As the Iraq war ends and thousands of troops return home, AMVETS is continuing to fight for veterans rights by outlining its 2012 legislative priorities.
Vital issues for both younger and older veterans range from the rising threat of homelessness to obtaining adequate health care. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that our government makes good on the promises to our service members who also find themselves facing an unemployment rate well above the national rate, proposed cuts to military retirement pay and a lengthy VA claims process.
Each year, AMVETS from around the country gather to vote on resolutions that will serve as the driving force behind the following year’s legislative agenda.
Some of the legislative priorities for 2012 have carried over from last year, including improving services for women veterans and service members, increasing outreach and access for rural veterans, improving screening and treatment processes for veterans suffering traumatic brain injuries, improving education benefits and reforming government contracting policies to benefit veteran entrepreneurs.
During our recent convention, AMVETS resolved to establish Veterans Treatment Courts. With 1 in 5 veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom suffering symptoms of a mental disorder or cognitive impairment, and 1 in 6 of those veterans suffering substance abuse problems, unprecedented numbers of veterans are appearing in criminal courts. Veterans Treatment Courts connect them with benefits and services to which they are entitled.
And while no single piece of legislation is perfect, H.R. 2433, the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, is worthy of attention. It will help veterans in multiple areas, including making improvements to the TAP (Transition Assistance Program); allowing up to 100,000 unemployed veterans from all eras to receive up to 12 months of Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits; and strengthening USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act) protections for National Guard and Reserve members. Working with the U.S. Labor Department will also help remove credentialing/licensing impediments for transitioning service members.
With the votes of our members, AMVETS sets its legislative priorities to offer Congress, but making a list is not enough. It is vital that our members speak out with us so that our voices blend, resounding so loudly that all of Capitol Hill hears us.
Ronald Dillon is the AMVETS Department of Georgia Commander.
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