MNPVA North Star Bullet - June 2023

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Minnesota Chapter

612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org

Executive Officers

President: Vicky Garrison

Vice President: Tim Valentin

Secretary: Scott Little

Treasurer: Seth Thomas

National Director: Todd Kemery

Chapter Staff

Lauren Catlin

Executive Assistant

m: 612-699-8551

North Star Bullet

Bridgit Michaud Office Assistant o: 612-726-2263

Directors

Membership: Eric "Scot" Poehler

Fundraising: Karl Olson

Events: John Novicki

Sports & Recreation:

Ron James

Linda Hooker

National Service Officers

Jason Stephenson

Senior Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist

1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141

Minneapolis, MN 55417

612-629-7022

Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison

Associate Editor: Lauren Catlin

jasonS@pva org

Tami Anderson

Senior National Service Officer

Federal Building Room G915

St. Paul, MN 55111

612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609

Mission

Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheUS ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA

tamiA@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

Please help us deliver the correct version of the newsletter to you! We understand that some members enjoy receiving the paper version and we are happy to send one. 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 Post

Vicky Garrison Editorial

With June well underway, we can officially welcome the summer season to Minnesota. One never knows about May. After a significant May snowstorm ten years ago, I typically wait for June to proclaim summer. Summer makes me giddy with excitement and brings back many pleasant childhood memories I remember three months of daylong explorations with no cares in the world, except for ensuring that I did my chores in the morning to avoid my mother's wrath; God rest her soul.

As an adult and a veteran passionate about serving others, my excitement still spikes in the summer. I look at the calendar and see so many fun opportunities. I look at the blank days and see potential adventures. Our chapter works hard to provide activities such as weekly bowling, Sports & Rec at Base Camp, Trap Shooting, Twins tickets, and more We also encourage our members to take advantage of the sports & recreation community benefit to enjoy a favorite activity. Call us for more information.

This month, on June 20, our chapter will host a Suicide Awareness/SAVE training event at our monthly board of directors meeting. As with all board meetings, we welcome members to attend. This month's training will provide valuable information to help save lives! Contact me by June 17 if you'd like to attend. Lunch is provided.

If you want to help others, please consider volunteering for our organization. We have many members who volunteer to help in a variety of ways. Assisting others provides rewards to the heart and distraction to the mind and is a great way to take a break from everyday struggles. Let us know what you like, and we'll do everything possible to find the perfect volunteer activity for you!

Like a child, be happy for no reason!

All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!

Recent changes to PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. Call us today to find out more information. If you know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them!

MS Walk

The Minnesota Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (MNPVA) was honored to partner with the Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk as a sponsor for the parking and shuttle service at the VAMC.

Over 3000 participants took part in Walk MS: Twin Cities, raising over $553,000.00 to aid those afflicted with multiple sclerosis and help fund research.

Our MNPVA goal at the event was to spread the word that veterans afflicted with any type of multiple sclerosis are likely eligible for membership in the PVA and the cost-free services we provide. We count every veteran who joins MNPVA as a success.

What to Do When Going to a Non-VA ER

By: Jason Stephenons, PVA Senior Benefit Advocate

Living in Minnesota and having a spinal cord injury or disease; it is likely going to happen where a development occurs that requires a trip to the emergency room outside the VA. The following outlines the steps that must be taken to notify the VA; and to alleviate the stress of getting that emergency room bill.

First and foremost, if you need to go an emergency room…..go! It is important though the VA is contacted within 72 hours of when you arrive at the emergency room. The contact number to the 24 hour emergency hotline is 1-844-724-7842. It is understandable your condition may preclude you from being able to call; however please have your spouse of family member call, or also have one of the staff members at the emergency room call.

Once the 24 hour emergency hotline has been contacted. They will make a contact in their system that will alert your primary VA hospital and also establish a record where the private emergency room’s billing office can work with the VA as to a payment.

There are two instances where the VA will authorize a payment for non-VA emergency room care that are both found under 38 United States Code 1725 and 38 United States Code 1728. Under 1725 if a veteran is enrolled in the VA, and has been seen within the past 24 months, and does not have any form of insurance; the VA will authorize payment for an emergency room visit up to the point of stabilization. Under 1728, if a veteran is seen in the ER for a service connected condition, or is 100% permanent and total (to include Individual Unemployability) and treated for any condition; the VA will authorize payment up to the point of stabilization. If you are stabilized and still require hospitalization, it is important to transfer to the VA as you are responsible for any billing after the point of stabilization.

