15-16, 2021 Clicks Billiards Memphis, TN Mid-Atlantic Billiards Tournament March 18-20, 2022 Diamond Billiards Midlothian, VA
*Virtual Buckeye Wheelchair Games
ANNUAL PVA/AWBA
PVA BOATING/FISHING TOUR
BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Mid-America Bass Tournament September 10-12, 2021 Lake Eufaula Eufaula, OK Vaughan Bass Tournament October 8-10, 2021 The Lakes of Egypt Marion, IL
Vaughan Trapshoot June 3-5, 2022 St. Charles Sportsmen’s Club Elburn, IL Wisconsin Trapshoot June 10-12, 2022 Brown County Sportsman Club Green Bay, WI Iowa Shooting Trapshoot * June 17-19, 2022 Otter Creek Sportsman Club Cedar Rapids, IA
*Year-End Tournament
SERIES Great Plains Bowling Tournament July 29-August 1, 2021 Thunderbowl Council Bluffs, IA
BOCCIA
Mid-Atlantic Bowling Tournament September 24-26, 2021 Bowl America Midlothian, VA
KY-IN Boccia Tournament
Southeastern Bass Tournament October 15-17, 2021 Thurmond/Clarks Hill Lake Evans, GA
Florida Gulf Coast Bowling Tourn. February 23-25, 2022 Pin Chasers Tampa, FL
Florida Gulf Coast Bass Tournament April 1-3, 2022 Lake Toho Kissimmee, FL
Vaughan Bowling Tournament April 29-May 1, 2022 Bowlero Romeoville, IL
Kentucky-Indiana Bass Tournament April 22-24, 2022 PVA NATIONAL SHOOTING Lake Barkley SPORTS CIRCUIT Kuttawa, KY North Central Trapshoot Mid-Atlantic Bass Tournament September 11-12, 2021 June 10-12, 2022 Crooks Gun Club James & Appomattox Rivers Sioux Falls, SD Hopewell, VA Cal-Diego Trapshoot March 25-27, 2022 Capital Clash Bass Tournament Redlands Shooting Park June 17-19, 2022 Redlands, CA Potomac River Nevada Trapshoot Waldorf, MD April 1-3, 2022 Clark County Shooting Park Las Vegas, NV
Updated 02/08/22
Florida Gulf Coast Trapshoot May 13-15, 2022 Silver Dollar Trap Club Odessa, FL
KY-IN Boccia Tournament
July 17-18, 2021 Indianapolis, IN
September 25-26, 2021 Bowling Green, KY Bayou Boccia Tournament February 18-19, 2022 Gulfport, MS Buckeye Boccia Tournament * May 9-19, 2022
Swamp Classic February 5-6, 2022 Gainesville, FL Valley of the Sun February 18-20, 2022 Phoenix, AZ US Paracycling Open April 8-10, 2022 Huntsville, AL Off-Road Spring Expo April 13-16, 2022 Chesterfield, VA Redlands Cycling Classic April 20-24, 2022 Redlands, CA Pittsburgh Marathon May 1, 2022 Pittsburgh, PA Tour of America’s Dairylands June 16-20, 2022 Milwaukee, WI Wichita Omnium Dates TBD Wichita, KS NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES
*Virtual Buckeye Wheelchair Games
Mid-Atlantic Boccia Tournament May 2022 (Dates TBD) Richmond, VA Vaughan Boccia Tournament June 11-12, 2022 Glen Ellyn, IL HANDCYCLING Echelon Racing League ToAD Virtual Criterium Races November 2021 -February 2022 PVAR High Performance Camp January 29 – February 3, 2022 Brooksville, FL
July 7-12, 2022 Tempe, AZ
We Can Use Your Help! Add your voice today by visiting https://www.votervoice.net/PVA/home (or scan the code below from any smart phone)
Advocacy Updates and Seminar
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APRIL 2022
Issue #5 • Volume #30
March 18, 2022
Washington Update Visit the PVAction Force page to view our latest alerts and a list of key legislation and its status. PVA NATIONAL PRESIDENT CHARLES BROWN TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS On March 8, PVA National President Charles Brown testified before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees to present PVA’s 2022 legislative priorities. In his statement to the Committees, President Brown focused on three critically important issues that Congress must address for catastrophically disabled veterans: 1) improved access to specialty systems of care, 2) expanded access to home and community-based services, and 3) increased access to benefits that promote the health, safety, and independence of catastrophically disabled veterans. To view the hearing, click here. To read President Brown’s full written statement, click here.
