Paralyzed Veterans of America
Minnesota Chapter
Board of Directors
Seth Thomas (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice-President)
Linda Hooker (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Vicky Garrison (Immediate Past President)
John Novicki Ron James
Bruce Henderson
Jose Garcia
office@mnpva.org
National Service Officers Chapter Staff
Ginny Grabowski
MS Contact
Rob York
Ginny
Mission
Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheU.S.ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA. 1
Spring is finally upon us! Although it wasn't the worst winter we have seen in Minnesota, it is always nice to have warmer temperatures. With spring, it seems to always bring feelings of excitement and anticipation for everything we have planned in the upcoming months. Not only should we be excited about what we have planned in all of our personal lives, but also within the community and events of our chapter.
With Minnesota being the host chapter for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) this year, the excitement and anticipation grow each day. To everyone who has signed up or is thinking of signing up, don’t forget to practice for your events. For those of our members who have not had the privilege of participating in previous NVWG, I strongly encourage you to consider signing up to experience all it has to offer. Whether it be trying something new, challenging yourself, or surrounding yourself with the comradery we once knew during our time of service the games have all that and much more to offer. With registration closing April 4th, there is still time to sign up. Aside from those participating, if any family, friends, or caregivers would be interested in volunteering, there is a volunteer form that can be filled out on the website.
Apart from the NVWG, some things to keep an eye out for in the upcoming months within the chapter is our basecamp (1-2 times/month), MS Walk (May 4th), fundraising events, and membership picnic. We look forward to seeing all of our valued members at some but hopefully all events. Healthy habits promote a healthy body which promotes more opportunity to participate in the events of life!
"LIFE’SAGARDEN,DIGIT." -JoeDirt
Update
Jason Stephenson
Veteran
Direct Care Program
The Veteran Direct Care program is a new program that is now available to veterans throughout VISN 23 which consists of Minnesota, parts of Western Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. This program now allows veterans regardless of age, regardless of service connected percentage, regardless of service connected and non-service connected the opportunity to receive Home and Community Based Services in what is considered a consumer-directed way.
What “consumer directed” refers to is the individual veteran controls the process of receiving services to include who he or she chooses to provide services, managing a budget for those services, and what services are required. The program is designed to move away from a service agency dictating everything. Services under this program include the standard Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) to include transferring, bathing, toiletry, dressing, etc. but are also expanded to include grocery shopping, meal prepping, housework, and possible yard work as examples.
As stated above, this program is based on need and is designed to enhance independence and where being service connected or not, or being a certain service connected percentage is a requisite; it is not. The requisite is do you have a medical justification for this program and are you a candidate for community care?
To apply, veterans need to contact their SCI Provider to have him or her enter a consult to Community Care for the Direct Care Program. Once that is received, a SW from Community Care will reach out to you to do an assessment as to what specific needs are being requested. Once this is approved, Community Care will then reach out to an agency in your geographical area to formulate a Care Plan. What the agency then does through back and forth with the veteran is to set up a spending budget for the veteran.
Also during the process of formulating a Care Plan with the administrative agency, the veteran can elect who he or she wants as their caregiver which can include someone from the agency or, in most cases, a family member. If a veteran elects a family member, the family member will be compensated from the allocated budget that is established. The actual compensation the family member receives comes from the agency who receives funds from the VA. The VA does not pay the veteran or caregiver directly. Care providers are expected to pay taxes for what they receive through this program. I highly encourage those who do not have family members receiving benefits through the Bowel and Bladder Program and the Program of Family Caregivers to take advantage of this program.
You can reach out to me at 612 629 7022 if you have questions. More than likely, I will have to reach out to community care for answers. I also encourage you to reach out to your SCI Social Worker for questions as well.
What is Veteran Directed Care?
Veteran Directed Care gives Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Based Services they need in a consumer-directed way. This program is for Veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. Examples include help with bathing, dressing, or fixing meals. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden.
Veterans in this program are given a budget for services that is managed by the Veteran or the Veteran’s representative. With the help of a counselor, Veterans hire their own workers to meet their daily needs to help them live at home or in their community.
We Have A New MS Coordinator!! We Have A New MS Coordinator!!
We want to welcome to the team, Rob York, our new MS Coordinator. Rob is an MNPVA member who graciously volunteered to accept this position. Rob’s lived experiences with MS and connections to the MS community make him perfect for this role. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the office or Rob. On behalf of the MNPVA, thank you, Rob!