(What to Do When Going to a Non-VA ER continued)

In those instances where the VA is not notified within 72 hours or, when you receive a bill for emergency care that is covered from the above; the billing department must reach out to the VA’s Office of Community Care. There address to provide to the billing department is as follows:

VAOCC

PO Box 30780

Tampa, Florida 33630

When they reach out to the VAOCC office via mail they must include the bill, your entire social security number, medical records associated with the visit, and also “request for authorization under not having insurance or being 100% service connected, or for a service connected condition.

We realize the stress involved when receiving an emergency room bill as we feel it as well when we are contacted by a member. The above should establish a reassurance. If you do have question or need assistance please contact me at 612-629-7022.

Connect with Us!

We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!

Phone or Voicemail

Office Phone: 612-467-2263

Mobile Phone - Call or Text

Executive Assistant (Lauren) 612-699-8551

President (Vicky) 612-430-6690

Email

Office Assistant: office@mnpva.org

Executive Assistant: laurencatlin@mnpva.org

President: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Social Media

Facebook Messenger: @MinnesotaPVA

Instagram: pva.mn

In Person

Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8a 4pm

Thursday and Friday - 8a - 1:00p

Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.

(Due to current staffing issues, please call ahead to make sure office is open)

Virtual Meetings Available Upon Request

Puzzle Lovers!

Congratulations to our May puzzle winners, Janice and Ray Breth!

Could you use a $25 Gift Card?? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of each of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month Thanks to all for sending in your entries - participation is growing!

Next drawing date: 7/1/2023

All members are invited to join us at our monthly board meetings. These meetings are hybrid (both in person and virtual) so you can choose what works for you!

Join us in June for a presentation on Suicide Awareness/SAVE training.

Please call the office at 612-467-2263 for details. We'd love to see you!!

Suicide Awareness SAVE Training

Attention MNPVA Members

Please join us for at our board meeting with a presentation on suicide prevention by SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voice of Education). Help us increase our chapter's awareness and training for this important issue!

Join us at Base Camp on Tuesday, June 20th at 10:30am 6202 Bloomington Road Fort Snelling, MN 55111)

If you need transportation or any other assistance, please give us a call at the office, 612-457-2263

Can't make it in person? Please join us virtually! Call for a meeting link..

NORTH STAR BULLET

We love our volunteers!

Thank you to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers!

MNPVA couldn't support SCI/D veterans without your efforts and contributions. Thank you for all that you do.

Volunteer Opportunities

MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. We are currently looking for volunteers to serve on the fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, to assist with IT, or to provide support at events and help with mailings. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office.

Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else's help.

Heather French Henry

Election News

Nomination period closes on June 30. Election ballots will be mailed by July 15th. This mailing will include two return envelopes. One will be an “inside” security envelope, marked "ballot envelope" Another will be a postage-paid, pre-addressed return envelope. Follow these steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Fill out your ballot with your choices

Place your ballot in the "Ballot Envelope" and seal

Place the ballot envelope in the postage paid envelope provided. All addresses are already on the envelope

Mail your ballot to be postmarked by August 29

Important Notes:

Ballots must be received in the provided return envelope, stamped, and postmarked, if mailed.

Ballot will not be counted if any part of the return address is blacked out. If your address is incorrect, please contact the office right away. Ballots must be postmarked by August 29th.

Chapter fiscal year

Term for Executive Officers

Term for board members

Nomination time frame

Ballots Mailed to the members

Ballots Due in MNPVA Office

October 1- September 30

1 Year

3 Years

June 1 - July 1

By July 15th

Postmarked By August 29

Calendar at a Glance

June 7 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

June 20 Board Meeting

June 22 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

June 30 Election Nominations Close

July 4 Independence Day

July 15 Ballots Mailed to Members

July 18 Board Meeting

July 4-9 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

August 29 Ballots due to Office

Aug 27- Sep 2 Midwest Fishing Event

Fun at Base Camp Fun at Base Camp

Eight Steps to job interview preparation

By Rodney Lee (USA, Ret) Employment Analyst with PVA Veterans Career Program

Securing an interview is a big deal. You have demonstrated that you might be the right person for the job, and to receive an invitation from an organization to explore more about you, is not an easy achievement. You only have one shot during an initial interview to impress, address and confirm your value. The eight preparation steps below are recommendations to assist in giving you a competitive advantage:

Research the organization – Knowing and understanding the company is important. Most organizations have websites you can review. The intelligence you receive from research can set you apart by conveying and acknowledging your understanding of the organization, your desire to contribute and how you can help.

