Paralyzed Veterans of America
Minnesota Chapter
Seth Thomas (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice-President)
Linda Hooker (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Rob York Board of Directors
Vicky Garrison (Immediate Past President)
John Novicki
Ron James
Jose Garcia
612-467-2263
office@mnpva.org
National Service Officers Chapter Staff
Ginny Grabowski
Office Assistant
612-467-2263
MS Contact
Sarah Little Executive Director 612-699-8551
Rob York - robyork@mnpva.org
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Little
Assistant Editor: Ginny Grabowski North Star Bullet
Volunteer Coordinator
Ginny Grabowski
Mission
Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeteransof America(PVA)isanationalorganization dedicatedtoservingformermembersofthe U.S.ArmedForceswhohavesuffered catastrophicparalysisasaresultofspinal cordinjuryordisease.ByPubliclaw92-93 (1971),theU.S.CongresscharteredPVA.
Jason Stephenson
Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org
Tami Anderson
Sr National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 tamiA@pva.org
Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program
Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609
jamesA@pva.org
Todd Kemery National Director
612-467-2263 toddkemery@mnpva.org
President's Post
Seth Thomas Editorial
As I am writing, I can't believe the speed at which the summer days are passing. Before long, we will be seeing leaves change and feel the cold creep in. Though the days are passing fast, the chapter has been making the most of our time with events and activities, which we also expect to continue with upcoming events. The latest event (the annual Ely fishing trip) was a major success, with plenty of fish caught and memorable times experienced. The next chance to make memorable moments will be the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. As I'm sure everyone is aware, the games are being held in Minneapolis this year. Even if you aren't participating in any events, I strongly encourage you to stop by and see what they're all about. It might tickle some inspiration to consider participation next year. To all our members actively participating, the board looks forward to seeing you all there and hopes you have wonderful experiences, which we know are possible and present. Safe travels on your commute, and be open to experiences that may open doors or reveal perspectives you didn't know were possible.
"YOUR AIM SPECIFIES THE LANDSCAPE OF YOUR PERCEPTIONS"
-JORDAN B. PETERSON
WHAT TO DO WHEN HAVING TO GO TO A NON-VA EMERGENCY ROOM
Jason Stephenson
I realize this subject was in a previous newsletter, but with the wheelchair games, I thought it would be good to add it again. Please also keep this in mind with fellow competitors and attendees who may need this information, who may belong to another chapter, or be from out of state. 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 to an emergency room… go! The VA must be contacted within 72 hours of when you arrive at the emergency room. The contact number to the 24-hour emergency hotline is 1-844724-7842. Understandably, your condition may preclude you from being able to call; however, please have your spouse or family member call, or have one of the staff members at the emergency room call.
After contacting the 24-hour emergency hotline, they will create a system contact that alerts your primary VA hospital and establishes a record for the private emergency room’s billing office to work with the VA on payment.
There are two instances where the VA will authorize a payment for non-VA emergency room care, both of which are found under 38 United States Code 1725 and 38 United States Code 1728. Under 1725, if a veteran is enrolled in the VA, 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.
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. Their address to provide to the billing department is:
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 a “request for authorization under not having insurance or being 100% service-connected, or for a service-connected condition.
We understand the stress involved in receiving an emergency room bill, as we feel it too when a member contacts us. The above should establish reassurance. If you do have questions or need assistance, please contact me at 612-629-7022.
“THE SMALLEST ACT OF KINDNESS IS WORTH MORE THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION.”
-Oscar Wilde
VAOCC
MS Coordinator MS Coordinator
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!
If you have MS (or know someone who does) and have any questions about MNPVA, please contact our office or our MS Coordinator, Rob York (robyork@mnpva.org).
All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!
Volunteer Coordinator/Opportunities
Please reach out to Ginny to find out how you can join the team of valuable volunteers serving SCI/D veterans. We can always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, sewing, IT assistance or to provide support at events.
Contact our office if you would like to volunteer at our booth for Military Appreciation Day August 26 , 2025. th
2025 Midwest Fishing Event
MNPVA had so much fun in Ely, MN, with the Iowa Chapter! THANK YOU to all those who helped make this event happen.
