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Legislative Affairs
federal and State
Overview
Each year, VCOC actively advocates legislatively. At the State Level, VCOC participates in the annual Joint Leadership Council Day in Richmond, and is a member of the Virginia Joint Leadership Council (JLC). At the Federal Level, VCOC particpates in the annual MOAA National Storming of the Hill in Washington, D.C.
State
From the Virginia Department of Veterans Service Website: "The mission of the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (the JLC) is to provide advice and assistance to the Governor, General Assembly and the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) on matters of concern to the veterans community and provides a conduit of information to and from the veterans service organizations on policy and legislation, pending and enacted, as well as information on existing services."
The JLC is composed of one representative from each qualifying veterans service organization (VSO), to be appointed by the Governor, and the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and the Chairmen of the Board of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation or their designees, who shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members. COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) is the VCOC representative to JLC. Virginia Joint Leadership Council Legislative Initiatives 2021
During the October 21, 2020 meeting, the JLC adopted the following seven initiatives for 2021, and forwarded them to DVS and the General Assembly, may be viewed at: JLC 2021 Intiatives. Feedback and questions regarding the intiatives may be directed to COL Zimmerman at zoomeruw@gmail.com. View Summary of Legislative Proposals for the 2021 General Assembly Session, by DVS Director of Policy and Planning Claudia Flores, here: Legislative Update Federal For 2021, MOAA is conducting Advocacy in Action 2021. The top three topics for Advocacy in Action 2021 are Comprehensive Toxic Exposure Reform, TRICARE Young Adult Parity and Basic Needs Allowance. As with previous years, The Maj. Richard Star Act is also being advocated. As always, each of these topics address those who are currently serving, veterans and recent retirees, and members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. From MOAA Vice President for Government Relations Col Dan Merry's article of 9 February 2021 entitled, " Advocacy in Action: Details on MOAA’s Spring Campaign" details of each topic follow. Our topics this year address those who are currently serving, veterans and recent retirees, and members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Topic 1: Comprehensive Toxic Exposure ReformThis focus on comprehensive toxic exposure reform highlights those currently serving, veterans, those recently retired from active duty, and the Guard and Reserves. When most people hear about toxic exposure, they think of Agent Orange and Vietnam, and we work that, too. However, there is a significant lack of awareness of the current toxic exposures for those in uniform today and since 9/11. Among one of the more notable and impactful exposures are from the burn pits and other fires during the Gulf War in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, there are exposure risks from firefighting chemicals and contaminated drinking water, to name a few. We seek the basics: expanded health care for those who were exposed, the creation of an advisory council, and to reauthorize the Agent Orange authorities which expired in 2015. This issue hits more than the servicemembers — it is a direct impact to the families who are or will be the caregivers. Topic 2: TRICARE Young Adult ParityThere is a glaring disparity between commercial health care plans that cover adult children to age 26 and TRICARE, which requires a separate premium for young adult coverage. In 2013, TYA monthly premiums were $152 for Standard and $176 for Prime; today, those monthly fees are $257 and $459 respectively, which is an unsustainable curve, charting a course for TYA plan failure. The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021 (H.R. 475), sponsored by Reps. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) and Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), expand TRICARE eligibility to young adult dependents up to age 26. Learn more about the legislation at this link. Military kids face unique challenges — the average military kid will move six to nine times during their school years and experience repeated family separations. Yet, current law leaves military kids transitioning to adulthood without the same health care protections afforded to families with commercial plans. Ensuring health care access and affordability is particularly important during the current pandemic. As COVID-19 impacts higher education pathways and makes it more difficult for young adults to find jobs, we must ensure military families who have sacrificed so much in support of our nation have the same health care protections for their young adult children as their civilian counterparts covered by commercial plans. Topic 3: Basic Needs AllowanceThis proposed allowance would address our servicemembers and their families who are most vulnerable to food insecurity and are finding it difficult to make ends meet. The subsistence allowance would be provided automatically to servicemembers whose gross household income (not including their Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH) is below 130% of the federal poverty line. This recurring struggle was exacerbated by COVID-19 layoffs. While a small number of servicemembers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), many do not because their BAH is considered income. These families turn to food pantries instead: The Armed Services YMCA reported a 400% increase in grocery demand at their food pantries on and near military installations during the pandemic. To MOAA Director, Currently Serving and Retired Affairs Lt Col Mark Belinsky's article of 24 February entitled, "Legislation, With Strong Support ," details of the Star Act follows: Nine days after Major Richard Star, USAR, lost his battle with cancer from toxic exposure, Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act (S. 344) with 42 Senators as original cosponsors. The legislation will authorize concurrent receipt of DoD retired pay and VA disability for those injured in a combat zone and forced to medically retire under Chapter 61.
