FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2009

Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

 

House Democrats Call for Assistance for Veterans

HJM 3 and SJM 3 urge Congress to improve healthcare services for

military veterans and their families

 

SALEM – House Democrats today brought to the floor two memorials, HJM 3 and SJM 3, which call upon Congress to improve healthcare services for military veterans and their families.  Oregon has approximately 270,000 veterans that are either enrolled in a non-Veterans’ Administration (VA) health care program, including state programs, or have no health care at all. Only 80,000 veterans are currently enrolled in VA health care programs.

 

“We must honor the commitment to service shown by our veterans by providing them the highest standard of healthcare when they return home,” said Representative Jean Cowan (D-Newport), Chair of the House Veterans and Emergency Services Committee.  “I appreciate the efforts of our Congressional delegation to move these proposals forward in Washington D.C.”

 

HJM 3 urges Congress to increase funding and eligibility for veterans living in rural and remote areas.  It also urges Congress review and simplify the Fee Basis statutes and regulations regarding payment eligibility for specialty care and emergency health care. 

 

“House Joint Memorial 3 is about keeping faith with our veterans,” said Representative Betty Komp (D-Woodburn), who carried the memorial on the floor.  “We have to ensure our veterans receive the same level of health care no matter where they choose to live.”

 

SJM 3 urges Congress to enact legislation to fully fund health care for all honorably discharged veterans and their dependents. 

 

“Veterans should be provided health care benefits they have earned regardless of income status, place of residence or war era,” said Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), who carried SJM 3 on the House floor.

 

House Democrats have made supporting Oregon’s combat veterans and their families need a top priority for the 2009 legislative session, placing the issue on their Roadmap for Oregon’s Future.

 

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