What is happening with Congressman's Henry Cuellar's HB 1318? He filed this bill and it was sent to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, where it was send to the House sub-committee on Veteans Health. In June 2011, Cuellar attached his bill to the Military and Veterans Affairs and other related agencies Appropriation Bill-HB 2055. That bill passed the House with a 411-5 vote and was sent to the Senate. HB 1318 calls for an expansion the Harlingen VA Surgical Center to a Full Service Medical Center House Report 112-94 (accompanying HR 2055, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012).
The House Committee Report included the following language regarding the attachment:
Health care center expansions- Recognizing the lack of accessible VA services in many regions of the country, the Committee urges the Secretary to include in the VA Strategic Capital Improvement Plan the expansion of existing VA health care centers to include in-patient accommodations, urgent care services, and the full range of services required by women veterans when the absence of such services locally requires veterans to make round trips of more than five hours to access such services at a VA facility.
The Senate also passed 2055 and Congress agreed to send it to the President for his consideration on December 8, 2011. However, the final vote did not include anything on the amendment filed by Cuellar. At this time, we do not know if indeed HB 1318 as attached by Cuellar is part of the bill. The Appropriations bill is likely to become law.
Veterans need to call Cuellar's office and ask him or his staff what happened to his attached bill. Call now before it is send to the POTUS. With the holidays fastly approaching there might not be any new filings, but there is still time in case HB 1318 was not part of the bill.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
VA hospital issue still moving forward
Harlingen, TX
Arturo Treto Garza
956.226.9176
December 10, 2011
This past summer, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) included legislation in the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Funding bill t(HB 2055) that would bring south Texas one step closer to having a full-service VA hospital. He attached his HB 1318 to it. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday June 14, 2011 by a vote of 411 to 5 and on June 15, 2011 and was referred to the Senate.
Congressman Cuellar’s legislation calls for the expansion of veterans’ health care access and urges the VA Administration to prioritize the construction of a VA hospital in south Texas by placing it on the VA Strategic Capital Improvement Plan (SCIF), designed to place the project on a priority list. Additionally, Congressman Cuellar has introduced a bill to expand the existing VA health care center in Harlingen to provide in-patient care, urgent care services and a full range of services for women veterans as well as other support services.
The Senate voted on July 17, 2011 and passed with an 89-11 vote The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill (2055). The Senate voted on amendments of their own and again passed with a vote of 97-2. Cuellar’s amendment was included and remains as part of the bill. The bill now moves to a Conference Committee where both Chambers need to agree on. . The House agreed to a Conference Committee on this past Wednesday December 7, 2011 and presented a list of Conferees. There will be 19 conferees from the House and 17 from the Senate. The Senate also submitted names of the Conferees.
Veterans in south Texas are optimistic in the passage of the bill and that it will be forwarded to the POTUS. The POTUS has 10 days (inclding Sundays) to act on the action or it becomes law automatically. Of course he can review it and sign it or not approve it. Veterans hope that he signs it since he promised to help during his Presidential Election campaign.
At this time, a date has not been set for the Conference Committee conferees to meet. Veterans will monitor 2055’s movement. If the bill becomes law, then a proposal that is being worked on by the local Veterans Health Care Network will stand a better chance of getting funded through the SCIF..
Arturo Treto Garza
956.226.9176
December 10, 2011
This past summer, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) included legislation in the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Funding bill t(HB 2055) that would bring south Texas one step closer to having a full-service VA hospital. He attached his HB 1318 to it. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday June 14, 2011 by a vote of 411 to 5 and on June 15, 2011 and was referred to the Senate.
Congressman Cuellar’s legislation calls for the expansion of veterans’ health care access and urges the VA Administration to prioritize the construction of a VA hospital in south Texas by placing it on the VA Strategic Capital Improvement Plan (SCIF), designed to place the project on a priority list. Additionally, Congressman Cuellar has introduced a bill to expand the existing VA health care center in Harlingen to provide in-patient care, urgent care services and a full range of services for women veterans as well as other support services.
The Senate voted on July 17, 2011 and passed with an 89-11 vote The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill (2055). The Senate voted on amendments of their own and again passed with a vote of 97-2. Cuellar’s amendment was included and remains as part of the bill. The bill now moves to a Conference Committee where both Chambers need to agree on. . The House agreed to a Conference Committee on this past Wednesday December 7, 2011 and presented a list of Conferees. There will be 19 conferees from the House and 17 from the Senate. The Senate also submitted names of the Conferees.