VA RELEASES AIR RECOMMENDATIONS On March 14, VA released its recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission to modernize and realign the VA health care system. The AIR Commission was authorized by the VA MISSION Act, which was signed into law in 2018. PVA National President Charles Brown released a statement noting our “grave concerns” with VA’s recommendations that some of VA’s
spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) system of care centers be closed or consolidated. Mr. Brown further stated that, “We need to understand the data providing the justification for these recommendations as there are many unmet specialized needs for veterans with SCI/D, particularly inpatient long-term care.” Although VA’s recommendations have been released, the AIR Commission has not yet been confirmed by the Senate. Earlier in March, President Biden announced his nomination of PVA Executive Director Carl Blake to the Commission. The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee will be holding a confirmation hearing for nominees in the coming weeks. Once the AIR Commission members have been confirmed, they will review VA’s recommendations. As part of the review process, the Commission will hold public hearings, visit VA facilities, meet with employees and VA partners – and, most important, listen to veterans – to help them assess VA’s recommendations. The Commission will then forward their recommendations, with any changes deemed necessary, to the President, who will determine whether or not to submit those recommendations to Congress. If the President
submits them, Congress can then accept those recommendations by inaction or reject them by passing a joint resolution of disapproval. If approved, VA must begin implementing them within three years.
CONGRESS RESOLVES FY 2022 FUNDING President Biden has signed a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill that provides a substantial increase in VA funding for fiscal year (FY) 2022. The bill provides VA with $112.6 billion in discretionary spending and $157 billion in mandatory spending. Also, it provides advanced appropriations for FY 2023, including $111.3 billion for veterans medical care and $161 billion for veterans benefits. Specific provisions in the bill provide: •
$97.5 billion for VA medical care including: o o o o o
• • • •
• •
$13.2 billion for mental health; $2.2 billion for veteran homelessness prevention; $1.4 billion for the caregivers program; $840 million for women’s health; and $327 million for rural health.
$5.5 billion for information technology systems; $3.5 billion for Veterans Benefits Administration operating expenses and claims processors; $2.2 billion for VA infrastructure; $882 million for medical and prosthetics research, including in areas such as toxic exposures, traumatic brain injury, and precision oncology; $239 million for VA’s Office of Inspector General to conduct ongoing oversight and investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse; and $125 million for the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) pilot program, which provides tuition and housing assistance to veterans in high-tech, high demand career training.
In addition, the language of H.R. 5575, the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act was included in the omnibus package. This bill increases the pay cap on salaries for nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants employed by VA which will help the department
attract and retain top health care talent to ensure veterans receive timely, high-quality care. Passage of this legislation was one of PVA’s top priorities for 2022, and it is an important element of a 10-part human infrastructure plan VA released last month. A detailed summary of the FY 2022 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill is available here.
FUNDING AGREEMENT BOOSTS SPENDING ON DISABILITY PROGRAMS The funding agreement recently signed by President Biden also contained numerous provisions of interest to the disability community, including significant investments in health care, employment, and housing programs. Elements of those agency budgets are highlighted below. In addition, the budget saw a return of earmarks. In a list of projects under congressionally directed spending, the Reno, Nevada received $1.056 million for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades in city parks. Labor-Health and Human Services-Education and Related Agencies - The bill provides a total of $108.3 billion for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, an increase of $11.3 billion above the fiscal year (FY) 2021 enacted level. Of this amount, the bill includes: • • • • • • •
$2.9 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act State Grants; $235 million for Registered Apprenticeships; $399 million for Home and Community-Based Supportive Services; $60.5 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program; $25 million to implement the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act; $6.5 billion for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); $2.3 billion for the Administration for Community Living (ACL), including: o
$967 million for Senior Nutrition programs;
o o o o
$399 million for Home and CommunityBased Supportive Services; $205 million for Family and Native American Caregivers Services; $36 million for Grants for Native Americans; and $8.1 million for the Lifespan Respite Program.
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies - the FY 2022 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill provides funding of $81 billion, an increase of $6.4 billion – more than eight percent – above 2021. This includes a discretionary increase of $4 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $1.6 billion for the Department of Transportation. The agreement takes into account that funding appropriated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will be used to bring Amtrak-served stations into compliance with the ADA. Agencies within this account will receive: •
$11 billion in funding for new affordable housing, critical health, safety, and maintenance improvements to ensure the safety and quality of public and low-income housing, and community development activities, including: o
o
•
$360 million to construct over 4,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities and $1.5 billion in direct funding to states and local governments through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and significantly increases investments in distressed neighborhoods through the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative program.
