MNPVA North Star Bullet - May 2023

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Minnesota Chapter

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

Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison

Associate Editor: Lauren Catlin

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

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. Electronic

President's Post

Vicky Garrison Editorial

Happy May! This time of year is one of my favorites since I am not a fan of cold weather. For many, Spring ushers in a time of increased energy, a newfound love for nature, or perhaps an activity not yet tried. For me, Spring renews my appreciation of life. I am grateful for surviving another long winter and appreciate the chance to get out, be active, and meet new people. It's a time to remind myself that my disabilities don't dictate my choices, opportunities, or mindset. Decisions and happiness don't depend on whether one walks, uses a wheelchair, or spends much time in bed.

In retrospect, before my wheelchair use, my level of satisfaction still relied on the paths I chose to traverse rather than my disability. No matter our circumstances, we alone decide whether to sit and watch the world go by or step into life and engage in our passions. Today, I encourage everyone to follow their passions! Spring is sprung, and there is no better time than today!

We have many summer activities available and continue to plan more. We recently held our first Spring meeting in several years, bringing revived and new friendships along with many good ideas!

I encourage you to mark your calendars on August 1st or August 3rd as potential dates for our summer picnic more information to come next month.

What will ignite your activity flame? Please get in touch with us if you read the newsletter and nothing seems to suit the bill! Through our many connections with others in similar situations, we're happy to help connect you with something that will ignite that flame of activity!

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!

Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! Reimbursement includes the sporting events, and theater! Reimbursement includes the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for

MNPVA & Walk MS: Twin Cities

This year, MNPVA will proudly be sponsoring the parking area and shuttle service for Walk MS: Twin Cities! The event takes place on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 8 am until noon.

Participants are directed to park at the Minneapolis VA Center: One Veterans Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417. There will be shuttles to bring participants to and from Minnehaha Park for the event. Walk MS has 1- and 3-mile accessible routes available with volunteer support and Hydration Stations along the way!

The shuttles start at 7:30 am and go until 12:30 pm.

For more details and registration, visit Event Walk MS: Twin Cities Walk Details - National MS Society (donordrive.com).

Get your teams ready now and don’t forget to stop at the MNPVA tent to say hello!

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

By: SNSO Tami J Anderson

On January 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new Veterans Affairs Life Insurance, known as VALife. It provides low-cost coverage to only Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

The eligibility requirements are: (Age 80 or younger)

A veteran with a service-connected disability rating to include a 0% rating. There is no time limit to apply after receiving a service-connected disability rating decision.

For those veterans 81 and older, you must meet all of the following requirements:

You applied for VA disability compensation before turning 81 years old, and

You got your service-connected disability rating after you turned 81 years old, and

You apply for Veteran Affairs Life Insurance within 2 years of getting notified of your disability rating.

The benefits that you can get with VALife is up to $40,000 in whole life insurance coverage, in $10,000 increments. And a cash value that starts to add up 2 years after the VA approves the Veterans application. Whole life insurance is life insurance that pays a benefit on the death of the insurance and also accumulates a cash value.

The Department of Veterans Affairs states the “VALife is guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance.This means that if you meet the eligibility requirements for VALife, we’ll automatically approve your application, no need to prove you are in good health, and can keep the coverage for the rest of your life”.

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

A Veteran’s full life insurance coverage starts 2 years after you apply, and you must pay the premiums during those 2 years.

If a Veteran pass away during the 2-year waiting period, the VA will pay the Veterans beneficiaries the total amount of what the Veteran paid in premiums, plus interest. If a Veteran pass away after the 2-year waiting period, the beneficiary will receive the full coverage amount of the Veteran’s policy.

The Veteran’s premium will depend on their age when they apply and the amount of coverage a Veteran is requesting.The premium rate will NEVER increase during the life of the policy There are no premium waivers

If a Veteran currently has S-DVI (RH insurance) and the Veteran wants to change to the new VALife, you can apply immediately. If a Veteran applies for VALife by December 31, 2025, and has S-DVI (RH insurance), they can keep the RH insurance during the 2-year waiting period for the new VALife policy to take effect. The Veteran will have to pay premiums on both policies during this timeframe.