Veterans in south Texas are optimistic in the passage of the bill and that it will be forwarded to the POTUS. The POTUS has 10 days (inclding Sundays) to act on the action or it becomes law automatically. Of course he can review it and sign it or not approve it. Veterans hope that he signs it since he promised to help during his Presidential Election campaign.
At this time, a date has not been set for the Conference Committee conferees to meet. Veterans will monitor 2055’s movement. If the bill becomes law, then a proposal that is being worked on by the local Veterans Health Care Network will stand a better chance of getting funded through the SCIF..
VA amendment to 2055
Harlingen, TX
Arturo Treto Garza
956.226.9176
December 10, 2011
This past summer, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) included legislation in the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Funding bill t(HB 2055) that would bring south Texas one step closer to having a full-service VA hospital. He attached his HB 1318 to it. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday June 14, 2011 by a vote of 411 to 5 and on June 15, 2011 and was referred to the Senate.
Congressman Cuellar’s legislation calls for the expansion of veterans’ health care access and urges the VA Administration to prioritize the construction of a VA hospital in south Texas by placing it on the VA Strategic Capital Improvement Plan (SCIF), designed to place the project on a priority list. Additionally, Congressman Cuellar has introduced a bill to expand the existing VA health care center in Harlingen to provide in-patient care, urgent care services and a full range of services for women veterans as well as other support services.
The Senate voted on July 17, 2011 and passed with an 89-11 vote The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill (2055). The Senate voted on amendments of their own and again passed with a vote of 97-2. Cuellar’s amendment was included and remains as part of the bill. The bill now moves to a Conference Committee where both Chambers need to agree on. . The House agreed to a Conference Committee on this past Wednesday December 7, 2011 and presented a list of Conferees. There will be 19 conferees from the House and 17 from the Senate. The Senate also submitted names of the Conferees.
Veterans in south Texas are optimistic in the passage of the bill and that it will be forwarded to the POTUS. The POTUS has 10 days (inclding Sundays) to act on the action or it becomes law automatically. Of course he can review it and sign it or not approve it. Veterans hope that he signs it since he promised to help during his Presidential Election campaign.
At this time, a date has not been set for the Conference Committee conferees to meet. Veterans will monitor 2055’s movement. If the bill becomes law, then a proposal that is being worked on by the local Veterans Health Care Network will stand a better chance of getting funded through the SCIF..
Arturo Treto Garza
956.226.9176
December 10, 2011
This past summer, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) included legislation in the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Funding bill t(HB 2055) that would bring south Texas one step closer to having a full-service VA hospital. He attached his HB 1318 to it. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday June 14, 2011 by a vote of 411 to 5 and on June 15, 2011 and was referred to the Senate.
Congressman Cuellar’s legislation calls for the expansion of veterans’ health care access and urges the VA Administration to prioritize the construction of a VA hospital in south Texas by placing it on the VA Strategic Capital Improvement Plan (SCIF), designed to place the project on a priority list. Additionally, Congressman Cuellar has introduced a bill to expand the existing VA health care center in Harlingen to provide in-patient care, urgent care services and a full range of services for women veterans as well as other support services.
The Senate voted on July 17, 2011 and passed with an 89-11 vote The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill (2055). The Senate voted on amendments of their own and again passed with a vote of 97-2. Cuellar’s amendment was included and remains as part of the bill. The bill now moves to a Conference Committee where both Chambers need to agree on. . The House agreed to a Conference Committee on this past Wednesday December 7, 2011 and presented a list of Conferees. There will be 19 conferees from the House and 17 from the Senate. The Senate also submitted names of the Conferees.
Veterans in south Texas are optimistic in the passage of the bill and that it will be forwarded to the POTUS. The POTUS has 10 days (inclding Sundays) to act on the action or it becomes law automatically. Of course he can review it and sign it or not approve it. Veterans hope that he signs it since he promised to help during his Presidential Election campaign.
At this time, a date has not been set for the Conference Committee conferees to meet. Veterans will monitor 2055’s movement. If the bill becomes law, then a proposal that is being worked on by the local Veterans Health Care Network will stand a better chance of getting funded through the SCIF..
