Veterans
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WASHINGTON DC – On Monday, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Sloan Gibson proposed removal of the Deputy Chief Procurement officer (DCPO), Veterans Health Administration Procurement & Logistics Office, following an investigation by the VA Office of Inspector General in which allegations of conduct prejudicial to the government were substantiated.
The proposed removal of the DCPO underscores VA’s commitment to hold leaders accountable and get veterans the care they need.
To ensure continuity of service to veterans and leadership for VA employees during this time, Ricky Lemmon, director, Service Area Office Central, has been designated acting deputy procurement and logistics officer.
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SACRAMENTO – Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. last weekend signed legislation to support California’s veterans and active-duty military personnel and their families.
The governor signed the following bills:
– AB 13 by Assemblymember Connie Conway (R-Tulare): Requires the California Community Colleges and the California State University to update in-state tuition rate policies for eligible veterans to ensure compliance with the federal Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 and state law. Requests these updates of the University of California as well.
– AB 186 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (R-San Diego): Requires Department of Consumer Affairs licensing entities to provide military spouses and domestic partners licensed in another state with a 12-month temporary license to practice their profession in California if they meet certain conditions.
– AB 585 by Assemblymember Steve Fox (D-Palmdale): Requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to develop a prioritized list of uses for unused or underutilized nonresidential real property it owns.
– AB 614 by Assemblymember Rocky Chávez (R-Oceanside): Ensures that a veteran with 70 percent or more service disability receiving intermediate care or skilled nursing care in a veterans home shall have their account deemed paid in full by the amounts paid on their behalf by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
– AB 919 by Assemblymember Das G. Williams (D-Santa Barbara): Permits veterans who are itinerant vendors to receive a refund of sales taxes paid to the Board of Equalization between April 1, 2002 and April 1, 2010.
– AB 935 by Assemblymember Jim L. Frazier Jr. (D-Oakley): Allows veterans to apply for a driver's license or identification card featuring a “Veteran” designation.
– AB 1397 by the Committee on Veterans Affairs: Requires the California Department of Human Resources to collect and report on data regarding the veterans preference system in state hiring.
– AB 1453 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton): Requires CalVet to cooperate with local government bodies in Orange County to design, construct and equip a state-owned and operated Southern California Veterans Cemetery in the City of Irvine and establishes eligibility for interment.
– AB 1509 by Assemblymember Steve Fox (D-Palmdale): Requires CalVet to develop a transition assistance program for veterans who have been discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard of any state.
– AB 1518 by Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton): Authorizes the California National Guard Adjutant General to receive federal funding to implement a National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program.
– AB 1589 by Assemblymember Jim L. Frazier Jr. (D-Oakley): Requires an elections official to arrange electronic delivery of a ballot to a military or overseas voter who makes a standing request for all elections, eliminating the requirement that the individuals renew their email address every two years.
– AB 1821 by Assemblymember Richard S. Gordon (D-Menlo Park): Establishes the Medical Foster Home Pilot Program and authorizes USDVA facilities to create a medical foster home not subject to licensure or regulation as a residential care facility for the elderly.
– AB 2215 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (R-San Diego): Allows a veteran’s family or legal representatives to file a copy of a veteran’s military discharge document with a county recorder without the consent of the veteran.
– AB 2263 by Assemblymember Steven Bradford (D-Gardena): Authorizes a veterans service organization to volunteer as a veterans service advocate at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities.
– AB 2664 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton): Transfers all funds in the California Military Family Relief Fund to the California Military Department Support Fund.
– SB 842 by Senator Stephen T. Knight (R-Palmdale): Requires the California Department of Transportation to construct directional signs on state highways for each veterans home in the state.
– SB 1110 by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara): Requires the court to inform active duty or veteran status defendants of restorative relief rights available to them and requires the Judicial Council to include information about the provisions in its military service form.
– SB 1113 by Senator Stephen T. Knight (R-Palmdale): Extends the statute of limitations for a veteran with a 100 percent service disability to claim a disabled veteran property tax exemption refund from four to eight years.