Research the job announcement – Read, dissect, and make notes on the announcement or duty description for clarity and to help you prepare responses on possible questions. Do this with the qualification section as well. Make sure that you can articulate your experience as it relates to all the information with the position.

Prepare your elevator pitch – In many cases, the very first interview question is “Tell me about yourself.” This is where your elevator pitch comes in. Think of the ABC series “Shark Tank.” The entrepreneur shares a one-minute sales pitch of their product or service: what it is, how it works and why it matters. The same is true with your pitch, but instead of selling a product or a service, you are selling yourself.

Prepare for the basic interview questions – There are approximately 20 basic questions asked on interviews. These basic questions can be accessed on any internet search engine by typing in “Basic interview questions”. Study them and prepare responses.

Prepare for the behavioral/scenario-based questions – Think of four or five professional experiences, projects, or stories you were involved in and write them down. These experiences should have information that can address issues such as: conflicts, analytical thinking, customer service, relationship building, communications, meeting suspense, failures, falling short, leadership, competence,

(Continued next page)

etc. Applying and practicing the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, and Results – will help you to stay on task in your response. When the scenario question is asked, respond with the situation: In 2018, I received a call about an issue with… Then the task: my assignment was to… The action: I did xyz… The result: The issues was corrected and improved which helped Prepare questions for the interviewer – Prepare three to four questions about the company or position to see if the organization is a good fit for you

Prepare for a face to face interview – Arrive early and dress to impress. At a minimum, consider wearing a solid color button down shirt or suitable blouse, slacks or dress or skirt and business dress shoes. Traffic can be unpredictable, so leave for the interview earlier than the normal expected commute time. Use the extra time after arriving to review your notes. You are marketing yourself and want to leave an impression that you are serious about earning the position. Prepare for a virtual interview – It is important that when the virtual link is sent to you, that you test the system’s functionality, compatibility and connection prior to the interview. Ensure that necessary downloads or updates are completed the day prior. Check your camera and get a feel of the virtual forum set-up for familiarity – and wear appropriate attire.

The goal of your preparation is to answer the most important question employers want to know: “Why should we hire you”? You were invited to the interview because they found you to be qualified; now it’s your turn to demonstrate why you should be their selection. So, prepare for the interview, bring your best self, smile and win the opportunity!

If you, your spouse, or caregiver, are interested in career support including paid employment, education, or volunteer opportunities please visit pva.org/Veteranscareerprogram or email Veteranscareerprogram@pva.org for more information.

MNPVA Members Sports Tickets

Upcoming Twins Game Drawings

MNPVA BOWLING

Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:

Thursdays at 11am

McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes

590 Humboldt Dr

Big Lake, MN

Fridays at 11:30am

Split Rocks Bowling

5063 273rd St

Wyoming, MN 55092

St. Croix Lanes

1153 St Croix St, River Falls, WI

If you're near - let us know

As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly

We plan to start a new group in the Mora area in late summer or early fall! Please contact the office if you’re interested in helping the group get started by volunteering or participating.

Please contact the office at 612-467-2263 if you’re interested in joining and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.

Summer Break Resumes inFall

2023 Summer VA Outpatient Recreation Therapy Programs

Please RSVP to Recreation Therapy Staff if interested in these opportunities as the programs have limited space and need to be signed up for!

If attending, please screen yourself for covid-19 prior to participating in any outpatient group!

Jenna Stade: 612-258-9073 or Joleen Peterson: 612-946-2519

Adaptive Kayaking:

Clinics will be from 9:30am –11:30am

Various Three Rivers Park District Locations

Once Signed Up you will receive more details on locations.