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Veterans Affairs Hospital for South Texas Nov. 2011
Here we go again. Senator John Cornyn agreed to attach his bill for a Full Medical Service Center at the Harlingen Veterans Affairs Surgical Center to the National Defense Authorization. He has obtained co-sponsorship from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. We hope that these efforts prove successful.
Here is the Press Release issued by the Senators.
UNITED STATES SENATE
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, JOHN CORNYN
United States Senators - Texas
For Immediate Release CONTACT: Megan Mitchell (Cornyn) (202) 224-0704
Jeff Nelligan (Hutchison), 202-224-9767
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Offer Amendment To Bring Inpatient VA Facility To The Valley
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, today offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 that would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to incorporate a full-service inpatient health care facility into the existing South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen.
Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison have introduced similar legislation in the past and continue to make the case for a VA inpatient facility in Far South Texas with top-ranking VA officials, as well as the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (see attached). While the Senators have supported and welcomed expansions to outpatient and other services at the existing Harlingen VA facilities, they maintain that access to VA inpatient care still must be provided.
“This holiday season will see the return of tens of thousands of service members from locations across the globe, including the remaining 40,000 troops in Iraq who are winding down our nation’s 9-year mission there. Already, the growing population of 100,000 veterans in Far South Texas lacks adequate access to full-service inpatient health care, and further delay in providing this population with the local inpatient care they deserve is unacceptable. I will not give up the fight to make this inpatient facility a reality for the veterans of South Texas,” Sen. Cornyn said.
“A grateful nation cares for those who have answered the call to serve, even after they leave the battlefield,” said Sen. Hutchison. “The veterans of South Texas answered their nation’s call, and many of them went in harm’s way and risked everything for their country. This amendment will help to ensure that these South Texas veterans receive the care they deserve.”
The hospital issue is not dead. Veterans are still at it. It has been a long sought goal of many veterans and for once they feel that they have had an impact at the national level. Veterans must continue forward. All veterans that have been active in this movement should re-charge their batteries and once again make an all out push for a VA hospital for the area. Ana Garcia of Cornyn’s office has been very aggressive in committing the senator’s office to make every effort to move the issue. Communications with the Senator’s national office are via satellite and those sessions are the next best thing to being there. Veterans are counting on her continued full support.
Here is the Press Release issued by the Senators.
UNITED STATES SENATE
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, JOHN CORNYN
United States Senators - Texas
For Immediate Release CONTACT: Megan Mitchell (Cornyn) (202) 224-0704
Jeff Nelligan (Hutchison), 202-224-9767
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Offer Amendment To Bring Inpatient VA Facility To The Valley
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, today offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 that would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to incorporate a full-service inpatient health care facility into the existing South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen.
Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison have introduced similar legislation in the past and continue to make the case for a VA inpatient facility in Far South Texas with top-ranking VA officials, as well as the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (see attached). While the Senators have supported and welcomed expansions to outpatient and other services at the existing Harlingen VA facilities, they maintain that access to VA inpatient care still must be provided.
“This holiday season will see the return of tens of thousands of service members from locations across the globe, including the remaining 40,000 troops in Iraq who are winding down our nation’s 9-year mission there. Already, the growing population of 100,000 veterans in Far South Texas lacks adequate access to full-service inpatient health care, and further delay in providing this population with the local inpatient care they deserve is unacceptable. I will not give up the fight to make this inpatient facility a reality for the veterans of South Texas,” Sen. Cornyn said.
“A grateful nation cares for those who have answered the call to serve, even after they leave the battlefield,” said Sen. Hutchison. “The veterans of South Texas answered their nation’s call, and many of them went in harm’s way and risked everything for their country. This amendment will help to ensure that these South Texas veterans receive the care they deserve.”
The hospital issue is not dead. Veterans are still at it. It has been a long sought goal of many veterans and for once they feel that they have had an impact at the national level. Veterans must continue forward. All veterans that have been active in this movement should re-charge their batteries and once again make an all out push for a VA hospital for the area. Ana Garcia of Cornyn’s office has been very aggressive in committing the senator’s office to make every effort to move the issue. Communications with the Senator’s national office are via satellite and those sessions are the next best thing to being there. Veterans are counting on her continued full support.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Chairman of House Veterans Affairs, Congressman Jeff Miller
Veterans Affairs Committee comes to South Texas
October 21, 2011
Veterans in the Rio Grande Valley failed to take advantage of a scheduled trip by Congressman Jeff Miller, the Chairman of the U S House Veterans Affairs Committee. Miller was invited to a summit sponsored by Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27). The Summit was held at the Del Mar College Campus in Corpus Christi, TX.