– SB 1226 by Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana): Expedites the Department of Consumer Affairs boards and bureaus’ initial licensure process for veteran applicants who were active duty and stationed in California and authorizes prospective proprietary private security officers to submit verification of military training in lieu of a course in security officer skills.
– SB 1227 by Senator Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley): Authorizes a court to create a diversion program for active duty military personnel or veterans who commit misdemeanors and who are suffering from service-related trauma or substance abuse.
– SB 1440 by Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis): Requires that non-veteran spouses living in the Veterans Homes of California pay the same fees as veteran residents.
For full text of the bills, visit http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov .
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SACRAMENTO – Legislation sponsored by George Runner to protect California’s disabled veterans has become law.
Senate Bill 1113, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), passed the Legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support, and has been signed by Gov. Brown.
“This new law will help those who bravely served our country,” said Runner. “Bureaucratic delays will never again rob veterans of the tax benefits that are rightfully theirs.”
Under California law, veterans who receive a 100-percent disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of their home up to $124,932 or $187,399 in 2014 and equivalent amounts adjusted for inflation in future years.
The exemption starts on the date of disability and disabled veterans may claim a refund for up to four years of back taxes paid.
Unfortunately, due to VA backlogs, some veterans have had to wait more than four years to receive their disability rating certifications.
As a result, they’ve missed out on thousands of dollars in property tax refunds to which they were entitled and anticipated receiving.
SB 1113 increases the availability of refunds on taxes previously paid from four years to eight years, allowing veterans to receive the full benefit of their exemption, even if the rating process takes more than four years to complete.
“Veterans who are disabled as a direct result of serving our country shouldn’t be harmed by delays over which they have no control,” said Knight. “Now disabled veterans who encounter bureaucratic delays can still claim this key property tax exemption to which they are entitled.”
The full Board of Equalization voted to support SB 1113 at its March 25 meeting, and the measure has also received support from the California Assessors’ Association, California Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and a broad coalition of veterans’ organizations.
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization.
For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner .
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SACRAMENTO – On behalf of all Californians, Gov. Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown are honoring Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation.
The governor and first lady extended their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
In memorial, Gov. Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol. Sgt. Mulalley’s family will receive a letter of condolence from the governor.
Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, 26, of Eureka, died Aug. 22 in Gardez, Afghanistan due to a non-combat related incident that is under investigation.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. Sgt. Mulalley was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Department of Defense announced the death of a North Coast soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Christopher W. Mulalley, 26, of Eureka, Calif., died Aug. 22, in Gardez, Afghanistan, as the result of a non-combat related incident.
The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
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SACRAMENTO – A proposal sponsored by George Runner to protect California’s disabled veterans cleared the Assembly this week with unanimous, bipartisan support, and now awaits action by Gov. Jerry Brown.
“I applaud the Legislature for passing this legislation to help the men and women who have bravely served our country,” said Runner. “Bureaucratic delays should never rob veterans of the tax benefits that are rightfully theirs.”
In a letter urging Gov. Brown’s signature, Runner writes that Senate Bill 1113, authored by Sen. Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), will ensure “that disabled veterans who encounter bureaucratic delays are able to claim a property tax exemption to which they are entitled.”
Under California law, veterans who receive a 100-percent disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of their home up to $124,932 or $187,399 in 2014 and equivalent amounts adjusted for inflation in future years.
The exemption starts on the date of disability and disabled veterans may claim a refund for up to four years of back taxes paid.
Due to VA backlogs, some veterans have had to wait more than four years to receive their disability rating certifications. As a result, they’ve missed out on thousands of dollars in property tax refunds to which they were entitled and anticipated receiving.
SB 1113 would increase the availability of refunds on taxes previously paid from four years to eight years, allowing veterans to receive the full benefit of their exemption, even if the rating process takes more than four years to complete.
“Veterans who are disabled as a direct result of serving our country shouldn’t be penalized for delays over which they have no control,” said Knight. “I commend my colleagues for backing SB 1113 to ensure disabled veterans have access to the tax benefits they deserve.”