$13.9 billion for Project-based Rental Assistance to continue to house more than 1.2 million very low and low-income households nationwide. An additional $1 billion is provided for Housing for the Elderly to build approximately 2,200 new affordable housing units for low-income seniors and $352 million for
•
•
Housing for Persons with Disabilities to construct approximately 1,800 new affordable housing units for persons with disabilities; A combined $55 million for the HUD/VA Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans and Native American Veterans programs; and $85 million for increased enforcement of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
VA MOVING TO ADD RARE CANCERS TO PRESUMED SERVICE CONNECTED LIST Recently, VA announced it intends to propose adding certain rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities in relation to military environmental exposure to particulate matter. The cancers under consideration include: • • • • • • • • •
Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx; Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea; Adenocarcinoma of the trachea; Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea; Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung; Large cell carcinoma of the lung; Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung; Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung; and Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung.
VA intends to focus its rule on the rare respiratory cancers listed above in veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations and other locations. VA will invite and consider public comments as part of this process. Once rulemaking is complete, VA will conduct outreach to impacted veterans and survivors to inform them about their potential eligibility for benefits.
HOUSE PASSES HONORING OUR PACT ACT On March 3, the House voted to pass the Honoring our PACT Act (H.R. 3967) by a vote of 256-174. The PACT Act is comprehensive legislation addressing health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxics substances in service. The day before passage of this landmark legislation, Associate Legislative Director Roscoe Butler attended a press conference on Capitol Hill in support of the measure. House Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA), Speaker Nancy Pelosi, other members of Congress, Jon Stewart, and leaders of major veterans service organizations also participated in the event.
ADVOCATES FIGHT TO PRESERVE RECOURSE FOR UNINTENTIONAL DISCRIMINATION Joining forces, PVA and thousands of disability rights advocates moved to safeguard individuals with disabilities from unintentional discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In Payan v. Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), blind students won a discrimination case at the federal district court regarding inaccessible class materials, websites, and databases. LACCD appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the ADA does not cover “disparate impact.” Disparate impact is when the discrimination is unintentional. For example, when something appears neutral, but actually has an adverse effect on individuals with disabilities. The students were again successful at the Circuit Court, which held that the ADA covers both intentional and unintentional discrimination. LACCD planned to appeal to the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court ruled that the ADA did not cover disparate impact, future plaintiffs would need to prove that the discrimination was intentional. PVA submitted a letter urging LACCD to abandon their plans. In addition, more than 10,000 individuals from over 800 organizations signed a petition pleading LACCD to not appeal. On March 2, two days before the appeal deadline, the LACCD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to not appeal and pursue a mediated settlement instead. The parties were required to meet by March 14 for settlement talks. If a settlement can be reached, it must still be approved by the LACCD Board at its April 13 meeting. If a settlement is not approved, the case could go back to the district court for re-trial.
NEWS OF NOTE Social Security Offices to Reopen Early April The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced plans to reopen local offices beginning in early April. While they continue to encourage
people to use their online portal, information about the reopening and how to contact SSA can be found here. Killeen Hotel to Pay Damages to Disabled Veteran with Service Dog for Denying Access U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas announced that the United States has reached an agreement with the owners and managers of Executive Inn & Suites, a hotel in Killeen, Texas, to resolve allegations they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying equal access to individuals with disabilities who use service dogs. The settlement resolves allegations initially brought by a disabled veteran who utilizes a service animal and wheelchair due to an amputation of his left leg. The veteran alleged that upon learning that the veteran was accompanied by a service dog the hotel desk clerk refused to honor his reservation because the hotel owner did not allow any type of dog. Hotel staff insisted that the veteran leave, called the local police department to escort the veteran off hotel property, and refused to refund his room rental fee. Under the agreement, J&J Executive Suites LLC, Kyung Sang Lee and Gaesun Lee will ensure that the hotel adopts and implements a service dog policy; provides training on the service dog policy to employees and managers; and posts the service dog policy at their facilities and in their advertising. They will also pay money damages to the veteran as compensation for the effects of the discrimination and the harm he endured as a result of their actions. Taryn Williams Elected Chair of Access Board The U.S. Access Board elected Board Member Taryn Mackenzie Williams as its new Chair on March 7. Williams serves as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy where she advises the Secretary of Labor on how the department’s policies and programs impact the employment of people with disabilities and leads the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