• Friday, June 23rd

• Friday, June 30rd

• Friday, July 14th

• Friday, July 28th

• Friday, August 11th

• Friday, August 25th

• Friday, September 8th

• Friday, September 22nd

Project Healing Waters

Fly-fishing education, fly casting, fly tying and rod building

To learn more contact: David.Winkler@projecthealingwaters.org

Basecamp:

Clinic will be from 3:00pm –5:00pm

• Location: Northern Star, Scout BSA Base Camp (6202 Bloomington RD, St. Paul, MN 55111)

Thursday, June 22nd

Adaptive Cycling Clinic:

All clinics will be from 1:00pm-4:00pm

Tuesday, July 11th (Location TBD)

Tuesday, August 8th(Location TBD)

2023

PGA Golf:

Clinics will be from 9:00am-11:00am

Lost Spur Golf Course

2750 Sibley Memorial Hwy

Eagan, MN 55121

• Monday, June 12th August 21st

Minneapolis Veterans Creative Arts Competition

Have an Unused Vehicle?

Consider supporting PVA by donating your unused vehicle! For wheelchair accessible vehicles, contact us at the MNPVA office at 612-467-2263. Your vehicle will be matched with one of our veterans in need of accessible transportation.

For all other vehicles, go to pva.careasy.org/home. Donations through National PVA also benefit our chapter. Support

Research Corner

Opportunities for Participation in Research

This the place to learn about ongoing research in our community. These important studies focus on improving your quality of life as a person living with a spinal cord injury or disease. Details are included for each study pertaining to contact information, inclusion criteria and status. MNPVA encourages you to read through these opportunities, reach out the researchers for questions, and consult with your own physician to see if they are a good fit for you. We truly appreciate the critical work these awesome local researchers are doing in the field of SCI/D!

Title: A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

ACTIVELY RECRUITING

The aim of this study is to evaluate two different interventions to improve sensation and movement in adults with spinal cord injury. Any Veteran with a SCI/D who is at least 3 months out (no end date limit) from a spinal cord injury, can self-transfer and some reduction of sensation and/or movement after their spinal cord injury

Interventions: Either you will receive physical therapy, called "cognitive multisensory rehabilitation" (focusing on restoring body awareness during movements) or you will receive a membership for the adaptive fitness at Courage Kenny (Golden Valley) to train there with the adapted fitness equipment.

Testing: MRI of the brain (before and after the interventions); test of sensation and movements + questionnaires (before and after the interventions + 3 months after the intervention

Contact information:

Dr. Ann Van de Winckel: avandewi@umn.edu or 612-406-2500

on how to

and

a spinal cord

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

•Be 18-75 years of age

•Be able to hear and comprehend the English instructions given in the study

•Have a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury (>1year)

•Be able to self-transfer with some assistance and push a call button

•Have an available care-partner to assist with the interventions

•Not be pregnant

•Be medically stable and no MRI contraindicationsParticipants will:

•Either receive 12 weeks of physical therapy with Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation OR Remotely-delivered exercise, 3x/week, 45min/session for 12 weeks

•Have 2 MRI scans of the brain + 3 clinical assessments

•Fill in questionnaires related to function, quality of life, and body awareness

Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) are conducting an anonymous online survey to gather information about individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) who have used psychedelic drugs after their SCI. Participation involves completing an online survey. This survey will take about 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on how you respond.

https://tinyurl.com/SCI-Injury-survey

Bone as Regulator of Energy Balance and Male Fertility after SCI: A Pilot Study

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries Participation in the research will take approximately 5 hours over 3-4 visits. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.

Investigator: Dr. Leslie Morse, morsel@umn.edu, 612-301-3072

Coordinator: Liza Nowlin, rehablab@umn.edu, 612-301-3072

Member Action Item Home Health Care Shortage

Thank you for all who have responded to our call for action! If you haven't yet shared, please help us gather the ammunition we need to enact change! Home caregivers are ESSENTIAL to us!

Direct stories from our veterans function as a driving force to help inform and advocate for change and improvement in the vital area. If you have authorized home health care and are experiencing difficulty filling the hours due to staffing shortages or have recently experienced staffing difficulties, please get in touch with a member of the MNPVA Advocacy Legislative team or call the office.