The full Board of Equalization voted to support SB 1113 at its March 25 meeting, and the measure has also received support from the California Assessors’ Association, California Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and a broad coalition of veterans’ organizations.
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization.
For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner .
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Wednesday announced $2.8 million to six housing authorities in California to help nearly 292 homeless veterans find permanent housing.
The supportive housing assistance announced is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA (see list below for details).
Later this year, HUD anticipates awarding approximately 10,000 new HUD-VASH vouchers to build upon significant progress toward ending veteran homelessness.
Since 2008, more than 59,000 vouchers have been awarded and 43,371 formerly homeless veterans are currently in homes of their own because of HUD-VASH.
Rental assistance and support services provided through HUD-VASH are a critical resource for local communities in ending homelessness among our nation’s veterans.
“We have made great progress, reducing homelessness among Veterans by 24 percent in just three years,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “These vouchers will help communities build on these gains, providing targeted assistance to reach those in need. Ending homelessness is a top priority for me, and HUD looks forward to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that every veteran has a place to call home in the country they risked everything to protect.”
“Providing permanent supportive housing to our homeless veterans is an absolute priority for HUD,” said HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal. “We are committed to the Obama Administration’s goal of ending chronic veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. This additional HUD-VASH funding will help us to achieve our goal.”
HUD-VASH is a critical part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to end veteran homelessness by 2015.
“Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness” serves as a roadmap for how the federal government will work with state and local communities to confront the root causes of homelessness, especially among former servicemen and women.
In the HUD-VASH program, VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) work closely with homeless veterans before referring them to local housing agencies for these vouchers.
Decisions are based on a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of the homelessness and the need for longer term, more intensive support in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.
The HUD-VASH program includes both the rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that VAMC staff offers.
Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.
VA offers eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico.
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SACRAMENTO – At its 2014 Summit, “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers,” the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) honors five individuals to receive CalVet annual awards.
Each recipient demonstrates exemplary commitment and passion serving California's veterans.
For the first time, there is a tie for Woman Veteran Leader of the Year.
The awards are part of the seventh annual Summit on Women Veterans, titled “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers,” at the Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel on Aug. 24 to 25.
The summit features several important workshops for our California Women Veterans.
This year’s topics include educational benefits, financial literacy and starting a business.
Attendees also will hear from employers in several companies and industries who will share tips and answer questions about getting hired.
CalVet is honored to announce the following 2014 awardees:
Woman Veteran Leader of the Year (two awardees)
Irene Cruz of San Gabriel: A veteran advocate and former Marine, Irene Cruz organized the first ever Minority Women Veterans Conference in 2013. Irene devotes her time assisting women veterans with employment, housing and support.
Starlyn Lara of Hayward: U.S. Army Veteran Starlyn Lara served in the Iraq War and works as the program manager for women veterans at Swords to Plowshares in San Francisco. Starlyn serves women veterans as an advisor to Women Veterans Connect and other veteran-focused projects.
Lifetime Achievement
Robin Umberg of Villa Park: Brigadier General Robin Umberg U.S. Army, retired, served a total of 36 years as a U.S. Army Nurse and as the undersecretary for Veterans Homes at Calvet from 2011 to 2013. Her passion is advocating for veterans, ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve.
California Outstanding Volunteer
Lisa Daniels of Sacramento: As the founder of Unsung Heroes Living History Project, Lisa Daniels focuses on recording stories of underrepresented veterans for the Library of Congress archives. Lisa’s grandmother, a Rosie the Riveter during World War II, inspired her to create the project.
California Corporate Leadership
Mike Mattoch of Sacramento: As the assistant vice president for USAA’s Western Region, Mike creates lasting partnerships in the private and public sectors supporting programs for Veterans and their families. Mike’s passion for veterans comes from his own military service as a former captain and judge advocate general with the California Army National Guard/California State Military Reserve.
