75th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2009 Regular Session
Enrolled
House Joint Memorial 12
Sponsored by Representatives BARTON, WHISNANT; Representatives
BARKER, MATTHEWS, MAURER, RILEY, Senators BOQUIST, DEVLIN,
WALKER
To the President of the United States and the Senate and the
House of Representatives of the United States of America, in
Congress assembled:
We, your memorialists, the Seventy-fifth Legislative Assembly
of the State of Oregon, in legislative session assembled,
respectfully represent as follows:
Whereas there are 350,000 veterans in Oregon, of whom only
80,000 are enrolled with the Veterans Health Administration; and
Whereas this discrepancy leaves more than $4 billion in
potential benefits unclaimed; and
Whereas many veterans who are not enrolled in the Veterans
Health Administration live in rural areas; and
Whereas the Governor's Task Force on Veterans' Services Final
Report stated that equity in access is an issue for veterans who
live in rural areas; and
Whereas geographic distance creates barriers for veterans'
access to adequate health care; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of
Oregon:
(1) The Seventy-fifth Legislative Assembly urges the Congress
of the United States to enact legislation that:
(a) Adds a proportional differential to the formula-based
health services to increase access for veterans who live in rural
areas.
(b) Requires the Veterans Health Administration to work with
national, regional and state leaders representing rural areas to
establish a formula that increases access and decreases
transportation costs for veterans seeking health care.
(2) A copy of this memorial shall be sent to the President of
the United States, to the Senate Majority Leader, to the Speaker
of the House of Representatives and to each member of the Oregon
Congressional Delegation.
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Enrolled House Joint Memorial 12 (HJM 12-INTRO) Page 1
Adopted by House April 27, 2009
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Chief Clerk of House
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Speaker of House
Adopted by Senate May 20, 2009
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President of Senate
Enrolled House Joint Memorial 12 (HJM 12-INTRO) Page 2