Valley veterans send hundreds of letters to the House Veterans Affairs Committee asking that Congressman Ruben Hinojosa's HB 837 be placed on the agenda for a markup. Congressman Miller is the one that decides what appears on the agenda to be discussed and voted on. At this time it is not known when the next Markup Session will be held, but it should not be that long.
Valley veterans could have met with him in person and made a personal requests. Also, Congressman Hinojosa could have let valley veterans know about the summit and Miller's visit and requested veteran representatives be allowed to meet with Miller. Farenthold has signed as Co-Sponsor of HB 837. Another opportunity like this will probably not happened during this Session.
Veterans must be more vigilant on happenings at the Veterans Affairs Committee. Miller was also instrumental in assisting Congressman Henry Cuellar get his HB 1318 attached to HB 2055. This bill called for an expansion of the Harlingen VA Surgical Center to a Full Service Medical Center using the Veterans Health Administration Specific Investment Capital Fund. HB 2055 has passed both Chambers in Congress and is set to go to the President.
Maybe this is why veterans in the Valley feel like they have won the battle for a Veterans Affairs Hospital. They are optimistic about it and hope that it is allowed to spend funds for HB 1318. The SPIC plan was accepting applications for funding from the different VA Health Care Systems throughout the nation. The first cycle would receive application by October 1, 2011. The local VA Health System did not submit one and it is hoped that the proposal will be ready for the second cycle with a deadline of April 2012.
Some veterans feel that pressure must still be placed on Congress Veteran Affairs Committees to markup HB 837, which is the sister bill of S 396 filed by Senator John Cornyn.
October 21, 2011
Veterans in the Rio Grande Valley failed to take advantage of a scheduled trip by Congressman Jeff Miller, the Chairman of the U S House Veterans Affairs Committee. Miller was invited to a summit sponsored by Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27). The Summit was held at the Del Mar College Campus in Corpus Christi, TX.
Valley veterans send hundreds of letters to the House Veterans Affairs Committee asking that Congressman Ruben Hinojosa's HB 837 be placed on the agenda for a markup. Congressman Miller is the one that decides what appears on the agenda to be discussed and voted on. At this time it is not known when the next Markup Session will be held, but it should not be that long.
Valley veterans could have met with him in person and made a personal requests. Also, Congressman Hinojosa could have let valley veterans know about the summit and Miller's visit and requested veteran representatives be allowed to meet with Miller. Farenthold has signed as Co-Sponsor of HB 837. Another opportunity like this will probably not happened during this Session.
Veterans must be more vigilant on happenings at the Veterans Affairs Committee. Miller was also instrumental in assisting Congressman Henry Cuellar get his HB 1318 attached to HB 2055. This bill called for an expansion of the Harlingen VA Surgical Center to a Full Service Medical Center using the Veterans Health Administration Specific Investment Capital Fund. HB 2055 has passed both Chambers in Congress and is set to go to the President.
Maybe this is why veterans in the Valley feel like they have won the battle for a Veterans Affairs Hospital. They are optimistic about it and hope that it is allowed to spend funds for HB 1318. The SPIC plan was accepting applications for funding from the different VA Health Care Systems throughout the nation. The first cycle would receive application by October 1, 2011. The local VA Health System did not submit one and it is hoped that the proposal will be ready for the second cycle with a deadline of April 2012.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Strategic Capital Investment Plan of V A 2012
I found this at Thomas Library of Congress when I searched for HB 2055
Friday, July 8, 2011Strategic Capital Investment Plan of Veterans Affairs
This part of the June 14, 2011 House Veterans Affairs Committee report that was submitted. I hope that the SCIP program does come through for us. But read careful what the report states. If anyone knows or finds any information on SCIP please let us know.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
For FY 2012, the Administration requests a total of $1.271 billion for VA's four construction accounts: Major Construction ($590 million); Minor Construction ($550 million); State Extended Care Facility Construction Grants ($85 million); and State Cemetery Construction Grants ($46 million). The total resource request would, assuming amounts for FY 2011 are funded at the President's requested level, translate to a reduction of $478 million, or 37.6 percent. Further, consistent with the requirements of section 905 of Public Law 111-275, the Administration proposes to allocate $136 million in major construction funding derived from bid savings.