Share your story today!

Vicky: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Tim: timvalentin@mnpva.org

Todd: toddkemery@mnpva.org

Office: 612-467-2263

Washington Update

Action Needed! Contact your Senators and urge them to support the Elizabeth Dole Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2023. Check out the PVAction Force page to view other alerts and a list of key legislation.

IB TESTIFIES ON VA’S BUDGET PROPOSAL

On May 17, the Independent Budget (IB) veterans service organizations DAV, PVA, and VFW participated in a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing on VA’s proposed budget request for fiscal years (FY) 2024 and 2025 advance appropriations. VA Secretary Denis McDonough testified about how any budget cuts would harm the Department’s ability to care for the nation’s veterans. During his Q&A session, he noted that the Veterans Benefits Administration set a new record in the last fiscal year, completing more than 1.7 million disability compensation and pension claims In that same period, the Veterans Health Administration provided more than 115 million appointments for veterans across the country. He also underscored that reducing funding for VA would directly result in fewer outpatient appointments for veterans and fewer claims processers.

Testifying on the second panel, the IB’s witnesses, including National Legislative Director Morgan Brown explained how their recommendation of nearly $140 billion for medical care spending in FY 2024 and $157 billion of advance appropriations for FY 2025 represented the level of funding necessary for VA to fully and timely deliver all authorized programs, services, and benefits to America’s veterans. They also noted areas where the Administration’s budget proposal missed the mark, like VA’s Medical and Prosthetic

Research program which generates discoveries that significantly contribute to improving the health of veterans and all Americans. The Administration requested $938 million in FY 2024 for Medical and Prosthetic Research compared to the IB’s recommendation of $980 million. During the IB’s Q&A session, Mr. Brown had the opportunity to explain why Congress must pass the Elizabeth Dole legislation, which would greatly expand VA’s home and community-based services. He noted that the number of veterans needing long-term care is expected to significantly increase over the next decade, and it is extremely important that VA implement policies now to help veterans age safely at home and remain active participants in their communities.

CONGRESS APPROVES VA COLA BILL

On May 22, Congress passed S. 777, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, which requires VA to increase rates for disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children. It directs VA to increase payment amounts for these benefits by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients, which will be effective on December 1, 2023. The annual Social Security COLA is dictated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which

measures the rate of inflation in the U.S. The figure used to determine next year’s COLA is expected to be announced in mid-to-late October. Soon, S. 777 will be heading to the President’s desk for signature.

HVAC HOLDS OVERSIGHT HEARINGS

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) has been busy in recent weeks holding hearings on various oversight topics.

The Economic Opportunity (EO) Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on May 17 on the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The Subcommittee members questioned representatives for the VA, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Labor, the three federal departments that TAP falls under.

Many Subcommittee members called out DOD for not holding leadership accountable when an eligible servicemember is barred from participating in TAP a year out. The hearing also highlighted that due to the complexities with the program and the jurisdiction concerns between the departments, a “one size fits all” program is missing the mark. Subcommittee members discussed the need to identify a single agency to oversee the delivery of TAP to help execute the program and improve oversight efforts.

On May 16, the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) Subcommittee held an oversight hearing focused on the implementation of the PACT Act, which provided improved access to benefits and care for veterans exposed to toxins in service. The Subcommittee questioned key VA leaders such as the recently confirmed Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. Many questions were focused on training for raters and other benefits staff that have seen an influx of claims due to the passage of the law

VA highlighted that in fiscal year 2022, the Department set a record for claims production, completing 1.7 million claims, which is a 12 percent increase from the previous year. This year, VA has completed 14 percent more claims than at the same time last year. On April 14, VA completed their one-millionth compensation and pension exam. Three days later, they completed more

than 9,000 claims in a single day, a Department record.

Then, on May 23, HVAC held a full Committee oversight hearing on the COVID supplemental funding and whether the funds provided to VA improved veterans’ care. This was a spirited hearing with several Committee members demanding greater financial accountability from VA. A recently released GAO report drew attention to the nearly 30-year-old financial management system used by the Department and made recommendations for VA to make a serious investment in updating the IT platforms to improve accounting capabilities and accuracy.

