Veterans

I don’t think a lot of background is needed this week.  Everyone knows our veterans’ care in this country is a mess.  Here is what the candidates plan to do about it.

Clinton:

Experience fighting for veterans:

• As first lady, she brought attention to Gulf War Veterans by fighting for the recognition of Gulf War Syndrome.
• As Senator, she served on the Armed Services Committee where she
• fought for help for families caring for veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• worked to increase the survivor benefit from $12,000 to $100,000.
• worked with Sen. Lindsey Graham to expand health care benefits to National Guard Members and Reservists.
• introduced the new G.I. Bill that included educational opportunities, home buying programs, and low interest loans of up to $100,000 to start small businesses.
• cosponsored the Retirement Pay Restoration Act to expand retirement pay and disability compensation.
• cosponsored legislation that led to the Defense Authorization Act which allowed families of wounded service members to take 6 months of leave to care for their family members.

Clinton has an extensive and comprehensive Veterans Agenda.  Here are just a few highlights:

• Block efforts to privatize the Veterans Health Administration
• Create a new framework for veterans’ health care delivery that is timely and high quality.
• New funding to improve healthcare for women at the VHA.
• Increase funding for mental health providers and substance abuse treatment to end the veteran suicide epidemic.
• Expand programs targeted at providing effective mental health treatment.
• Identify and treat war consequences such as Agent Orange exposure, Gulf War Syndrome, burn pits, Post Traumatic Stress, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
• Streamline and modernize the Veterans’ benefits system.
• Create a standing President’s Council on Veterans.
• Convene a White House Summit on Veterans.
• Expand tax credits for veterans’ employment.
• Increase funds for concurrent certification and credentialing programs so that veterans can transfer their skills to the workforce.
• Increase funding for reducing veteran homelessness.
• Expand complementary programs such as job training, disability benefits, and transportation for veterans.
• Provide budgetary certainty as  addressed in my military post.

Note:  She also has an extensive agenda to support military personnel and families which include things like increased benefits and spousal employment initiatives.

Trump Veterans Agenda:

Trump has a 10 point veterans plan.  6 of the 10 points are about going after the Department of Veterans Affairs including

• Create a private white house hotline answered by a real person 24 hours a day devoted to answering veterans’ complaints about wrongdoing at the VA.

The other 4 points:

• Appoint a VA Secretary whose sole purpose is to serve veterans.
• Reform the visa system so that veterans are at the front of the line for health care.
• Increase the number of mental health care professionals available to veterans.
• Ensure every veteran has the chance to seek care at the VA or a private service provider of their choice.