Before Star lost his long-fought battle with cancer, he wanted to make sure his fight for concurrent receipt continued. Advocacy in Action 2021, MOAA President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) View article dated 28 April 2021 by MOAA President and Chief Exceutive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) here: Join MOAA’s Advocacy in Action Event. Help Us Make a Difference In Reminder In reminder, MOAA is exempt from federal taxation under Sec. 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, MOAA and its affiliates must avoid engaging in partisan political activities. View guidance here: MOAA Guidance on Partisan Political Activities Feedback and questions regarding VCOC Federal Legislative Affairs may be directed to CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) at mvng288@aol.com. MOAA Take Action Center View the MOAA Take Action Center here: MOAA Take Action Center
During the October 21, 2020 meeting, the JLC adopted the following seven initiatives for 2021, and forwarded them to DVS and the General Assembly, may be viewed at: JLC 2021 Intiatives. Feedback and questions regarding the intiatives may be directed to COL Zimmerman at zoomeruw@gmail.com. View Summary of Legislative Proposals for the 2021 General Assembly Session, by DVS Director of Policy and Planning Claudia Flores, here: Legislative Update Federal For 2021, MOAA is conducting Advocacy in Action 2021. The top three topics for Advocacy in Action 2021 are Comprehensive Toxic Exposure Reform, TRICARE Young Adult Parity and Basic Needs Allowance. As with previous years, The Maj. Richard Star Act is also being advocated. As always, each of these topics address those who are currently serving, veterans and recent retirees, and members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. From MOAA Vice President for Government Relations Col Dan Merry's article of 9 February 2021 entitled, " Advocacy in Action: Details on MOAA’s Spring Campaign" details of each topic follow. Our topics this year address those who are currently serving, veterans and recent retirees, and members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Topic 1: Comprehensive Toxic Exposure ReformThis focus on comprehensive toxic exposure reform highlights those currently serving, veterans, those recently retired from active duty, and the Guard and Reserves. When most people hear about toxic exposure, they think of Agent Orange and Vietnam, and we work that, too. However, there is a significant lack of awareness of the current toxic exposures for those in uniform today and since 9/11. Among one of the more notable and impactful exposures are from the burn pits and other fires during the Gulf War in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, there are exposure risks from firefighting chemicals and contaminated drinking water, to name a few. We seek the basics: expanded health care for those who were exposed, the creation of an advisory council, and to reauthorize the Agent Orange authorities which expired in 2015. This issue hits more than the servicemembers — it is a direct impact to the families who are or will be the caregivers. Topic 2: TRICARE Young Adult ParityThere is a glaring disparity between commercial health care plans that cover adult children to age 26 and TRICARE, which requires a separate premium for young adult coverage. In 2013, TYA monthly premiums were $152 for Standard and $176 for Prime; today, those monthly fees are $257 and $459 respectively, which is an unsustainable curve, charting a course for TYA plan failure. The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021 (H.R. 475), sponsored by Reps. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) and Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), expand TRICARE eligibility to young adult dependents up to age 26. Learn more about the legislation at this link. Military kids face unique challenges — the average military kid will move six to nine times during their school years and experience repeated family separations. Yet, current law leaves military kids transitioning to adulthood without the same health care protections afforded to families with commercial plans. Ensuring health care access and affordability is particularly important during the current pandemic. As COVID-19 impacts higher education pathways and makes it more difficult for young adults to find jobs, we must ensure military families who have sacrificed so much in support of our nation have the same health care protections for their young adult children as their civilian counterparts covered by commercial plans. Topic 3: Basic Needs AllowanceThis proposed allowance would address our servicemembers and their families who are most vulnerable to food insecurity and are finding it difficult to make ends meet. The subsistence allowance would be provided automatically to servicemembers whose gross household income (not including their Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH) is below 130% of the federal poverty line. This recurring struggle was exacerbated by COVID-19 layoffs. While a small number of servicemembers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), many do not because their BAH is considered income. These families turn to food pantries instead: The Armed Services YMCA reported a 400% increase in grocery demand at their food pantries on and near military installations during the pandemic. To MOAA Director, Currently Serving and Retired Affairs Lt Col Mark Belinsky's article of 24 February entitled, "Legislation, With Strong Support ," details of the Star Act follows: Nine days after Major Richard Star, USAR, lost his battle with cancer from toxic exposure, Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act (S. 344) with 42 Senators as original cosponsors. The legislation will authorize concurrent receipt of DoD retired pay and VA disability for those injured in a combat zone and forced to medically retire under Chapter 61.