If a Veteran applies for VALife on or after January 1, 2026, and has RH insurance, it will end the day the VA approves the new VALife insurance application. Premiums will need to be paid during the 2-year period and a Veteran will not have full coverage during the 2 years.

For more information, contact the VA Life Insurance Center at 800-669-8477; hours are 8:30am to 6:00pm EST.

Spring Member Meeting

Thirty MNPVA members gathered to share delicious food from Villa Village, socialize, win door prizes, and hear updates about the chapter. MNPVA president, Vicky Garrison, presented upcoming Sports/Recreation activities like the Disabled Veteran Hunts, Trolling 4 Troops, afternoons at Northern Star Base Camp, and four local bowling groups. The group also discussed upcoming advocacy initiatives around the home health care shortage.

Janelle Gustafson joined us as a guest speaker from SCI/D Recreation Therapy, sharing about some of the activities that are possible for SCI/D patients.

"If there's something you want to do, let us know and we'll see how we can help you do it."

- Janelle Gustafson

Spring Member Meeting

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 - Thursday 8a 4pm, Friday - 8a - 1:30p

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 April puzzle winner....Nick Hofland!

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: 6/1/2023

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!!

John Hutterer

William Wilson

Jake Olson

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

Your tireless efforts help SCI-D veterans find the community and get connected with the resources they need. Everything we do happens because of you!

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, or to provide support at events and help with mailings. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office.

Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.

Marianne Williamson

Calendar at a Glance

May 7 MS Walk

May 18 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

May 29 Memorial Day

June 1 Deadline for Midwest Fishing Application

June 1-2 Trolling 4 Troops

June 7 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

June 20 Board Meeting

June 22 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

July 4 Independence Day

July 18 Board Meeting

July 4-9 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Aug 27- Sep 2 Midwest fishing Event

SSDI Ticket to Work Program

By Genia Hachenberg, MS, CRC, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with PVA Veterans Career Program

“I want to work but I don’t want to risk losing my Social Security benefits and then find out I can’t keep working.”

Over many years of working with clients, I can say most people want to be active and work rather work than being isolated at home I can also say they do not like the possibility of learning they are unable to work after the benefits stop.

Social Security has developed a program called Ticket to Work that offers protections (called Work Incentives) to encourage people to “test the waters” of employment. Below are three of the major Work Incentives:

What is a Trial Work Period?

During the first nine months that you return to work, you will continue to receive your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, even if you work more than the amount that Social Security considers "substantial gainful

activity," or SGA. SGA generally means that you are earning $1,310 or more per month in 2021. At the end of nine months of work, your trial work period is over and your benefits will stop if you are doing SGA.

You are entitled to nine trial work months during your trial work period, but a month doesn't count toward your nine months if you make less than $940 (gross) or if you work less than 80 hours per month in self-employment (regardless of the amount you earned).

(Continued next page)

Your nine trial work months don't need to be consecutive, so there can be gaps between the trial work months that count toward your nine-month limit.

What happens if I have a ‘bad’ month or two after the Trial Work Period?

After your trial work period is over, Social Security will decide if you are doing substantial gainful activity. If you are doing SGA, your benefits won't stop right away, and they won't be terminated permanently. Immediately after the ninth trial work period (TWP) month, you will enter a 36-month "extended period of eligibility," or "EPE," where you are entitled to special rules.

During the 36 consecutive months after your trial work period (your EPE), your eligibility to receive a monthly SSDI check is determined on a month-to-month basis. If you don't make above the SGA amount in a particular month, you can still get your SSDI check. If you do make over the SGA amount, you won't get a check for that month.

What happens I find myself unable to work at all after the Trial Work Period?

You can file an application for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) if your countable gross income falls below the SGA amount or stops altogether at any time within five years after your benefits ceased due to work activity. (After this five-year period is up, you must file a new application for benefits to re-enter the disability system.) If you file an application for expedited reinstatement, Social Security will pay you benefits for six months while the agency processes your application.

The odds are in your favor when you file an application for Expedited Reinstatement. Before denying your claim, Social Security must prove that you have medically improved enough to work since the last time you were receiving benefits.