Some Committee members argued that remaining COVID supplemental funds, that have yet to be spent, should be returned to the government. While other members defended the remaining funding, noting that although the emergency declaration has ended, COVID is still something the VA needs to contend with.

JOINT HVAC HEARING ON VA RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

On May 17, the subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigation held a joint oversight hearing on recruitment and retention within the Veteran Health Administration (VHA). The subcommittees questioned whether the Department’s bureaucracy is hindering VA from securing a quality workforce.

One of the key takeaways from the hearing was that Congress and the VA are frustrated with outdated and burdensome processes for hiring new staff within VHA. The current hiring process includes 83 steps, sometimes taking more than six months to complete. Because of the excessive timeline for hiring, many potential candidates opt for a job outside of VA where it takes less time, and they are likely to earn more competitive pay. Several subcommittee members and witnesses also stressed that throughout the medical field, nurses are experiencing record numbers of violent encounters with patients.

VA highlighted that this year VHA is poised to hire 52,000 external hires, making it one of the most successful hiring years in VA history. That said, Congress

pushed VA to be more proactive with their recruiting strategies and more strategic with their marketing budgets for recruitment.

The hearing ended with the members stressing that VA needs to overhaul the HR process for hiring VHA staff; review the Department’s hiring, outreach and marketing strategies; and use every tool available to improve hiring and retention incentives, particularly for rural areas.

HISA BILL REINTRODUCED

Recently, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) reintroduced the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, H.R. 2818. This legislation would increase the amount of funding available to disabled veterans for housing modifications through VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant program. Currently, a lifetime HISA benefit is worth up to $6,800 for veterans who need a housing modification due to a service-connected condition. Veterans who rate 50 percent service-connected may receive the same amount even if a modification is needed due to a nonservice-connected disability. Veterans who are not service-connected but are enrolled in the VA health care system can receive up to $2,000.

HISA rates have not changed since Congress last adjusted them in 2010. Meanwhile, the cost of home modifications and labor has risen nearly 50 percent during the same timeframe. H.R. 2818 seeks to raise rates to $10,000 for veterans with a service-connected disability and $5,000 for those with disabilities that are not service connected. It also ties those rates to a Consumer Price Index, allowing for annual increases to help the benefit keep pace with inflation and increased home modification costs.

SOCIAL SECURITY 2100 ACT ANNOUNCED

Rep. John Larson (D-CT) held a press conference on May 23 to reveal the parameters of the Social Security 2100 Act which he will reintroduce as soon as the Social Security actuaries cost estimate is finalized. He was joined by House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA), Democratic Leader Hakim Jeffries (D-NY), and other members who have pledged to

support the legislation. Among those other members was Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) who was a newly elected House member in 1983 when Congress last acted to shore up the Social Security system’s solvency.

Speakers stressed the urgent need to address the shortfall in the Social Security trust funds – which will be depleted in 2034 – and expressed concerns over the impact that failure to raise the debt ceiling could have on beneficiaries. The version of the 2100 Act that Rep. Larson plans to offer will be essentially the same as that which was before the previous Congress. That measure contained improvements in Social Security’s minimum benefit, use of a cost-of-living index more suited to the expenses of older Americans and people with disabilities, a reduction in taxes on benefits for 23 million Americans, and repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision/Government Pension Offset that adversely affects a number of retirees in state and local government. The bill will also contain a new mechanism to strengthen the trust funds by imposing an additional net investment income tax on those earning more than $400,000 a year. A fact sheet on the Social Security 2100 Act can be found here

ACTION ON HOUSE MILCON/VA BILL STARTS AND STOPS

The House Military Construction-VA Appropriations Subcommittee recently approved its version of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON/VA) funding bill for fiscal year 2024. The bill seeks more than $152 billion for VA’s discretionary programs, including $138.6 billion for VA health care. The draft bill provides roughly $14.7 billion less than the Administration’s request for the Toxic Exposures Fund but appears to have restored much of that funding elsewhere in the proposal. It also falls short of what the Independent Budget was seeking for Medical and Prosthetic Research, VA Construction, and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. In late May, consideration of the bill by the full House Appropriations Committee was paused due to the debt ceiling negotiations. The deal subsequently reached by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (RCA) and President Biden would ensure that VA’s budget is not harmed by funding reductions. Assuming that bill passes, the House Appropriations Committee will need to again take up the MILCON/VA bill for further action.