Before Star lost his long-fought battle with cancer, he wanted to make sure his fight for concurrent receipt continued. Advocacy in Action 2021, MOAA President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) View article dated 28 April 2021 by MOAA President and Chief Exceutive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) here: Join MOAA’s Advocacy in Action Event. Help Us Make a Difference In Reminder In reminder, MOAA is exempt from federal taxation under Sec. 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, MOAA and its affiliates must avoid engaging in partisan political activities. View guidance here: MOAA Guidance on Partisan Political Activities Feedback and questions regarding VCOC Federal Legislative Affairs may be directed to CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) at mvng288@aol.com. MOAA Take Action Center View the MOAA Take Action Center here: MOAA Take Action Center
A WORLD OF FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
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State and Federal Legislators
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State Legislators Federal Legislators
Click below for U.S. Senators listing:
Senators
Click below for Representatives listing:
Representatives
MOAA Advocacy in Action 2021
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VCOC Chapters are actively participating in MOAA Advocacy in Action 2021. With the ongoing pandemic, advocacy for 2021 is once again virtual. The top three issues for 2021 are Comprehensive Toxic Exposure Reform, TRICARE Young Adult Parity and Basic Needs Allowance. In addition, the Maj Richard Star Act is being advocated.
VCOC MOAA Advocacy in Action 2021 virtual appointments completed listed below.
1. 22 April 2021: Representatives Elaine Luria, (VA 02) and Michael Waltz (FL 06). Press Conference in support of H.R. 475 the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021. VCOC attendee: VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
2. 12 May 2021: Office of Senator Tim Kaine (D Va). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and VCOC President Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret).
3. 19 May 2021: Office of Senator Mark Warner (D Va). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and VCOC President Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret).
4. 20 May 2021: Offices of Representatives Jennifer Wexton (VA 10), Don Beyer (VA 08), Gerry Connolly (VA 11). Mt. Vernon Chapter: CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret).
5. 25 May 2021: Office of Congressman Bobby Scott (VA 03). Portsmouth Chapter Team: COL Hal Hostetler, USA (Ret), COL Bill Smith, USA (Ret),
MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret), CWO3 Karl Wilson, USA (Ret).
6. 25 May 2021: Representative Elaine Luria, (VA 02). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret), MOAA Vice President, Government Relations Col Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), Ms. Nyssa Thompson, MOAA Chapter and Council Support.
7. 27 May 2021: Office of Congressman Rob Wittman (VA 01). Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret), COL Vince Cammarata. USA (Ret).
8. 27 May 2021: Office of Congressman Bob Good (VA 05). Central Virginia Chapter Team: Col Dan Moy, USA (Ret), LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret).
9. 1 June 2021: Representative Morgan Griffith (VA 09). Southwest Virginia Chapter Team: CDR Lee Ensley, USNR (Ret), LTCOL Bob Habermann, USA (Ret).
10. 4 June 2021: Representatives Abigail Spanberger (VA 07) and Don McEachin (VA 04). Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret).
MOAA VCOC Advocacy in Action 2021 featured screenshots and pictures (below):
1. 25 May 2021: Representative Elaine Luria, (VA 02). VCOC Vice President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret), MOAA Vice President, Government Relations Col Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), Ms. Nyssa Thompson, MOAA Chapter and Council Support.
2. 27 May 2021: Congressman Rob Wittman (VA 01), Richmond Area Chapter Team: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), joined by COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret), LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret) and COL Vince Cammarata, USA (Ret).
3. 1 June 2021: Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA 09). Southwest Virginia Chapter Team: CDR Lee Ensley, USNR (Ret), LTCOL Bob Habermann, USA (Ret).
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Former United States Senator John Warner (R VA) Passes
Former United States Senator John Warner (R VA) , Republican U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1979 to 2009, passed on 25 May 2021. Senator Warner enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 in 1945, serving during the final months of World War II. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950, serving in the Korean War. He was named U.S. Secretary of the Navy in 1972, serving until 1974. He served for four terms in the U.S. Senate in from 1978 to 2008. During his tenure, the Senator Warner chaired the Senate Rules Committee and Senate Armed Forces Committee.
In April of 2007, our Virginia Council of Chapters awarded Senator Warner Legislator of the Year at the Twenty Second Annual VCOC Congressional Appreciation Luncheon. Held in the Cannon Caucus Room in the Cannon House Office Building, Senator Warner was presented VCOC’s Legislative Award in appreciation for his lifetime support of the uniformed services.
Shown below in April 2007, left to right, is COL Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret) and VCOC President, Senator John Warner and LTC Pat Green, USA (Ret) and VCOC Vice President. Senator Warner is holding the VCOC Legislative award, a plaque of postage stamps representing milestones during the Senator’s 60 years of service. To his steadfast support of the uniformed services over a lifetime, fair winds and following seas to United States Senator John Warner.
Shown below in April 2007, left to right, is COL Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret) and VCOC President, Senator John Warner and LTC Pat Green, USA (Ret) and VCOC Vice President. Senator Warner is holding the VCOC Legislative award, a plaque of postage stamps representing milestones during the Senator’s 60 years of service. To his steadfast support of the uniformed services over a lifetime, fair winds and following seas to United States Senator John Warner.
