North Star Bullet May 2025 Issue 3
President’s Post
4
Calendar at a Glance
13
Veterans Career Program
5
Twins Tickets
16
MS Report/Volunteer Opportunities
6
Washington Update
24
Walk MS/Turkey Hunt
7
Birthdays & Puzzles
29
1 Veterans Drive SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org
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)
National Service Officers
Chapter Staff Ginny Grabowski Office Assistant 612-467-2263
Jason Stephenson Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org
Sarah Little Executive Director 612-699-8551
MS Contact Rob York
Tami Anderson Sr National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 tamiA@pva.org
North Star Bullet Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Little Assistant Editor: Ginny Grabowski
Volunteer Coordinator
Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609 jamesA@pva.org
Ginny Grabowski
Mission Founded in 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a national organization dedicated to serving former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have suffered catastrophic paralysis as a result of spinal cord injury or disease. By Public law 92-93 (1971), the U.S. Congress chartered PVA.
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John Novicki Ron James Jose Garcia
Todd Kemery National Director 612-467-2263 toddkemery@mnpva.org
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Table of Contents 4
President’s Post
5
PVA Veterans Career Program Report
6
MS Report
7
Walk MS/Turkey Hunt
9
Connect with Us
10
News
12
SCI/D Education & Pizza Night
13
Calendar at a Glance
14
Activities
18
Research Corner
24
Washington Update
29
Birthdays
30
Puzzles
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 distribution of newsletters saves money and trees.
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President's Post Seth Thomas Editorial
As we roll into summer, the busy schedules follow, and our PVA chapter has no exemption from remaining busy. Over the past weeks, we have had our usual events such as base camp, bowling, and patient education nights, among others. Outside our usual events, we have held a cornhole tournament in Big Lake, been ramping up practice for the wheelchair games, conducting radio and podcast interviews, and attending the PVA annual convention. Though our board of directors and membership as a whole have been busy, there is no shortage of activities to continue looking forward to, including the fishing trip in Ely, NVWG, and the State Fair, to name a few. Aside from a productive start to the summer, I would like to extend a friendly reminder to continue striving for improvement in our everyday lives. It is easy to get distracted due to the hustle and bustle of life, but we are all capable of great things! Even more than we may give ourselves credit for. Stay safe, be kind, and strive forward!
"TREES DON'T HANG AROUND WITH THE GRASS EVEN THOUGH THEY STARTED AT THE SAME SPOT." - T.I
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PVA VETERANS CAREER PROGRAM UPDATE Creative Career Change
QUARTERLY IMPACT
Tyrell Foster is a Navy veteran who served 11 years as a medical corpsman. He first started working with the VCP Vocational Counselor, Jim Arndt, in 2020 and was hired by the VA as an administrative assistant.
56 Client Placements •36 Paid Employment • 16 Education/Training • 1 Volunteer • 51 Veterans • 2 Active Duty •3 Family Members • 0 Caregivers •10 PVA Members •The average salary for the 29 clients in full time employment was $65,712; and the average income for the 7 clients in part time employment was $28,576.
Tyecontinued to work with VCP after the COVID shutdowns and restarted his career search for new positions. He worked for a COVID clinic for a period of time while we continued to explore other opportunities. Tyrell was able to get back into the VA working an Advanced Medical Support Assistant in 2022 and has been successful in maintaining this role.
VETERANS CAREER LIVE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE RELEVANT & INNOVATIVE PARTNERS & PROGRAMS
The Veterans Career Program provided communication and follow up support. Tyeand Jim talked about new goals and further career development.
VCP hosted Bryan Radliff Program Manager, Education and Training for the popular Onward to Opportunity learning pathways at Syracuse University On March 11thover 165 registrants gained insight into one of their latest certifications.
At the start of this year Tyereceived an exciting opportunity for a training program that he was eligible for through the State of California. This ‘out of the box’ training would send him into a different world of opportunities; a big change from the medical field. The program they discovered was Drone Aviate UAS to become a drone pilot! Tyeis still in the process of completing the program and we are very excited to what opportunities this will bring.