From the fish caught during the week, we held a fish fry. For those who wished to participate, we had a bakeoff. The yummy treats were provided for dessert at the fish fry.
Every year there is a fishing tournament. Congrats this year to Christina Baurichter and Tim Valentin for their wins!
On Tuesday, participants could sign up for a cornhole tournament, and on Wednesday, a boccia tournament was held.
On Tuesday the ladies were treated to a luncheon at the Boathouse. Many continued the afternoon with some shopping in Ely.
There is always plenty of other things to do besides fishing. One of the nights participants could paint lures and rocks.
Monday we visited the North American Bear Center followed by the International Wolf Center. The wolf center had a couple of 10 week old pups that we were able to see up close!
We had an amazing spot for the 4 of July parade. It was hot, but we came prepared, were provided water and shade, and the participants had a blast! Thanks to all who made it such a great experience.
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!
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 1:30pm
Phone or Voicemail
Office Phone
612-467-2263
Office Assistant: ginnygrabowski@mnpva.org
Executive Director: sarahlittle@mnpva.org
President: seththomas@mnpva.org
Call or Text
Executive Director (Sarah)
612-699-8551
President (Seth)
320-390-0219
Facebook: @MinnesotaPVA
Instagram: pva.mn
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993
Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.
Puzzle Lovers!
Congratulations to our May puzzle winner, Dale Tyson. Could you use a $25 Gift Card? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture 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: 08/15/2025.
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!
Please call the office at 612-467-2263 for details. We'd love to see you!!
“HARD THINGS WILL HAPPEN TO US. WE WILL RECOVER. WE WILL LEARN FROM IT. WE WILL GROW MORE RESILIENT BECAUSE OF IT.”
-Taylor Swift
Advocacy and Legislative Week in Washington D.C. - June 2025
Vice President, Tim Valentin, and Executive Director, Sarah Little, hit the Hill this June. The week was filled with meeting with multiple Congresspeople, informative seminars, and a nice rooftop reception at the National PVA office.
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Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning! This popular event is open to inpatients, outpatients, family, and caregivers. 4:00 PM 4:00 PM
Next Date: 07/30/2025, 08/27/2025
July 15July 22
Calendar at a Glance
National Veterans Wheelchair Games - Minneapolis - OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
July 30 SCI/D Education Night
Aug 26
Military Appreciation Day @ the State Fair
Sept 1 Labor Day - OFFICE CLOSED
Sept 14 Camp Ripley Open House
Keep an eye out for our Annual Picnic Date (to be scheduled in September)
Activity Reimbursement Activity Reimbursement Activity Reimbursement
Stay Active!
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! concerts, sporting events, and theater!
Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for
MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. Contact the Contact the office for a more information or reimbursment form. office for a more information or reimbursment form.
Please note: FY24-25 shall not exceed $750/member. Availability of funds are subject to change at anytime. Reimbursement amount is set each year in October by the Board of Directors based on budget.
Itemized receipts are required and must be accompanied by a signed reimbursement request form. Reimbursement request forms must be received within 30 days for payment. Some restrictions apply. Participation as an athlete may be covered differently. Please contact the office ahead of time to request assistance and information.
“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE WORD ITSELF SAYS ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’”
-Audrey Hepburn
MNPVA Members Sports Tickets
Includes two great accessible seats. Save your itemized parking, food, 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! Tickets are drawn and awarded about ten days before each game.
Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James, at 218-252-8035 or call the office at 612-467-2263
Upcoming Twins Games
Nationals 7/25 at 7:10 PM
Nationals 7/26 at 6:10 PM
Nationals 7/27 at 1:10 PM
Red Sox 7/28 at 6:40 PM
Red Sox 7/29 at 6:40 PM
Red Sox 7/30 at 12:10 PM
Royals 8/8 at 7:10 PM
Royals 8/9 at 6:10 PM
Royals 8/10 at 12:05 PM
Tigers 8/14 at 6:40 PM
Tigers 8/15 at 7:10 PM
Tigers 8/16 at 6:15 PM
Tigers 8/17 at 1:10 PM *More games in August and Septmeber*
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:
Tuesdays at 11:30am
McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes 590 Humboldt Dr Big Lake, MN
Fridays at 11:30am
Split Rocks Bowling 5063 273rd St Wyoming, MN 55092
OR
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.