All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!
PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. If you have MS or know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them! Have questions about MNPVA? Contact our office!
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.
“THE SMALLEST ACT OF KINDNESS IS WORTH MORE THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION.”
-Oscar Wilde
MembersCorner MembersCorner MembersCorner
Trip to Washington D.C. Linda Hooker, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Minnesota Chapter
Imagine my surprise when Todd Kemery, Tim Valentin, Karl Olson and myself were invited by the (PVA) National Headquarters to participate in the 2024 Veterans Day parade in Washington D.C. What an honor. For a few moments, I was jumping up and down in my head, of course, because neither I nor my walker could take that if I did it. I remembered the last time I had been to D.C. when I was on a school bus trip which was a long time ago. Before you knew it, all my bags were packed, I’m ready to go and we’re leaving on a jet plane.
Once we arrived, I watched and learned from the experienced travelers, Todd, Tim and Karl, travel tips such as purchasing train passes, navigating turnstiles in power chairs, elevators which only take one chair at a time, and how to board the train in mere seconds. The first time we boarded, my husband, Bruce Hooker, was left behind with no ride, just dust, so he caught the next train. We popped up to street level (one at a time) and what a glorious sight. The buildings, architecture, and the granite masonry all seemed to be an art form in itself. We learned that buildings are limited to 14 stories due to the Federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910. Who knew? After an exciting day of planes, trains and power chairs (wheelchair in Todd’s case), we settled in at P.J. Clarke’s restaurant. This place was built in 1884 and was filled with history which they prominently display. The food was phenomenal. The best key lime pie, seriously. I’m a connoisseur of key lime pie, and this was the best ever.
On day two, our group convoyed toward the Veterans Day Parade staging area. We witnessed hundreds of years of American history, numerous museums and, of course, the Washington Monument. We located our designated parade space located between a very loud three-wheeler club and a Harley Davidson motorcycle group. It turned out we had hurried to wait -where have I heard that before? It worked out for the better as we spent our time wisely swapping business cards and chatting to like-minded groups, all dripping with patriotism. It was inspiring, and it turns out Karl and Todd are really good at the chatting part.
As we rolled onto the famous Constitution Boulevard, the parade organizers kept us away from the loud three-wheelers and had the Harley riders stay far back. We felt warmth from our own spotlight. Karl and I each held an end of the banner while steering our power chairs. It wasn’t as difficult as synchronized swimming, but we had some challenges. Everyone else was behind perfecting their parade wave. We were rock stars for over an hour as sincere adulation from the crowd overwhelmed us. After our tour of Constitution Boulevard, we arrived at the Octagon House in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood where President Madison stayed while the White House was being rebuilt after the British burned it down during the War of 1812. On the way back, we cruised by the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the Blair House where the Vice President resides and, of course, the White House. After a fulfilling day of pride and honor, we decided to fulfill our desire with some D.C. cuisine. My brother, Paul Sakaguchi, lives in Delaware, so he came down to visit his favorite sister. We all shared some great stories and great Italian food.
On day three, we sparked up the power chairs and headed to the WWII Memorial, the Korean Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial where we participated in the traditional laying of wreaths. There were thirty middle school kids representing their schools by winning local American Civics National Competitions. They spent almost an hour questioning all of us about our military service. We happily shared our experiences with them. It was enlightening to hear children so engaged in Civics and wanting to learn more - quite the ray of hope. We also had a lengthy conversation with Mrs. America and her family as well as the Girl Scouts who approached us, shook our hands and gave us homemade Veterans Day Thank You cards and, of course, some cookies. There were several WWII Vets in attendance with the youngest being 100 years old. One of these Vets fought in the Polish resistance and went on to become an American Citizen, joining the American Army. Another Vet was a pilot in WWII, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. And yet another Vet survived a Japanese prison camp. We were honored to meet all of them. I hope to encourage more people to honor these significant eras of military service. As time passes, the sacrifices of these heroes often go forgotten and crowds dwindle, especially at the Korean War Ceremony. The freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without them. On your next visit to our nation’s capital, visit as
many of these beautiful memorials as possible and pay your respects to these great warriors.
