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vets4ever
Member
35 Posts |
 Posted - 05/01/2008 : 7:59:56 PM
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Representative Tony Verga's office (he is chair of the state house committee on VA and federal affairs?) has several amendments in process. The bottom line is that some folks are trying to cuts a big portion of money out of state level Veterans services. Here is a list of the bills. Calls, letters, etc., will help carry it forward. During this time of war it certainly is not a time to be taking any money away from Veterans Services.
My thanks to Everett Average Citizen (Mike) for this forum. I hope it will provide some useful information to our cyber-vets. Best, WR
Chairman Verga is very pleased to be a cosponsor of Amendment #553, sponsored by Rep. Michael Kane. This amendment would restore the funding for the Holyoke Solider's Homes in line item 4190-0100 to $20,693,717.
Chairman Verga has also introduced the following amendments to the House Budget:
1. An Amendment Relative to Women Veterans Programs
Related to: Line Item 1410-0015, Women Veterans’ Network
Overview:
The state’s pre-war funding for women veterans programs (FY02 budget) was $40,224. Yet even with a defined growing need, annual funding for women veterans has only increased $2,058 since the Iraq/Afghanistan war began. Women veterans programs have remained level funded at $42,282 in the FY06, FY07 and FY08 budgets.
Today, there are a greater number of women returning to Massachusetts from active military service than any time in history. Unlike in previous conflicts, the increased utilization of National Guard and Reserves has led to more women not only going overseas but, because of the nature of the conflict, being exposed to combat circumstances. Additional funding could significantly enhance programs and ensure services for the Commonwealth’s more that 27,000 women veterans.
Amendment Language:
_________ moves to amend the bill in section 2, in line item 1410-0015, by striking out the figures “$42,282” and inserting in place thereof the following: “$100,000”.
2. An Amendment to Extend The Sunset Date On National Guard Pay Differential Law
Related to: Section 2 of Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2005 – An Act Further Regulating Salaries of Public Employees Serving in the Armed Forces of the United States
Overview:
This amendment offers a 3-year extension to the law that calls for the state to make up any salary difference for state employees called up for active duty military service, which is set to expire on September 11, 2008. It would also extend the local option for cities and towns to adopt this benefit for city employees, including for employees of a school district. If adopted, this would be the second 3-year extension the state would approve.
Amendment Language:
____ moves that the bill be amended by inserting after Section 48, the following section:
“SECTION X: Section 2 of Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2005 is hereby amended by striking the following: “September 11, 2008” and inserting in place of thereof the following: “September 11, 2011””.
3. An Amendment Providing Veterans Preference for Firearms Safety Courses
Related to: Line Item 8000-0110, Criminal History Systems Board
Overview:
This amendment would provide $20,000 to The GOAL Foundation for purposes of providing state certified basic firearms safety courses at no cost. Veterans would be given preference for these trainings courses.
Amendment Language:
________ moves that the bill be amended in Section 2, in item 8000-0110, by adding the following “and provided further that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for the purposes of The GOAL Foundation to provide state certified basic firearms safety courses to the public at no charge, with preference given to veterans”.
4. An Amendment Relative to National Guard Life Insurance Premiums (Rep. Verga and Rep. Vallee)
Related to: Section 6 of Chapter 130 of the Acts of 2005 - An Act Providing Benefits to Servicemembers, Veterans and Their Families/Line Item 0611-1010
Overview:
This amendment would expand the state reimbursement of National Guard life insurance premiums from 50% to 100%. The amendment would also ensure that state monies are not being expended to any duplicate federal reimbursements.
Amendment Language:
____ moves that the bill be amended by inserting after Section 48, the following section:
“SECTION X: Section 6 of Chapter 130 of the Acts of 2005 is hereby amended by striking said Section 6 and inserting in place thereof the following: “The monthly premiums for any coverage held in the serviceman’s group life insurance program administered by the Veterans Administration, the state sponsored life insurance program or an equivalent group life insurance program of the servicemember’s choosing, provided that the reimbursement or premium shall not exceed the cost of the monthly premium cost of serviceman’s group life insurance for a member of the Massachusetts National Guard shall be borne by the commonwealth if said premiums are not paid or reimbursed by the United States.”
The House budget debate is expected to continue through the remainder of the week.
Best,
Sarah
For Freedom,
WR
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Some Pending State Amendments