If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and would like to join a more local bowling group, let us know! We're looking into starting a group in the Bloomington area.
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.
Opportunities for Participation in Research
Research Corner
Discover ongoing research in our community aimed at enhancing life quality for individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. Each study includes contact info, inclusion criteria, and status. MNPVA invites you to review these opportunities, contact the researchers with queries, and discuss with your physician if they suit you. Thanks to the amazing local researchers for their vital work in the SCI/D field!
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
“SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL; IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.”
-Winston S. Churchill
VA Research Study seeking veterans with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs and who use a lift to transfer to their wheelchair.
The purpose of this research study is to assess and refine our CMAP system (Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure), a seated pressure mapping system. Participation will last about 4 weeks.
Participants must have a smartphone and a home wifi connection.
Participants will use a pressure mapping device in their wheelchairs at home – this device sends seating information to a research therapist who will monitor activity and make recommendations for pressure injury prevention.
Participants will complete surveys and participate in interviews. The study provides up to $100 compensation to participants.
The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Byron Eddy. Anyone interested can call the study coordinator at 612-467-4806.
REAL CHANGE, ENDURING CHANGE, HAPPENS ONE STEP AT A TIME.”
-Ruth
Bader Ginsburg
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of a standing wheelchair that provides mobility while standing. We will assess how much participants use this device, what they can do with it, and any impact on health and quality of life.
We are looking for volunteers who meet the following criteria:
•
• Spinal cord injury (SCI) or stable spinal cord disorder/dysfunction (SCD)
Greater than 6 months post-injury (SCI) or post diagnosis (SCD)
•Manual wheelchair user
•
• •
•
•
Sufficient hand & arm function to operate manual standing wheelchair
Unable to stand independently without support
Body weight below 275 lbs
Age 18 or older
Not involved in another study related to mobility
This study involves completing study visits at the Minneapolis VA for assessments and training followed by taking a device home for 2 months.
This study is open only to Veterans
HelpShape SpinalCordInjury Research
Join the NIH Happiness study for a research focus group. Share your insights to improve spinal cord injury research!
We want to learn about the benefits and challenges of practicing Qigong, a mindful movement program that might help reduce nerve pain for people with spinal cord injuries.
Participants will share their thoughts in a 90-minute virtual (Zoom) focus group. $50 compensation is provided. Wearelookingfor: This
Adults (18+) with spinal cord injuries (SCI) for at least 1 year
Caregivers for adults with SCI
Healthcare personnel for adults with SCI
Other stakeholders in the SCI community
Washington Update
Check out the PVAction Force page to view legislative campaigns and a list of key legislation.
PVA PRESENTS ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOTEL ACCESSIBILITY AT THE NATIONAL ADA SYMPOSIUM
On July 17-18, Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley and Advocacy Attorney Anthonya James presented on transportation and hotel accessibility at the National ADA Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia. The National ADA Symposium is a comprehensive conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Symposium is an initiative of the ADA National Network and coordinated by the Great Plains ADA Center Over 80 sessions covering a wide variety of ADA topics, including accessible parks and recreation, venue accessibility, web accessibility, and accessible housing, were presented during the event.
Ms. Ansley and Ms. James presented two sessions at the Symposium. The first presentation, “Travel Barriers for Wheelchair Users – Hotels: The ADA, Best Practices and Advocacy,” discussed the accessibility barriers wheelchair users often encounter at hotels, as well as ADA requirements for accommodations, and how hotels can go above and beyond the minimum legal requirements. The other presentation, “The Future of Transportation: The Impact of Disability Accessibility and Equity,” discussed evolutions in transportation, new technology, revisions to old technology, and the effect of recent changes in Washington, DC, as well as the need to shift advocacy strategies.