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 Vikings Games drawings

Upcoming Twins Game Drawings

Includes two accessible great seats. Save your parking, snack, and non-alcoholic beverage receipts to request reimbursement from us. Bring a family member, friend or caregiver for the second seat! For ticket recipients who want to say thanks, share a photo with us!

Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James or call the office at 612-467-2263

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 are looking into starting a new group in the Mora area! 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.

at BETTER Lifeis Thelake

DON'T MDON'T MISSIT! ISSIT!

For those who love to fish and those who don't!

The Iowa and Minnesota Chapters of Paralyzed Veterans of America would like to invite you to participate in the 2023 Midwest PVA Fishing Event, August 27-September 2, 2023.

This week-long event will be held at the Veterans on the Lake Resort in Ely, Minnesota. Veterans on the Lake Resort was formed to create a recreational facility for disabled veterans to enjoy and continues to be a non-profit facility. It is nestled in the Superior National Forest adjacent to Fall Lake and has over 2,700 feet of shoreline. It offers fishing from boats, pontoons, and off the dock. (www veteransonthelakeresort org)

Other fun activities include Fish-fry, campfires, bags (corn hole), boccia, cards/games, swimming, and access to the local attractions. This event promotes rehabilitation by assisting physically challenged veterans with the chance to experience the sport of fishing along with networking and camaraderie. Fishing assistance is available to anyone who needs it. Participation in the Midwest PVA Fishing Event is open to all PVA members in good standing.

The Iowa and Minnesota Chapters will make all the arrangements at the resort for lodging and meals provided at no cost to you!

Watch for applications in your mailbox - spots are limited so apply early!!

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 2nd

• 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

2023 Minneapolis Veterans

Creative Arts Competition

See flyer for details

Basecamp:

Clinic will be from 3:00pm –5:00pm

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

y, April 20th• Thursda

Wednesrd• day, May 3

• Thursday, May 18th

• Wednesday, June 7th

• Thursday, June 22nd

Adaptive Cycling Clinic:

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

• Tuesday, May 2nd (Bike Fitting at the VA)

The fittings will be scheduled appointments

• Tuesday, June 6th (Location TBD)

• Tuesday, July 11th (Location TBD)

• Tuesday, August 8th(Location TBD)

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

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.

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

RESEARCH STUDY on how to improve sensation

and movement after a spinal cord injury...

Do you want to find out?

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

The Brain Body Mind Lab is recruiting participants with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury to compare the effect of Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation versus Remotely-delivered Exercise to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury. "This is not VA research. It will not be conducted by VA, has not been reviewed by VA's Institutional Review Board, and is not endorsed by VA VA is not responsible for any costs incurred by a Veteran if the Veteran enters the study as a research subject The announcement is being provided for information only " - expiration date 10/16/2024

•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

Home Health Care Shortage - Member Action Item

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 at 612-467-2263.

Vicky: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Tim: timvalentin@mnpva.org

Todd: toddkemery@mnpva.org

State Advocacy Watch

Minnesota Commander's Task Force Priorities

Pass a clean Veterans Omnibus Bill

Support the Hastings Veterans Home campus revitalization project

Support state funding to MDVA for prevention of veteran suicides

Amend the Post-9/11 Service Bonus

Provide a percentage-based change to Homestead Market Value Exclusion

Modify the definition of a veteran

Eliminate 2-year rule for DIC recipients

Reduce the cost of hunting, trapping and fishing licenses for disabled veterans

Eliminate vehicle registration fees for Gold Star spouses and children, as well as 100 percent disabled

Fix a property tax exemption regarding Gold Star families

Increase the monthly allowance given to sheltered homeless veterans

Work with MDVA to update the Personal Needs Allowance

National Advocacy Watch

Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act (H.R. 542/S. 141)

This important act would make urgently needed improvements to VA's home and community-based services (HCBS).

Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (H.R. 1267/S. 545)

Actions to improve passengers with disabilities' air travel experience.

Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act (S. 495).

The bill would allow eligible veterans much needed options for assisted living care through a pilot program. The program would be conducted at six Veteran Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) nationwide, two of which will be in rural areas and two State Veterans Homes.