Guide to Registered Apprenticeships for Veterans Released ODEP, along with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program, developed the “Connecting VR&E Participants to Registered Apprenticeship” desk reference guide. This guide supports the transition of more veterans with disabilities into registered apprenticeships and includes a list of resources, a glossary of terms and acronyms, and an appendix with veterans’ benefits. Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics 2021 The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released “Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics 2021.” This report reflects data collected as part of the Current Population Survey, a monthly sample survey that provides statistics on employment and unemployment in the United States. The report shows that in 2021, 19.1 percent of persons with a disability were employed, while the unemployment rate was 10.1 percent. It also includes charts on the employment status of persons with and without a disability by various characteristics.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND HEARINGS DOT to Host Public Meeting on the Problems Wheelchair Users Encounter in Air Travel The Department of Transportation (DOT) is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 24 from 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET to talk about the difficulties wheelchair users encounter in air travel. During this meeting, there will be an opportunity to hear from a variety of stakeholders, including DOT officials, disability advocates, and airline representatives. Register to attend the meeting at https://bit.ly/36aAYKb and submit a request to speak or have written materials discussed during the meeting at FlyingWithWheelchairs@dot.gov by March 21. DOT is looking for your feedback on questions that address the following issues: ● ● ● ●
Challenges encountered during air travel by wheelchair users Actions to prevent or minimize damaged, delayed, and lost wheelchairs Actions to ensure a safe transfer process Best practices for assisting wheelchair users when personal wheelchairs are mishandled
VA Resources for Women Veterans
SVAC Hearing on VA’s Caregiver Program
March is Women’s History Month. VA’s Center for Women Veterans serves as an advocate for cultural transformation and to raise awareness of the responsibility to treat women veterans with dignity and respect. To learn more about the Center, click here.
On March 23 at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee will be holding a hearing titled “Honoring Our Commitment: Improving VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.” PVA is concerned about the roll out of the expanded comprehensive caregiver program and will be providing a statement for the record.
VRRAP: Train for a Post-COVID Career Need a new job due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Land a role in a high-demand industry with the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). Participating veterans can receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates. Click here to find out if you are eligible and how to apply.
HVAC Hearings Please visit the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing webpage for information on upcoming hearings.
March Dana Andersen
Wayne McMath
Kathy Braaten
Dan Orcutt
Debbie Deitner
Jeff Peterson
Mary Duchene-Rodenkirchen
Karla Peterson
Doug Eckhoff
Philip Ratzlaff
Launette Figliuzzi
Matthew Ross
Patrick Garza
Gregory Seiger
Joshua Giese
Conan Stanton
Robert Greskowiak
Kathleen Stewart
Michael Hamlin
Donald Tessmer
Lowell Johnson
Christopher Walzel
Richard Jost
John Winter
Michael Lanning
Becky Wittig
James Leither
Robert York
Domingo Martinez
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APRIL 2022
April Arthur Anderson
Glenna Hallis
Dwain Baker
Lottie Heinicke
Dennis Bateman
David Iverson
Carl Beckenbach
Jerome Jackson
Barry Borgen
Richard Johnson
Wayne Bren
Diane Johnson
Kenneth Brookins
Lawrence Karels
Matthew Butzer
Douglas Kleindl
Matthew Carlson
Judy Klemm
Ambrose Cemensky
Julie Knutson
Todd Christensen
Charles Kriesel
Colton Cory
David Larson
Robert Davis Marc DeLosier David Elcombe Terrence Emery Eduardo Figi Amity Foster Jeffrey Freeman William Frisby Soila Galdamez John Geronime Duane Gominsky David Gray Rod Guthier MNPVA NORTH STAR BULLET
Houa Lee Roger Loken Pamela Lubansky Joseph Mauricio Stacy Olson Thomas Peterson Shelley Peterson Denton Pomahatch Jeremiah Reed Donald Ruotsinoja Joanne Savage Wayne Stelling PAGE 30
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Minnesota Counties - Part Two W P J Y N N N J S K M Y C C L U E F O V D Q P V K X F C N T U I C H Y S J N I E R V W E A T D S E A N J A Z U F N O S H
MARSHALL MARTIN MCLEOD MEEKER MILLELACS MORRISON MOWER MURRAY NICOLLET NOBLES NORMAN
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OLMSTED OTTERTAIL PENNINGTON PINE PIPESTONE POLK POPE RAMSEY REDLAKE REDWOOD RENVILLE
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North Star Bullet April 2022
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