The National ADA Network and the Great Plains ADA Center’s websites offer ADA webinars, resources on ADA topics, and technical assistance for answers to ADA questions.
PVA SUBMITS COMMENTS ON DOE’S DIRECT RULES
PVA recently submitted public comments in opposition to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) proposed direct final rules Rescinding New Construction Requirements Related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities and Rescinding Regulations Related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities (General Provisions) The direct final rules propose to eliminate critical systems ensuring physical access to facilities receiving DOE funds. These systems play an essential role in the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which protects disabled people from discrimination and includes “elimination of architectural barriers” as one of its central aims. If implemented, these final rules could lead to new construction that is inaccessible to people with disabilities, and upend decades of reliance on established accessibility standards, creating conflicts with other statutory and regulatory standards.
The proposed rules would go into effect on July 15, unless significant adverse comments were received by June 16. Significant adverse comments are those that
oppose the rule and, alone or in combination, raise serious issues with each of its key justifications issues serious enough to require a detailed response
PVA’s comments expressed our concerns about the proposed rules and urged DOE to withdraw them. The comments detailed how the rules are procedurally unlawful because direct final rulemaking is reserved for the promulgation of routine and non-controversial rules. The comments also discuss the history and importance of the rules DOE is trying to eliminate and how Congress has repeatedly and consistently recognized the need for design standards to ensure access for disabled people and consistency for federal funding recipients. PVA will continue to monitor the status of this rulemaking.
HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARING EXAMINES VETERANS LEGISLATION
On June 24, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, met to examine nearly a dozen bills impacting the availability of benefits for veterans. In a statement for the record, PVA strongly endorsed the Caring for Survivors Act (H.R. 2055), which would increase the amount of VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to an amount equal to 55 percent of the compensation received by a 100 percent servicedisabled veteran with a spouse. This change would bring the benefit in line with the standard for survivors of federal employees. The bill would also reduce the timeframe a veteran needed to be rated totally disabled from 10 to five years. Current law restricts the DIC benefit for survivors if the veteran was rated at 100 percent for less than ten years before his or her death. The reforms included in the Caring for Survivors Act would allow greater numbers of survivors to benefit from this important program.
We also supported the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act (H.R. 3123), which would allow the VA to award entitlement to accrued pension benefits to the surviving family members of veterans who were awarded entitlement but who died before their benefits were paid. In many cases, accrued benefits can be paid to surviving family members in DIC claims. We believe
that it makes sense that the VA treats Non-Service Connected (NSC) Pension claims the same. Additionally, veterans who are eligible for NSC Pension benefits are at the poverty level, so these funds could be critical to helping the surviving family members.
Finally, the Veterans Health Administration currently lacks an integrated system to manage applications and appeals pertaining to its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). As a result, medical records and patient documents are scattered across multiple platforms, many of which are not accessible to all VA staff involved in the process. This creates delays, confusion, and unjust denials, particularly during appeals, which can take years to resolve. Also, some of our members receive care from outside providers that could be relevant to their PCAFC application; thus, capturing this information is extremely desirable.
PVA supported the Veterans’ Caregivers Appeals Modernization Act (H.R. 3833), which seeks to create a single system where medical records, including those from providers outside of VA, PCAFC applications, PCAFC assessments, and Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team decisions through all levels of appeals would be kept. This would give all interested parties access to the complete information for each veteran and caregiver through a single records system. Such a move is way overdue and might be achievable by leveraging VA’s existing systems versus creating or procuring a new product. The bill also clarifies deadlines to file an appeal and allows caregivers to be eligible for past-due caregiver stipends, if the caregiver application is eventually granted on appeal, including in cases where the veteran dies during the pendency of the appeal.
A recording of the hearing and relevant documents, including PVA’s statement for the record in its entirety, can be found here.
SENATE A
PPROPRIATIONS
COMMITTEE LOOKS AT PROPOSED VA FUNDING NUMBERS
VA Secretary Doug Collins testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs on June 24 to discuss the Administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget request. To quickly recap, the Administration requested a total of $441.3 billion for the department. Roughly $134.6 billion of that amount would come from discretionary spending. That coupled with $52.7 billion in mandatory spending for the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) would give VA $187.2 billion for its operational needs in the next fiscal year which begins on October 1, 2025.