Google and D'AnielloInstitute for Veterans and Military Families have partnered to offer a No Cost Certificate in Cyber Security: In this program, learners explore the growing field of cybersecurity, learn how cybersecurity is crucial to organizations and the people they serve, and develop relevant skills for a future career in the field.
VCP is a partner for life and is here to assist veterans and their families at all stages of personal and professional development.
VCP is hearing from many veterans and their families how flexible, remote and short term training options fit best into their busy schedules and put them on the ‘express track’ to starting a new career oLer aernh manocrien agt apnv eax.ois
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POWERED BY: MAY 2025
We We Have Have A A New New MS MS Coordinator!! 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 NORTH STAR BULLET
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2025 Walk MS MNPVA was out at the MS Walk in Minneapolis. This year was no exception, bringing together an outstanding crowd!
Thank you to Minnesota Veterans Outdoors for hosting the 2025 Turkey Hunt!
Annua
l T urkey H u nt
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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 Director: sarahlittle@mnpva.org President: seththomas@mnpva.org
Call or Text
Social Media
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.
Virtual Meetings Available Upon Request NORTH STAR BULLET
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Puzzle Lovers! Congratulations to our Mar/Apr puzzle winner, Colton Cory. 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: 06/25/2025.
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 -Taylor Swift OF IT.”
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Ekso Indego® Gets Veterans Walking Again Eligible veterans can receive an Ekso Indego exoskeleton at NO COST!
Ekso Indego Personal What is Ekso Indego?
Ekso Indego is an FDA-cleared, powered exoskeleton worn around the waist and legs that enables individuals paralyzed from spinal cord injuries (level T3-L5)* to stand and walk, offering a new level of independence. Scan with your phone for more information on how you could receive your own Ekso Indego Personal.
Contact us to find out if you are eligible to receive an Ekso Indego at NO COST! An evaluation by your provider at a SCI/D center is required to determine eligibility for use of the Ekso Indego Personal device * For full indications for use, visit: www.eksobionics.com/indications-for-use/ ** A screening process through the VA is required to determine eligibility for use of the Ekso Indego Personal device
Getting Veterans with SCI Back on Their Feet
A recently revised VA policy allows Ekso Indego to be issued to qualified veterans at no cost.** Walk at home and in your community Improve your cardio & bone density Enjoy eye-level conversations again
Proudly designed & assembled in the USA www.eksobionics.com
Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning! This popular event is open to inpatients, outpatients, family, and caregivers.
Next Date: 06/25/2025
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
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Calendar at a Glance
June 5
Adaptive Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
June 19
Office Closed - Juneteenth
June 25
SCI/D Education Night
June 29 July 5
Ely Fishing Event
July 3 July 4
Office Closed - Independance Day
July 15 July 22
National Veterans Wheelchair Games - Minneapolis
July 30
Adaptive Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
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Activity Reimbursement
St Ac a y tiv e!
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. Contact the 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
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ARCHERY, AIR GUN, BOCCIA, & MORE! Novice to Expert Caregivers and family helpers welcome! Northern Star Base Camp 6202 Bloomington Road Fort Snelling, MN 55111
FY23-24 Schedule 3:00 PM - 5:15 PM 2024-2025 Oct 3 & 17
Dec 10
Feb 13
Apr 3 & 17
Jun 5
Nov 21
Jan 16
Mar 13
May 8 & 22
Sep 11 & 25
*Keep an eye out for Fall & Winter dates.
For more information, call 612-467-2263
MN P V A
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A Sp daptive e orts & R
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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 Blue Jays 6/6 at 7:10 PM Blue Jays 6/7 at 1:10 PM Blue Jays 6/8 at 1:10 PM Rangers 6/10 at 6:40 PM Rangers 6/11 at 6:40 PM Rangers 6/12 at 12:10 PM Brewers 6/20 at 7:10 PM Brewers 6/21 at 1:10 PM Brewers 6/22 at 1:10 PM Mariners 6/23 at 6:40 PM Mariners 6/24 at 6:40 PM Mariners 6/25 at 6:40 PM Mariners 6/26 at 12:10 PM *More games in July, August, and Septmeber* NORTH STAR BULLET
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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. NORTH STAR BULLET
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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
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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
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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 To learn more, contact us at 612-467-1630. Participants will be compensated for their time during study visits.