Caring for Survivors Act (H.R. 1083/S. 414)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to qualified survivors of service members and veterans

Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282/S. 344)

This act would ensure that medically retired, combat-injured veterans are not subjected to an offset and that they are able to receive their full military retired pay as well as their Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation.

Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act (H.R. 671)

This act will protect people from retiring into poverty, ensure that benefits will enable beneficiaries to meet common expenses, and give benefits to students whose working parent has died, become disabled, or retired.

S. 10, the VA CAREERS Act.

VA staffing shortfalls continue to have a direct, adverse impact on the department's spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) system of care. Despite aggressive hiring practices during the pandemic and recent congressional approval to raise pay caps for key personnel, low staffing levels persist throughout the SCI/D system of care.

Washington Update

PRESIDENT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON INCREASING ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY CARE AND SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS

On April 18, the President signed an Executive Order (EO) titled, “Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers,” that included more than 50 directives to nearly every cabinet-level agency to expand access to affordable, high-quality care, and provide support for care workers and family caregivers. PVA’s National President Charles Brown was on stage with the President for the signing. Executive Director Carl Blake and Associate Executive Director for Government Relations Heather Ansley were also in attendance at the White House Rose Garden ceremony.

The EO directs the VA Secretary to consider expanding the existing Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program to all VA medical centers by the end of fiscal year 2024 and provide an implementation plan for this expansion by June 2023. VDC provides veterans with a budget to hire their own workers, which are often family members, to meet their daily needs to help them live at home or in their communities.

In addition to expanding VDC, VA was asked to consider piloting a new, self-directed care program in no fewer than five new sites that provides veterans with a budget for personal care assistance while reducing their administrative burdens related to managing the care. VA will also consider adding 75 new interdisciplinary teams to its Home-Based Primary Care program, which would

allow the Department to serve an additional 5,600 veterans in their homes.

In addition to the VA-related provisions, the EO contained a number of directives to other federal agencies to reduce the costs of child care and long-term care, enhance job quality for direct care workers, and offer training and technical assistance to support family caregivers, as well as professional direct support personnel. Among those actions were the following:

• The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) was asked to expand efforts to improve care workers’ access to health insurance; consider rulemaking to expand access to home and community-based services under Medicaid; provide guidance, technical assistance, and provider and resident education and rulemaking on nursing home staffing transparency to promote adequate staffing at nursing homes; consider new health care payment and service delivery models focused on dementia care that would include family caregiver supports such as respite care; and, with the Secretary of Labor, conduct a review and report by April 2024 on gaps in knowledge about the home and community-based workforce serving people with disabilities and older adults.

• The Secretary of Labor was also charged with conducting and publishing an analysis of early childhood and home care workers’ pay in comparison to the pay of other workers with similar levels of training and skill; issuing guidance to help states and localities conduct their own analyses of comparable pay rates for care workers in their respective jurisdictions; and issuing compliance assistance and best practices materials to promote fair workplaces and ensure the parties know their rights and responsibilities.

• HHS, Labor, and Education were asked to expand training pathways and professional learning opportunities to increase job quality, improve quality of care, and attract new entrants into the care workforce.

• The Treasury Department and Commerce Department were tasked with conducting outreach on federal resources available to assist small businesses in offering retirement plans, including a per-employee credit of up to $1,000, to ensure that the care workforce, including individuals and small businesses, are aware of federal retirement assistance for which they may be eligible.

• The Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) was encouraged to publish a guide on how individuals in the care workforce may start and sustainably operate care businesses locally and through SBA programming.

• The Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was asked to issue guidance addressing financial institution practices that may increase the burden on the care workforce, discourage their work, and adversely impact their financial well-being.

• The Secretary of Agriculture was directed to use the Rural Partners Network and issue guidance with HHS promoting opportunities to increase

access to child care and long-term care in rural and Tribal communities.