Secretary Collins told the subcommittee his goals for the VA are the same as any veterans service organization and those who have served: easy and good access; quality facilities; and excellent and efficient use of taxpayer dollars. When asked about the accuracy of the department’s projected needs, he told Subcommittee Chairman, Senator John Boozman (R-AR), that they are keeping a close eye on what is happening with the department’s funding to ensure there won’t be a need to request supplemental funding later in the year. He said their projected numbers and assumptions were “solid,” and assured the committee that VA is where it needs to be.
Ranking Member Jon Ossoff (D-GA) asked how much of the medical services request would be allocated for personnel and how many people he intends to employ through these accounts. Secretary Collins said there are currently 465,000 VA employees, of which 409,000 are in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). He intends to bring the latter number down slightly to 396,000 employees, but they are not cutting any physicians. He said they would probably be hiring even more and promised to provide subcommittee members with more details later in the week.
In an exchange with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the secretary said the implementation of 51 pilot projects under the Elizabeth Dole Act is on track and 10 have not been fully implemented. Also, nine of them are behind schedule due to funding challenges, and a couple have not yet started. Other topics were discussed, including the need to change how the VA approaches new construction, the possibility of a large reduction in force, and the department’s ongoing effort to implement a new electronic health record.
You can view a recording of the hearing and read the secretary’s written statement here
PVA JOINS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON VA’S HOME LOAN PROGRAM
On June 26, PVA participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Minority focused on the VA’s Home Loan Guarantee Program. Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) convened several veterans service organizations (VSO) and industry professionals to discuss ways to increase awareness of the Home Loan Program, ensuring sustainability of this critical benefit, as well as ways to help the tens of thousands of veterans currently facing mortgage foreclosure. The VA ended its partial claims program in 2022 and the VA Servicing Purchase Program earlier this year.
Organizations joining the discussion included the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, and the Housing Policy Council. The conversation centered on veterans’ needs and ways in which the industry representatives in attendance, in coordination with VSOs, could improve the housing situation for veterans. PVA stressed the need for increased awareness in finding suitable homes that can be modified in a high interest and high-cost market, as well as the need for increased transparency and engagement from VA around the highest needs veterans when it comes to foreclosures.
NEWS OF NOTE
Under Secretary for Benefits Nominee Announced
Karen Brazell, who is currently serving as a senior adviser to VA Secretary Doug Collins, has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Veterans Benefits Administration. As the Under Secretary for Benefits, she would be responsible for the administration of benefits provided by the department to veterans and dependents, including compensation, pension, education, home loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, and life insurance. Ms. Brazell worked at
the VA during the first Trump administration as an acting assistant secretary for the VA Office of Enterprise Integration and as the VA's chief acquisition officer, where she was responsible for 1,700 employees and a budget of $30 billion. She must be confirmed by the Senate prior to assuming the position. A confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled.
DOT Announces Delay in Taking Enforcement Action Against Airlines Under the Wheelchair Rule
On June 2, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a notification of enforcement discretion. In the notification, DOT stated that it will continue to exercise its enforcement discretion and not enforce the “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs” before August 1, 2025. Previously, DOT announced that it would exercise its enforcement discretion and not enforce the rule until March 20, 2025. DOT attributes the date change to the need to have additional time for the officials appointed or designated by the president to review the final rule to ensure that it is consistent with the law. The department also states that it will consider the issues raised in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of major U.S. airlines to block the final rule. PVA has intervened in the case, which is now being held in abeyance, while DOT reviews the final rule.
ADVOCACY & COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
PVA Member Advocacy Toolkit Now Available
PVA recently released an advocacy toolkit designed to empower individuals, regardless of experience level, with resources and guidance to effectively advocate. By sharing personal stories and engaging in meaningful conversations, PVA member advocates can drive meaningful change, locally and nationally, while shaping a better future. To view the toolkit, click here.
Veterans’ Committee Activities
Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on previous and upcoming hearings and markups.
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Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25 gift card.