On day four, we figured it would be an uneventful trip home, but surprise, surprise. We learned that subway cars have air ride suspensions. When the cars are full, they drop to the platform level; when they are empty, there is a three-inch drop. I was carrying two pieces of luggage on my lap when I exited the subway car. When my front wheels hit the platform, my chair tipped forward. The luggage flew, with me flying right after it with the greatest of ease. I stuck the landing using the luggage as a gym mat as my husband raced toward me to help. Out of thin air came two “Women in Black”. No one saw where they came from. One of them pushed my husband out of the way and they took over the scene of the accident. My husband had to free my power chair from the train door so the train could carry on. Within moments, the women vanished. No one saw where they went, they just disappeared. I could hear Twilight Zone music playing in my head as we made our way to the terminal. What an awesome trip.
Spring Members Meeting Spring Members Meeting
Location: Monticello Community Center 505 Walnut St, Monticello, MN 55362
When: April 25 , 2025 th
Time: 12 PM - 2 PM We love getting together with our members.
Please RSVP by contacting the office.
Come enjoy a meal and meet with the Board of Directors and other PVA members.
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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 Assistant: sarahlittle@mnpva.org
President: seththomas@mnpva.org
Call or Text
Executive Assistant (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 January puzzle winner, Bradley Paulson. 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: 04/25/2025.
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
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: 04/30/2025
April 3
Calendar at a Glance
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
April 4
April 17
Registration Closes for National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
April 25 Spring Members Meeting
April 30 SCI/D Education Night
May 3
Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
May 4 Walk MS
May 8
May 28
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
SCI/D Education Night
Stay Active! Activity Reimbursement Activity Reimbursement Activity Reimbursement
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 communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! like 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, 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! 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 Wild Games
Stars 4/6 at 2 PM
Sharks 4/9 at 7 PM
Ducks 4/15 at 7 PM
Upcoming Twins Games
Astros 4/3 at 3:10 PM
Astros 4/5 at 1:10 PM
Astros 4/6 at 1:10 PM
Tigers 4/11 at 7:10 PM
Tigers 4/12 at 1:10 PM
Tigers 4/13 at 1:10 PM
Mets 4/14 at 6:40 PM
Mets 4/15 at 6:40 PM
Mets 4/16 at 12:10 PM
White Sox 4/22 at 6:40 PM
White Sox 4/23 at 6:40 PM
White Sox 4/24 at 12:10 PM
Angels 4/25 at 7:10 PM
Angels 4/26 at 1:10 PM
Angels 4/27 at 1:10 PM
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:
McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes
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.
Research Corner
Opportunities for Participation in Research
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 smart phone 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.
CONGRESS PASSES FULL-YEAR CR FOR FY 2025
On March 14, President Trump signed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968). This law funds the federal government through September 30. The continuing resolution (CR) includes an additional $6 billion for the VA’s Toxic Exposure Fund (TEF) to address the shortfall for VA health care for fiscal year (FY) 2025. However, the CR cuts $800 million from VA facility construction. In addition, the law cuts $859 million from the Department of Defense budget for the congressionally-directed medical research program, which will affect research related to spinal cord injuries and disorders, such as MS and ALS.
Although the bill includes VA’s advance appropriation for FY 2026, the bill did not include $22.8 billion in funding for the TEF. This sets up a potential shortfall in VA’s health care accounts in FY 2026. PVA will continue to closely monitor VA funding to highlight any deficiencies in funding for programs and services focused on paralyzed veterans.
PVA NATIONAL PRESIDENT ROBERT THOMAS, JR. TESTIFIES B
On March 4, PVA National President Robert Thomas, Jr.
testified before a joint session of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees regarding PVA’s public policy priorities. President Thomas stressed the importance of restoring VA’s specialized care services, which are in dire need of adequate funding and staffing, and the vital role that VA-provided care and lifesustaining research play in the lives of PVA members. He also unveiled PVA’s 2025 Policy Priorities, which will guide our advocacy efforts throughout the year. The two-panel hearing lasted nearly three hours. You can watch a recording of the hearing here. President Thomas’s oral statement begins at the 1:59:00 mark. His full written statement is located here.
While in Washington, D.C., President Thomas and other members of PVA’s Executive Committee met with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (DCA). During their visits, PVA leaders expressed concerns about the status of the VA’s spinal cord injuries and disorders system of care and the effects of current efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. PVA leaders also discussed the importance of long-term services and supports for veterans with catastrophic disabilities and the need for Congress to ensure proper implementation of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (P.L. 118-210)
On March 6, President Thomas, National Treasurer Tom Wheaton, and National Vice President Anne Robinson attended an event officially unveiling Capitol Hill’s first accessible drop off/pick up zone on the House side. PVA’s role in the creation of the zone was reiterated during the curb-side briefing that included Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI), Ranking Member Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Subcommittee on Modernization Chairwoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and leaders from the office of the Architect of the Capitol. CEO Carl Blake also participated in the event.