The EO also asked agencies overseeing federally-assisted projects to identify and issue guidance on funds that can be used for child care and long-term care to support workers being trained for and working on those federally funded initiatives. Agencies are to consider asking applicants for federal job-creation or workforce development funds to offer affordable and reliable child care and long-term care for workers carrying out federally-assisted projects and consider giving preference to applicants that use the funds for this purpose. You can read the EO in its entirety here

SENATE ATTEMPT TO PASS HCBS BILL FALTERS

A Senate attempt to move forward a legislative package that included much of the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (S. 141) faltered when the chamber failed to obtain the necessary 60 votes. Voting occurred largely along party lines with 41 Republican Senators and 1 Democratic Senator opposing the measure. The complete results of the vote can be viewed here

In mid-February, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee advanced all but one provision of the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which makes sweeping changes to the way VA delivers home and community-based services to veterans. The approved language would, among other things, expand the Veteran Directed Care and similar programs to all VA medical centers, create a pilot program to provide home health aide services for veterans that reside in communities with a shortage of home health aides; and require VA to establish a warm handoff process for veterans and caregivers who are discharged from or are ineligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

The approved language was rolled into a legislative package as an amendment to S. 326, which renamed that bill the Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 2023. The legislative package also includes language allowing VA to conduct and support research on the efficacy and safety of using cannabis to treat veterans with certain conditions, as well as other provisions that

would bolster mental health care for both veterans and their caregivers.

Much of the opposition to the bill stems from provisions that would have allowed VA to research the effectiveness of using cannabis. There is a growing body of evidence that cannabinoids are useful for treating conditions like chronic pain, and PVA supports VA research into the efficacy of its use.

The Senate Majority Leader switched his vote from “yea” to “nay” at the last minute, so he could preserve his right to call the bill to the floor again at a later date. In the coming days, PVA will be working with congressional staff to garner additional support for the bill, and we fully anticipate there will be another attempt to advance it in the near future.

Please contact your Senators and urge them to support the Veterans Programs Improvement Act.

PVA ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO CONSIDERATION OF DEBT LIMIT LEGISLATION IN THE HOUSE

On April 26, PVA issued a statement in light of the House’s consideration of the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023. This legislation would reduce spending across the federal government by returning to fiscal year (FY) 2022 spending levels for FY 2024 and limiting future growth. In exchange for these reductions and targeted rescissions, the federal debt limit would be raised until March 2024. Although we have received assurances from some Republican leaders, including House Veterans’ Affairs Chair Mike Bost (R-IL), that veterans’ funding will not be a target of these cuts, the pending legislation provides no specific protections for the services and supports PVA members and their families depend on. The bill narrowly passed the House. Next steps are uncertain.

PVA continues to believe that efforts to address the federal deficit must provide concrete protections for veterans, their families, and caregivers, which means explicit direction that VA’s budget will not suffer significant cuts. We also urge Congress to remember that veterans with significant disabilities depend upon

many other federal services and supports outside of the VA that protect their disability civil rights, employment support, affordable accessible housing, as well as provide benefits that help their families and caregivers.

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOLDS LEGISLATIVE HEARING

On April 26, PVA submitted a statement for the record to a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee legislative hearing. The bills up for consideration included a PVAsupported bill, the Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 (S. 414), which would index the rate of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments to 55 percent of a 100 percent service-disabled veteran with a spouse to achieve parity with similar compensation federal employees’ survivors receive. Other bills included legislation to establish an Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration at VA and protect veterans from companies that charge veterans for guiding them through the VA’s claims process.

Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the Caring for Survivors Act.

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER

On April 18, the House Veterans’ Affairs, Health Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “Combatting a Crisis: Providing Veterans Access to Life-Saving Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment.” VA testified during the first witness panel. Testifying for VA was Dr. Tamara Campbell, Executive Director of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Dr. Sachin Yende, Chief Medical Officer for the Office of Integrated Veteran Care. Representing the Office of Inspector General was Dr. Julie Kroviak. The second panel had several organizations that testified on behalf of veterans: Executive Director and Owner of Miramar Health, Thomas Sauer; Daniel Elkins, Independence Fund; and Jen Silva, Wounded Warrior Project

The Subcommittee questioned the VA about wait times for veterans in crisis, demanding that VA do better to

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ensure that veterans are able to access timely care when needed. VA has limited residential substance abuse programs, which impedes their ability to enroll veterans quickly. The maximum standard for enrollment is currently 30 days and Subcommittee members are not satisfied with that timeline. Several members also questioned VA’s coordination with community care alternatives for residential treatment. VA pushed back highlighting the various options they provide for treatment including out-patient care; apps; and the peer support network made up of veterans who struggled with substance use disorder.