The 2014 Summit on Women Veterans is open to the public, and scheduled at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, located at 1230 J St. in Sacramento from 10 a.m. Aug. 24 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25. Check-in opens at 9 a.m. on Aug. 24.
To preregister for the summit, go to www.calvet.ca.gov/womenvets or call 916-503-8334 for more information.
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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Wednesday voted to pass the conference report for H.R. 3230, the Veterans’ Access to Care Through , Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014, a bipartisan agreement to improve accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs and expand access to care for veterans.
It passed by a recorded vote of 420 to 5.
The Senate is expected to pass the bill later this week, which will send it to the President’s desk where it will be signed into law.
“This legislation is long overdue. The VA’s excessive wait times and reports of fraudulent appointment practices for medical care are a national disgrace, and this bill is Congress’ most substantive action yet to immediately solve this problem. There is no excuse in forcing veterans to wait months for needed treatments,” Congressman Garamendi said. “We’re addressing the problem in the short term by expanding options for veterans seeking private care if necessary and in the long term by hiring more health care providers. In addition to the hiring of additional medical staff at our existing facilities, it’s also important for Northern California that two new facilities will be built in Chico and Redding, helping reduce the burden on strained VA facilities throughout the region.”
On July 25, Congressman Garamendi joined 116 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Reid urging them to get a deal done for veterans before the August Recess period.
Congressman Garamendi has consistently voted for efforts to reduce the VA claims backlog and increase care capacity for veterans, claims backlog and increase care capacity for veterans, expressed outrage when the original Senate version of this VA reform legislation was filibustered by a minority of Senators.
Garamendi’s office has helped secure more than $3.5 million in owed VA claims this year alone for constituents.
The bill provides $10 billion to fund newly established program to immediately address the VA wait-time crisis by allowing veterans who have waited at least 30 days for an appointment with the VA or who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility to seek care from a non-VA source (such as a private physician, community health center, Department of Defense health care facility or Indian Health Center).
The bill allocates $5 billion to the VA to address systemic problems within the VA health care system by hiring more primary and specialty care physicians and other medical staff and includes incentives to attract more doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to the VA.
A number of veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) have voiced support for this conference agreement including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Key provisions of the Veterans’ Access to Care through, Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014
Expanding access to health care for veterans: The bulk of the funding in this agreement – $10 billion in emergency funding – is dedicated to expanding access to non-VA health care options for veterans who have been left waiting for more than 30 days for an appointment or live more than 40 miles from the nearest VA facility. Eligible veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system by August 1, 2014 or have served in active-duty within the last five years.
Addressing the shortage of health professionals in the VA: The bill provides $5 billion to the VA to hire more primary and specialty care physicians and other medical staff. The agreement also includes incentives to attract more doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to the VA, and to increase medical education opportunities to attract doctors in the future.
Sexual assault: The bill expands VA authority to provide counseling, care, and other services to veterans and certain other non-veteran servicemembers who have experienced military sexual trauma during active or inactive duty training (including members of the National Guard and Reserves). The conference agreement also requires the VA and DOD to conduct an annual assessment focused on the transition and continuum of care from the DOD to the VA for those who have experiences military sexual trauma.
VA facilities: The conference report includes $1.5 billion for leases for 27 new VA clinics, bringing care closer to locations where veterans live and increasing access to specialty care services. Chico and Redding are home to two of these new community-based outpatient centers, helping to reduce burdens on facilities in or near the 3rd District.
Expanding access to education for veterans and their families: The bill lets veterans who are eligible for education benefits under the Post 9-11 New GI Bill qualify for in-state tuition. The bill also expands the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include spouses of members of the Armed Services who die in the line of duty while serving in active duty.
Community-based housing for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI): The bill extends a VA program that was about to expire that allows veterans struggling with TBI to live in community-based, rehabilitative housing.
Accountability: The conference agreement gives the VA Secretary the authority to immediately fire or demote senior executives based on poor job performance or misconduct. The bill also includes an expedited appeals process for terminated employees to prevent political firings and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Additionally it significantly limits the VA from providing future employee bonuses.
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