VA's new Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process is a 10-year plan designed to identify and prioritize specific capital investment options to meet service delivery gaps in the areas of safety, security, utilization, access, seismic protection, facility condition assessments, parking and energy. SCIP projects a 10-year resource need of between $53 and $65 billion.
VA's total capital request (including facility leases, equipment, and non recurring maintenance needs not covered under the four construction accounts named above) for FY 2012 is $2.876 billion. At the present rate, it would take 20 years to meet the minimum resource need identified in the SCIP 10-year plan. We are, therefore, concerned that the SCIP plan is unrealistic on its face and would like the opportunity to engage the Administration on the plan going forward. Given that the stated needs of the system are vast, we recommend providing resources above the President's request for major and minor construction totaling $168 million.
Friday, July 8, 2011Strategic Capital Investment Plan of Veterans Affairs
This part of the June 14, 2011 House Veterans Affairs Committee report that was submitted. I hope that the SCIP program does come through for us. But read careful what the report states. If anyone knows or finds any information on SCIP please let us know.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
For FY 2012, the Administration requests a total of $1.271 billion for VA's four construction accounts: Major Construction ($590 million); Minor Construction ($550 million); State Extended Care Facility Construction Grants ($85 million); and State Cemetery Construction Grants ($46 million). The total resource request would, assuming amounts for FY 2011 are funded at the President's requested level, translate to a reduction of $478 million, or 37.6 percent. Further, consistent with the requirements of section 905 of Public Law 111-275, the Administration proposes to allocate $136 million in major construction funding derived from bid savings.
VA's new Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process is a 10-year plan designed to identify and prioritize specific capital investment options to meet service delivery gaps in the areas of safety, security, utilization, access, seismic protection, facility condition assessments, parking and energy. SCIP projects a 10-year resource need of between $53 and $65 billion.
VA's total capital request (including facility leases, equipment, and non recurring maintenance needs not covered under the four construction accounts named above) for FY 2012 is $2.876 billion. At the present rate, it would take 20 years to meet the minimum resource need identified in the SCIP 10-year plan. We are, therefore, concerned that the SCIP plan is unrealistic on its face and would like the opportunity to engage the Administration on the plan going forward. Given that the stated needs of the system are vast, we recommend providing resources above the President's request for major and minor construction totaling $168 million.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
RGV ValleyVets: Senate Bill 396 Full Service Medical Center for So...
RGV ValleyVets: Senate Bill 396 Full Service Medical Center for So...: "'Our service members should never have to come home from fighting a war only to fight to get the benefits and care that they deserve,' said ..."
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Meeting with Staff of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Local Office of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
June 1, 2011
Harlingen, TX
Valley Veterans (Valley Vets) met with Kevin Kane, Veterans & Military Assistant to Kay Bailey Hutchison via a tele-conference arranged by Hutchison’s local coordinator Julian Alvarez.
Kane told the Valley Vets that the Senator remains committed to getting a Full Medical Service Center of the south Texas area. He said that she stands firm on her commitment made at the Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for the new VA Ambulatory & Outpatient Surgical Center in Harlingen, TX on February 25. She supports and endorses Senate Bill 396 which calls for an expansion of the Surgical Center facility to a full service medical center.
Asked as when action will be taken by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee he stated that in the near future the Committee will have “legislative mark-up session” and at this time he does not know what will be on agenda. Santiago Jimmy Kummel asked if there was any way to find out and how often to the legislative mark-up sessions’ are held. Kane responded that he will contact the staff of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and find out what will be on the agenda. He is not sure, but he thinks that the Committee has these sessions every month. Kummel followed up by asking if it would be possible for the Senator to request the minute allowed by C SPAN. There is a program on C SPAN which allows for one minute participation by Congress members to discuss any issue they want. Kane said he would look into it. Ruben Cantu asked if he knew if letters being sent to Senators of the Veterans Affairs Committee were being received. He said that he had heard that letters were indeed being received but that their staff had been contacted by anyone receiving the letters.
Kane asked the veterans to provide him with information regarding any difficulties being experienced by veterans trying to get medical care at the VA. He wanted to know if there are veterans that are still going to San Antonio. His office will try and contact the office of Congressman Blake Farenthold and asked them it a meeting on HB 837 can be arranged so that valley vets can meet with the Congressman. He said that he will work on it from the Washington while veterans continue try to meet with him in the valley.