The second panel stressed that the veterans they represent struggle to receive timely enrollment in necessary programs aimed at substance use disorder within the VA. They also highlighted several barriers for veterans who could find treatment within the community and demanded that VA improve the coordination with community care to get veterans enrolled in treatment programs as quickly as possible. They further stressed that residential rehabilitation care has different MISSION Act eligibility criteria than other specialty care, which they urge the Subcommittee to address.

RECORD

On April 21, the VA announced that future deployments of the new Electronic Health Record (EHR) will be halted while they prioritize improvements at the five sites that currently use the new EHR, as part of a larger program reset.

During this reset, VA will fix the issues with the EHR that were identified during the recent “assess and address” period, continue to listen to veterans and clinicians about their experience with the EHR, and redirect resources to focus on optimizing the EHR at the sites where it is currently in use: Spokane VA Health Care System, VA Walla Walla Health Care, Roseburg VA Health Care System, VA Southern Oregon Health Care, and VA Central Ohio Health Care System. Additional deployments will not be scheduled until VA is confident

that the new EHR is highly functioning at current sites and ready for expansion to new sites.

VA’s decision follows an April 19 House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee hearing on several pieces of legislation targeted at VA’s EHR. One of the bills considered would terminate the EHR Modernization Program.

NEWS OF NOTE

VA Under Secretary for Benefits Confirmed

On April 26, the Senate confirmed Joshua Jacobs to be VA’s next Under Secretary for Benefits, marking the first time since 2014 that the Department has a confirmed Under Secretary for each of VA’s Administrations: Benefits, Health, and Memorial Affairs. Mr. Jacobs has been serving as the acting VA Under Secretary for Benefits since last July.

PVA Serves as Panelist on Accessible Air Travel

On April 27, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations Heather Ansley participated in a panel on the importance of accessible transportation, including safe and dignified air travel for passengers with disabilities, at the Easterseals Policy and Partnership Forum at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event was moderated by MSNBC’s Symone Sanders and featured officials from the Department of Labor and the Department of Transportation, as well as prominent members of the disability community, including Dr. Rory Cooper, founding director and VA senior research career scientist of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories and PVA member. The event followed the release of a new report titled, “State of Disability Equity and Access,” which highlights the most pressing issues and solutions to ensure disability equity across the United States.

VA RESETS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH

HEARINGS & MARKUPS

Upcoming Veterans’ Committee Activities

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

How to save the Veterans Crisis Line number in your phone

You never know when a crisis may happen. There are simple steps you can take to be prepared. Find instructions below to save the new Veterans Crisis Line number—Dial 988 then Press 1 as a contact in your iOS or Android phone.

iOS

1 Navigate to the Phone app.

2 Tap the “Contacts” button at the bottom, and then tap the “+” button in the top-right corner to add a new contact.

3 Name the contact Veterans Crisis Line.

4 Tap the “add phone” button.

5 Type 988 on the keypad, then tap “+*#” in the lower left corner of the keypad.

6 Tap the “pause” button on the keypad and then type 1.

7 Tap the “Done” button in the top-right corner to save the contact.

8 When you use this contact, your phone will automatically route you to the Veterans Crisis Line.

ANDROID

1 Navigate to the Contacts app.

2 Use the “+” to add a contact.

3 Name the contact Veterans Crisis Line.

4 Type 988 in the phone number input.

5 Add a pause and then type 1. Adding a pause may appear differently on different phones. Options include:

• Typing in a comma

• Clicking on a pause button directly on the phone number input (this may be displayed as “two-second pause”)

• Opening a menu by clicking three vertical dots to find the pause button

6 Click “Save” to save your contact.

7 When you use this contact, your phone will automatically route you to the Veterans Crisis Line.

Note: Manufacturer settings can cause slight variations in your phone’s contacts app. The above instructions should work for most cell phones. If further assistance is needed, contact your phone manufacturer’s customer support.

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Please help us keep our membership list up to date. Contact the office if you have recently moved, updated your phone number, or email address. This ensures our ability to pass on the latest news to our members. Remember, any updates you may make with the VA are not shared with us. office@mnpva.org