EO SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON PENDING LEGISLATION
The Economic Opportunity (EO) Subcommittee for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a pending legislation hearing on March 11. Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director, testified on behalf of PVA.
The bills discussed encompassed several pieces of legislation related to VA education benefits and the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, as well as H.R. 1364, the Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act, which was the biggest priority bill for PVA. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) and Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH).
The ASSIST Act provides a technical fix to the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022 (P.L. 117333), which allowed catastrophically disabled veterans to receive an additional auto grant and codified certain vehicle adaptations. The ASSIST Act will address issues related to VA approving necessary adaptations for veterans as part of the medical benefits package
You can watch the hearing here If you would like to express your support for the ASSIST Act, you can sign our PVAction Force alert here
HOUSE COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON WIOA
On March 5, the House Education and Workforce
Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing titled, “Strengthening WIOA (Work Innovation and Opportunity Act): Improving Outcomes for America’s Workforce.” Last Congress, there was broad bipartisan support for the reauthorization of WIOA, which provides career services to individuals looking to return to the workforce, or who are seeking additional training for new employment. While the reauthorization did not pass, efforts are continuing in this Congress to make improvements to WIOA.
The subcommittee discussed the need for improved data and transparency, how artificial intelligence might impact the labor market and overall workforce, and the need to make improvements around coordination with providers and local education providers.
You can watch the hearing here.
SVAC HOLDS LEGISLATIVE HEARING
On March 11, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) conducted a committee hearing to consider 15 pending pieces of legislation, including the PVAsupported Caring for Survivors Act (S. 611), Improving Veteran Access to Care Act (S. 601), Ensuring VetSuccess on Campus Act (S. 610), and the Love Lives on Act (S. 410) PVA submitted a statement for the record.
Representatives from the VA, The American Legion, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars testified during the hearing To watch the hearing, please click here.
HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS LEGISLATIVE HEARING
On March 11, the Health Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing on pending legislation. PVA submitted a statement for the record. The hearing addressed several pieces of health-related legislation, including the draft bill, the Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (SPORT) Act, which would add “adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities” to the statute governing which
equipment and aids that the VA is allowed to grant veterans
Also included in the hearing was H.R. 217, the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed or CHIP IN for Veterans Act The Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-294), often referred to as the “CHIP IN” Act, authorized the VA to carry out a pilot program under which it may accept up to five donations from nonfederal entities of existing facilities, land, or a facility to be constructed by the donor on real property of the VA. Increasing investment in VA’s infrastructure, particularly facilities that support specialized health care services, is a crucial priority for paralyzed veterans. PVA supports this bill, which would make the CHIP IN pilot program permanent, thus, increasing the availability of health care services to veterans.
You can watch the hearing here.
INTRODUCTION OF THE JUSTICE FOR ALS VETERANS ACT
On February 26, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) reintroduced the Justice for ALS Veterans Act in the Senate and the next day Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the ALS Caucus, reintroduced the bill in the House of Representatives. Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population, leading it to be a presumptive condition for all veterans regardless of where they served.
Under current law, survivors of veterans who had a disability rating of 100 percent for at least eight continuous years before death receive an additional monthly stipend from the VA. However, with an average life expectancy of only three to five years after diagnosis, ALS veterans often do not survive long enough to meet this requirement leaving their families without this crucial benefit.
The Justice for ALS Veterans Act (H.R. 1685/ S. 749) would eliminate this unfair restriction and ensure that all families of veterans who pass away from ALS receive this financial support, regardless of the duration of the
veterans’ illness. To read more about this bill, please click here If you would like to express your support for the legislation, you can sign our PVAction Force alert here
NEWS OF NOTE
Bipartisan Credit for Caring Act Introduced
On March 11, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) reintroduced the PVAsupported Credit for Caring Act (H.R. 2036/S. 925). This bill would provide eligible and working family caregivers with a federal, non-refundable tax credit for up to $5,000. The bill would also apply to family caregiving expenses greater than $2,000. Examples of caregivingrelated expenses include home modifications, respite care, home care aides, and adult day care. Family caregivers of all ages, regardless of whether they live with their care recipient, could be eligible for the tax credit.