If you would like to verify the validity of the study, please call the VA Central Institutional Review Board at 877-254-3130.
VA Central IRB Effective Date: August 21, 2024
Help Shape Spinal Cord Injury Research
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.
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.
We are looking for:
Adults (18+) with spinal cord injuries (SCI) for at least 1 year
Participants will share their thoughts in a 90-minute virtual (Zoom) focus group. $50 compensation is provided.
Caregivers for adults with SCI Healthcare personnel for adults with SCI Other stakeholders in the SCI community This study is organized by the Brain Body Mind Lab at the University of Minnesota in collaboration with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Ann Van de Winckel, Phd, MSPT E-mail: avandewi@umn.edu
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Issue 9 • Volume 33 , 2025 , 2023
May 19, 2025
Washington Update
Check out the PVAction Force page to view legislative campaigns and a list of key legislation. Sign the petition in support of the VA’s SCI/D system of care.
SVAC HOLDS HEARING WITH VA SECRETARY
PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS-RELATED EO On May 9, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) titled, “Keeping Promises to Veterans and Establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence.” The order addresses issues related to access to services for homeless veterans and veterans’ health care. Specifically, the EO directs the VA Secretary to designate a National Center for Warrior Independence on VA’s West Los Angeles campus to address the needs of homeless veterans. It also directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to work with the VA to use housing vouchers to support homeless veterans in Los Angeles and around the country. Another section of the EO addresses accountability of VA employees and directs the Secretary to make full use of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
On May 6, VA Secretary Doug Collins made his first appearance since his confirmation before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC). In a rather contentious hearing, the VA Secretary made his case for the current state of the department. Questions from the members often toed the political line with Democrats demanding answers on the announcement of up to 80,000 employees being cut through the proposed reduction in force memo widely circulated back in March. The Secretary told the Senate that VA would perform an analysis of non-critical positions across the department rather than use the proposed 80,000 as a goal. Many of the members urged the Secretary to carefully consider any additional cuts to VA staffing before implementing them. When pressed about the firing of several thousand VA employees, the Secretary told Senators that those individuals who have been reinstated by the courts have already been returned to their jobs. Senators from both sides of the aisle reminded the Secretary that hiring, firing, and rehiring of critical staff across the VA does not illustrate a stable work environment and that being more considerate with all future cuts should be prioritized.
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The EO also addresses steps the VA Secretary should take to improve the quality of and increase the options for VA care and services. Specifically, the EO directs the VA Secretary to submit a report to the President with plans to reduce wait times for VA care appointments. The order also directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study on expanding services to support a fullservice VA medical center (VAMC) in New Hampshire. Currently, New Hampshire is the only state in the
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x contiguous United States without a full-service VAMC. Finally, the order directs the VA Secretary to work with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to develop a strategy to reduce access times and improved service delivery, as well as considering ways to serve veterans at military treatment facilities and military beneficiaries at VA.
PVA supports any efforts to improve the HISA grant and hopes that Congress will take action this year. You can stay up to date by visiting PVAction Force.
HVAC HOLDS FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP On May 6, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) held a full committee markup to review 18 pieces of legislation. The six-hour session covered legislation that mostly focused on health care but there were bills from the Economic Opportunity, Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, and other subcommittees under consideration.
THREE BILLS IN PLAY TO INCREASE HISA GRANT AMOUNTS There are now three separate bills in play that seek to increase the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant amounts. Each of the three bills are slightly different but all seek to increase the grant amount while also tying the grant to an inflationary index to address increased costs. All three bills contain language which states that veterans who exhausted their HISA benefit before the date of enactment will not be eligible for additional benefits regardless of the increases passed in the legislation.
In his opening remarks, HVAC Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) commented that very few of the more than 40 amendments offered by the minority were received in the 24-hour window that is generally accepted. The bills that PVA had previously supported that were voted through committee were H.R. 980, the Modernizing the Veterans On-Campus Experience Act of 2025; H.R. 1364, the Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act of 2025; H.R 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act; and H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025.