Joe Ibarra told him to relay a message to the Senator that veterans are losing patience and in a sense getting desperate because so far it has only being speeches and promises of a VA hospital but veterans have not seen one. Kane was told that veterans were looking toward the Senator as well as Senator John Cornyn to provide the leadership and ideas for veterans to help in trying to get SB 396 before a vote. Ibarra commented that a vote whether up or down would give veterans a much realistic idea.
The meeting ended in a positive note with both sides committing to helping with whatever needs to be done to get SB 396 moving. Kane promised more meeting in the near future since he was asked if it would be wise to send a delegation to DC. Veterans want to know if either Senator can get some appointments with key senators on the Vet/Aff Committee.
June 1, 2011
Harlingen, TX
Valley Veterans (Valley Vets) met with Kevin Kane, Veterans & Military Assistant to Kay Bailey Hutchison via a tele-conference arranged by Hutchison’s local coordinator Julian Alvarez.
Kane told the Valley Vets that the Senator remains committed to getting a Full Medical Service Center of the south Texas area. He said that she stands firm on her commitment made at the Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for the new VA Ambulatory & Outpatient Surgical Center in Harlingen, TX on February 25. She supports and endorses Senate Bill 396 which calls for an expansion of the Surgical Center facility to a full service medical center.
Asked as when action will be taken by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee he stated that in the near future the Committee will have “legislative mark-up session” and at this time he does not know what will be on agenda. Santiago Jimmy Kummel asked if there was any way to find out and how often to the legislative mark-up sessions’ are held. Kane responded that he will contact the staff of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and find out what will be on the agenda. He is not sure, but he thinks that the Committee has these sessions every month. Kummel followed up by asking if it would be possible for the Senator to request the minute allowed by C SPAN. There is a program on C SPAN which allows for one minute participation by Congress members to discuss any issue they want. Kane said he would look into it. Ruben Cantu asked if he knew if letters being sent to Senators of the Veterans Affairs Committee were being received. He said that he had heard that letters were indeed being received but that their staff had been contacted by anyone receiving the letters.
Kane asked the veterans to provide him with information regarding any difficulties being experienced by veterans trying to get medical care at the VA. He wanted to know if there are veterans that are still going to San Antonio. His office will try and contact the office of Congressman Blake Farenthold and asked them it a meeting on HB 837 can be arranged so that valley vets can meet with the Congressman. He said that he will work on it from the Washington while veterans continue try to meet with him in the valley.
Joe Ibarra told him to relay a message to the Senator that veterans are losing patience and in a sense getting desperate because so far it has only being speeches and promises of a VA hospital but veterans have not seen one. Kane was told that veterans were looking toward the Senator as well as Senator John Cornyn to provide the leadership and ideas for veterans to help in trying to get SB 396 before a vote. Ibarra commented that a vote whether up or down would give veterans a much realistic idea.
The meeting ended in a positive note with both sides committing to helping with whatever needs to be done to get SB 396 moving. Kane promised more meeting in the near future since he was asked if it would be wise to send a delegation to DC. Veterans want to know if either Senator can get some appointments with key senators on the Vet/Aff Committee.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Meeting with Sen. Hutchison's Key Staff
Thursday, May 19, 2011
My Harlingen News Post
Politics, Public Safety, Activism
Posted on Thursday, May 19th, 2011
By: Arturo (Treto) Garza
Greetings:
Veterans deposited 215 letters today at the Main Post Office in Harlingen, TX. These letters were gathered at Saturday’s VA/American Legion Health Fair held at Post 205 Hqtrs, in Harlingen, TX Joe Ibarra (Harlingen) and Treto Garza (Harlingen) verified the addresses and made sure that each letter was proper with postage. Irene T. Garza (Harlingen) then deposited the letters.
The letters are directed at Senator Patty Murray, Chairperson of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and asks that SB 396 (Cornyn) be placed on the Committee’s agenda for a vote in the Senate. Letters are also directed at Representative Jeff Miller, Chairperson of the Housed Veterans Affairs Committee and the sub-committee on Veterans Health, chaired by Ann Marie Buerkle. These letters ask that HB 837 (Hinojosa) be placed before their Committees’ agenda for a vote in the House. This is the third batch of letters that have been send out. Both bills call for an expansion of the Harlingen VA Surgical Center be created to a Full Service Medical Center. The bills have the full support of the local Congressional delegation as well as many local governments.