One-Year Anniversary of the MAMMO Act

June 7 will mark the one-year anniversary for the passage of the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options Act (MAMMO) Act, which PVA championed in the last session of Congress. The MAMMO Act expanded access to high-quality breast cancer screenings and treatments for veterans. MAMMO also increased partnerships through the National Cancer Institute for access to clinical trials.

VA has made several advances in implementing MAMMO:

• Launched the first of five sites at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center in May 2023 as part of a three-year pilot program for patients to have their screening mammogram at their local VA clinic and interpreted by a breast radiologist at another location.

• Reached the final stages of upgrading all mammography technology to state-of-the-art, three-dimensional digital breast imaging.

• Developed a data dashboard to monitor breast cancer screening rates of veterans with paralysis, spinal cord injury, and major limb loss.

VA providers and mammography programs manage screening programs and provide care coordination to assist patients in navigating the health care system and offer a variety of breast cancer resources and information.

House Committee Recognizes Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

On May 24, the House Committee on Small Business held a full committee hearing titled: “Saluting Service: Supporting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.”

The Committee focused on available resources and support for veteran entrepreneurs. Themes from the participants were burdensome application processes with the Small Business Administration, limited available information, and lack of available capital.

DOL Announces Theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and honor the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with its theme, “Advancing Access and Equity.” Each October, NDEAM highlights the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and the value of disability inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike. To celebrate the 1973 passage of the Rehabilitation Act, ODEP will use “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” to highlight the importance of this law in prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies, federal contractors, and recipients of federal funds. The Rehabilitation Act served as the model for the more comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act. More information about NDEAM is available here.

HEARINGS & SURVEYS

Upcoming Veterans’ Committee Activities

Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on upcoming hearings and markups.

NPRC Survey on Caregiving

The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) is conducting a confidential survey about the role of caregivers Caregivers play a critical role in the lives of thousands of people with paralysis, helping with essential daily activities that foster health and independence. The feedback from participants will help strengthen current caregiving resources and create new initiatives.

Please click here to begin the survey.

for Veterans and their loved ones

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, reach caring, trained responders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When you call the Veterans Crisis Line, here is what you can expect:

• A qualified responder will answer your call, ready to listen and help.

• The responder will ask a few questions, such as whether you or the Veteran you’re concerned about may be in immediate danger or at risk for suicide.

• The conversation is free and confidential, and you decide how much information to share.

• Support doesn’t end with your conversation. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need.

You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

Joey Krog

Chad Mickelson

Jan-Michael Denfeld

Janice Breth

Frank Nitek

Dennis Dahlien

David Morvari

Jeffrey McSorley

Allan Coenen

Leonard Curtiss

Dennis Main

Bruce Scott

John Jacobson

Donald Frisch

Thomas Larson

June June

Members

Donald Matthews

Charles Bloom

Damaris Wolter

Matthew Kurzhals

Seth Thomas

Michael Cavanaugh

Jose Garcia

Jeffery Diemert

Terry Lucas

Charlie Thompson

John Kritzeck

Sandy Nickelson

Jeanette Jones

Connie Henke

Donna Kaufmann

Samanth Wicks

David Stopke

Curtis Schultz

Thomas Boland

Thomas Moran

David Hallis

Jesse Gonzales

Robert Mickelson

John Longley

Bruce Henderson

Thomas Riewer

Ralph Biederman

Harold Duffield

Richard Cram

July July

Members

William Schiebler

Earnest Erickson

John Schnieder

Scott Buchan

John Haw

Thomas Tucek

Donald Demuth

Kris Hallis

Michael Lewis

Cynthia Fjerstad

Robert Armstong

Doug Lindman

Doris Lent

Summer

Barbeque

Baseball

Beach

Bonefire

Cabin

Camping Family Fishing

Hamburgers

Ice Cream

Lemonade

Mosquito

Patio

Peaches

Picnic

Playground Pool

Popsicles

Sandles

Shorts

Sprinklers

Strawberries

Sundress

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

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Sunshine

Swimming

Vacation

Watermelon