The first bill, H.R. 2245, the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, introduced by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), increases the grant amount from $6,800 to $10,000 for service-connected veterans and increases the amount from $2,000 to $5,000 for non-service-connected veterans. This bill ties the grant amount to the Consumer Price Index.
You can watch the markup and find all relevant documents here.
The second bill is H.R. 3309, the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act, introduced by Representatives Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Mark Takano (D-CA), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), which increases the grant amount for service-connected and non-service-connected veterans to $10,000. This bill ties the grant to a residential home cost of construction index.
ADMINISTRATION’S SPENDING PLAN BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE The president's annual budget proposal provides detailed information about the government's spending and revenue plans for the upcoming fiscal year (FY). It outlines proposed federal spending, revenue levels, and policy priorities, which are then submitted to Congress for its consideration. It’s an important part of the annual budget process because it reveals the administration's fiscal strategy, and it is used to allocate resources for various government functions like the defense of the nation or taking care of veterans.
Lastly, S. 1644, the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, introduced by Senators Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) and John Boozman (R-AR), increases the grant amount from $6,800 to $10,000 for service-connected veterans and increases the amount from $2,000 to $6,800 for non-service-connected veterans. The bill also ties the grant to a residential home cost of construction index.
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x The administration’s formal FY 2026 budget proposal is still being finalized but the nation received a glimpse of what they intend to propose through a May 2 release of a budget summary commonly referred to as a “skinny budget.” Instead of providing all the agency or program levels for each of the 12 funding areas for government operations, it only lists the total amount the administration plans to seek for each of these areas and a short breakdown of key increases and decreases within them. Bear in mind that like the official budget proposal itself, these are simply recommendations, so the numbers it includes are subject to change.
Secretary Doug Collins made accelerating the VA EHRM rollout one of his top priorities. The administration’s preliminary proposal does look to save money within the department, particularly with Information Technology (IT). In VA alone, there are over 1,000 distinct IT systems. Many of them are aging and in some cases, there are duplicative systems. Overall funding for IT would be reduced by about $500 million with much of it coming from the elimination of those duplicative systems and pausing new contracts. The skinny budget doesn’t give a proposed amount for IT, but it does say the amount the administration would be seeking will protect VA’s core mission systems that deliver healthcare, benefits, and cemetery services to America’s veterans.
Presently, the administration intends to request $1.7 trillion in federal spending for FY 2026. The VA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security are the three primary agencies that would receive increases. Looking at the proposed numbers for VA, it raises the department’s funding by $5.4 billion, which is about a four percent increase over the current year’s spending levels. But it would be 17 percent if you took into consideration the administration’s plan to fully fund ($50 billion) the Toxic Exposure Fund (TEF) established under the PACT Act (P.L. 117-168).
DAMA HOLDS OVERSIGHT HEARING ON REDUCING IMPROPER PAYMENTS IN VA COMPENSATION AND PENSION BENEFITS On May 14, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) conducted an oversight hearing to look at VA’s efforts to reduce improper payments and excessive paperwork within the compensation and pension benefits program and efforts to reduce the wasting of taxpayers’ dollars. PVA submitted a statement for the record addressing areas where technology could help to reduce overpayments. To read PVA’s statement, click here. The hearing is available for viewing here.
Drilling down a bit further, the brief proposal adds about $3.3 billion to VA’s healthcare services, which includes a $1.1 billion increase to fight veterans’ homelessness. This, according to the official White House press release would empower the department to be directly responsible for programs and financial support helping homeless and at-risk veterans with rental assistance, augmenting VA’s existing case management and support services, to help veterans get back on their feet.
NEWS OF NOTE
The administration is also seeking nearly $2.2 billion for the department’s ongoing electronic health records (EHR) project. Facing significant challenges since its inception, the project has been largely stalled since the spring of 2023 while VA and the project contractor worked out serious problems at the six facilities where the new software had been deployed. Last December, VA indicated many of those problems had been resolved and the department would start rolling out the new EHR to four additional medical centers in mid-2026. Recently, VA increased the number of facilities to 13, and VA
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PVA Hosts U.S. Access Board at National Office On April 29, PVA hosted public and federal members of the U.S. Access Board, as well as Executive Director Sachin Dev Pavithran and staff. PVA CEO Carl Blake provided attendees with a tour to showcase the accessibility features of PVA’s national office. Following the meeting, PVA leaders met with the Board to discuss PVA’s architecture, sports and recreation, and advocacy priorities. More information about the Access Board’s efforts are available here.