Voting Rights Advancement Act Reintroduced
On March 5, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) reintroduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 14). This bill would establish a framework to determine which states and localities have had a recent history of discrimination. Those states and localities would then be required to pre-clear new voting laws with the Department of Justice. PVA supports the passage of this bill.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act Re-introduced
On February 10, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the Opportunity Tax Credit Act. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire and employ individuals from groups that have faced significant barriers to employment. Among other things, this bill would update the WOTC, increase the current credit percentage from 40 percent to 60 percent of qualified wages, and add a second level of credit for employees who work 400 or more hours.
DOL Secretary Confirmed
Former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been confirmed by the Senate to be the Secretary for the Department of Labor (DOL). Secretary Chavez-DeRemer will oversee the department which is home to DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). DOLVETS has a particular mission dedicated to veteran employment.
ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS, SURVEYS, & COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Invitation to Participate in University of Illinois at Chicago Research Study on Air Travel and People with Disabilities
Are you a person with a spinal cord injury who has experience traveling by air? If you are 18 years old or older, you are invited to take part in a University of Illinois at Chicago research study to better understand your air travel experiences, accessibility needs, and barriers to safe and accessible travel. This knowledge will be used to create recommendations for airline and airport personnel training, as well as information resources to facilitate a safe and pleasant travel experience. Your participation would require taking part in a 60-minute interview via phone or a teleconferencing platform (Zoom). You will be compensated $50 for your time. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact the research assistant for this project at accesstofly@uic.edu.
PVA Needs You – Sign Today!
Over the last couple of years, we have seen VA health care staffing shortages, a lack of investment in infrastructure, and an overall growing trend towards care in the community. In light of our ongoing concerns about changes at the VA, we created an online petition to quantify the need to improve funding and support of the VA’s spinal cord injuries and disorders system of care. Over 2,500 individuals have already signed the petition. Click here to sign your name and show your support. We need veterans, caregivers, and supporters to sign!
Please also take a look at our 2025 PVA Policy Priorities and the issues important to our members. If you are interested in more ways to extend your advocacy efforts, click here to view our current campaigns on bills we support on our advocacy platform, PVAction Force. We continue to add more campaigns as additional bills are introduced.
REMINDER: Survey to Assess Accessibility During the 2024 General Election
PVA National is conducting a survey on accessible voting. The study aims to learn more about the voting experience of people with disabilities in the 2024 general election. The feedback received from this survey will inform our advocacy on how to educate members as they face accessibility barriers in voting. This information will provide valuable insight and guide preparation for future webinars and other resources related to voting accessibility. To take the survey, please click here.
Veterans’ Committee Activities
Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on previous and upcoming hearings and markups.
Daniel Becker
Howard Brooks
Dale Dobesh
Mary Duchene-Rodenkirchen
Douglas Eckhoff
Jared Farwell
Launette Figliuzzi
Michael Gable
Patrick Garza
Joshua Giese
Robert Greskowiak
Johnnie Griffin
Michael Hamlin
Richard Jost
Michael Lanning
James Leither
Domingo Martinez
Michel McDonald
Wayne McMath
David Meyer
Dan Orcutt
Jeff Peterson
Karla Peterson
Philip Ratzlaff
Matthew Ross
Stephen Schmelz
Donald Tessmer
Ira Walker
Christopher Walzel
John Winter
Robert York
Arthur Anderson
Dennis Bateman
Barry Borgen
Wayne Bren
Kenneth Brookins
Matthew Butzer
Matthew Carlson
David Cartwright
Ambrose Cemensky
Todd Christensen
Colton Cory
David Elcombe
Terence Emery
Eduardo Figi
William Frisby
Mona Godemann
Duane Gominsky
Rod Guthier
Richard Johnson
Charles Kriesel
Douglas Kleindl
Lawrence Karels
Houa Lee
Daniel Lehmann
Roger Loken
Robert Hart
Jerome Jackson
Joseph Mauricio
Thomas Peterson
Denton Pomahatch
Jeremiah Reed
Donald Ruotsinoja
Wayne Stelling
Mark Stulz
Stephen Thell
Heather Thompson
Mark Tidd
Terry Turbes
Charles Willis
William Wilson
Charles Young
Sudoku
5 9 7 4 6 6 1 7 9 8 3 6 2 8 7 3 1 9 7 4 5 2 8 9 4 7 2 1 9 8 6 5
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25 gift card.