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x PVA Presents at Abilities Expo in New York Metro
input from family caregivers in their review and reporting. PVA supports the ABC Act and the elimination of red tape for family caregivers who interact with Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
On May 2, PVA Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley presented at the Abilities Expo in suburban New York City on improving access to air travel for people with disabilities. Ansley and Michele Erwin, President and Founder of All Wheels Up, spoke at a workshop titled, “Accessible Air Travel: Know Your Rights and Tips & Tricks!” Ansley focused on efforts in recent years at the national level to make improvements, including passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the Department of Transportation’s final rule on improving the safety and dignity of wheelchair users in air travel. The workshop provided a great opportunity to educate members of the broader disability community about their rights in air travel and PVA’s leadership of those efforts.
Frank Bisignano Sworn-in as 18th SSA Commissioner On May 7, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the swearing in of Frank Bisignano as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security. Previously, Bisignano served as the chairman and chief executive officer of Fiserv, a payments and financial technology company. Commissioner Bisignano has stated he plans to put beneficiaries first by bringing the Social Security’s error rate down, eliminating overpayment issues, reducing the chronically long wait times Americans face when seeking help from the agency, and investigating why it takes so much time to process disability applications.
VA Announces Major Survivor Benefits Reforms The VA has announced major changes in policy concerning survivors and dependents of deceased veterans. Starting this month, the VA will move the Office of Survivors Assistance from the Veterans Benefits Administration to the Office of the VA Secretary. In addition, the VA will create a team to guide and assist eligible survivors through the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) process. Finally, the VA will begin working to identify ways to automate and simplify the DIC claims process.
SURVEY & COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES Southwest ADA Center Survey on the ADA Did you know that this July 26 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990—a landmark civil rights law that continues to shape access and equity in everyday life? While progress has been made, the need to understand the ADA's ongoing impact—and the barriers that still exist— is more urgent than ever.
Bipartisan and Bicameral ABC Act Reintroduced
The Southwest ADA Center has created an anonymous survey to assess how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go. The survey results will be used to inform and guide technical assistance and policy recommendations related to the ADA. The survey closes on May 31, 2025. Click here to participate.
Earlier this year, the bipartisan, bicameral Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers (ABC) Act was reintroduced by Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI), and Senators Shelley Moore Capito (RWV), and Ed Markey (D-MA). Under the ABC Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Social Security Administration, and Children's Health Insurance Program would be required to review their eligibility, processes, procedures, forms, and communications and seek ways to simplify them to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers. The legislation would then also require the agencies to submit reports on findings and strategies for improvement to Congress within two years of enactment. The agencies would need to seek
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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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1. Hamstrings
3. Calf
Proudly Serving Veterans The Neural Sleeve is now on contract at the VA. Visit cionic.com/va to learn more about accessing the Neural Sleeve through your VA benefits.
Robert Ahlberg
Ronnie Goelz
John Althaus
Troy Houde
Gerald Bartels
Alan Ilstrup
Richard Bollig
David Ingebritson
Roxanne Brown
Ronald James
Donald Bryant
Williams Jefferson
Timothy Cannon
David Jennerman
Terry Crosgrove
Dennis LaVoie
James Dahlin
Aloys Maleska
Tracey Digatono
Thomas Martinson
Lexlane Dunn
Gerald Nordgren
Jerry Emblom
Michael Stoen
Kenneth Erickson
James Stoltz
John Ford
Duane Thorsvik Rosemarie Ulven
NORTH STAR BULLET
29
MAY 2025
Sudoku 3
7
4
6
7 1
1
4
9
6
7 4
3
8 6
1 2
9
9
6
9 5
8 7
2
2
8
5
5
8 7
9
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. NORTH STAR BULLET
30
MAY 2025
Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25 gift card.
NORTH STAR BULLET
31
MAY 2025
1 Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417
North Star Bullet May 2025
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 612-467-2263