The first batch (100) of letters were send to the Legislative Directors of key members of the Veterans Affairs Committees in both Chambers. Those letters also ask that HB 837 and SB 396 be brought before the attention of their respective member of Congress. Veterans selected 10 members of each committee as targets.
The second batch of letters went to 10 key members of the House Sub-Committee of Veterans Health. The letters request that HB 837 be brought for a vote.
Also, 37 letters were sent to Rep.Buerkle that were gathered at two meetings earlier this month. They also ask the bill be placed before her committee’s agenda.
A total of 454 letters have been sent. It is hoped that enough interest is generated in case of local Congressional delegation decides to get co-sponsors for their bills. The bills must get out the committee. This will be a very positive step in our direction.
Veterans are hoping that their letters are enough to be considered an Outcry for help from Congress. Veterans have had bills filed in previous Sessions but died in committee. This time around, veterans are going straight to the Committees with their requests. “This is not the proper protocol to follow, but we must try everything to get our point across,” says Arturo Treto Garza. Ibarra states that the letter writing campaign dubbed Operation 10,10,10 will continue and asks veterans and their families to join in this effort. Veterans feel that they are close to victory, but do not want to take anything for granted. They will continue their quest for a Full Service Medical Center for the valley.
Posted on Thursday, May 19th, 2011
By: Arturo (Treto) Garza
Greetings:
Veterans deposited 215 letters today at the Main Post Office in Harlingen, TX. These letters were gathered at Saturday’s VA/American Legion Health Fair held at Post 205 Hqtrs, in Harlingen, TX Joe Ibarra (Harlingen) and Treto Garza (Harlingen) verified the addresses and made sure that each letter was proper with postage. Irene T. Garza (Harlingen) then deposited the letters.
The letters are directed at Senator Patty Murray, Chairperson of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and asks that SB 396 (Cornyn) be placed on the Committee’s agenda for a vote in the Senate. Letters are also directed at Representative Jeff Miller, Chairperson of the Housed Veterans Affairs Committee and the sub-committee on Veterans Health, chaired by Ann Marie Buerkle. These letters ask that HB 837 (Hinojosa) be placed before their Committees’ agenda for a vote in the House. This is the third batch of letters that have been send out. Both bills call for an expansion of the Harlingen VA Surgical Center be created to a Full Service Medical Center. The bills have the full support of the local Congressional delegation as well as many local governments.
The first batch (100) of letters were send to the Legislative Directors of key members of the Veterans Affairs Committees in both Chambers. Those letters also ask that HB 837 and SB 396 be brought before the attention of their respective member of Congress. Veterans selected 10 members of each committee as targets.
The second batch of letters went to 10 key members of the House Sub-Committee of Veterans Health. The letters request that HB 837 be brought for a vote.
Also, 37 letters were sent to Rep.Buerkle that were gathered at two meetings earlier this month. They also ask the bill be placed before her committee’s agenda.
A total of 454 letters have been sent. It is hoped that enough interest is generated in case of local Congressional delegation decides to get co-sponsors for their bills. The bills must get out the committee. This will be a very positive step in our direction.
Veterans are hoping that their letters are enough to be considered an Outcry for help from Congress. Veterans have had bills filed in previous Sessions but died in committee. This time around, veterans are going straight to the Committees with their requests. “This is not the proper protocol to follow, but we must try everything to get our point across,” says Arturo Treto Garza. Ibarra states that the letter writing campaign dubbed Operation 10,10,10 will continue and asks veterans and their families to join in this effort. Veterans feel that they are close to victory, but do not want to take anything for granted. They will continue their quest for a Full Service Medical Center for the valley.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Did Anyone ask Obama about VA hospital for the Valley?
THE ONLY MEDIA OUTLET SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIO AT THE CAPITOL EVERY DAY COVERING THE 82ND LEGISLATURE
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Guardian News
Garza: Did anyone ask Obama about a VA hospital for the Valley?
By Arturo 'Treto' Garza
"You served our country bravely and now our country owes you." - Senator Barack Obama on various visits to Texas.
HARLINGEN, May 15 - The 2012 elections are fast approaching and already people are out on the campaign trail. It’s going to be another interesting election.
Last November, Republicans swept the polls in Texas and much of the country. They took control of the U.S. House of Representatives and gained seats in the U.S. Senate. Since then it appears the government has stalled somewhat. The only two things worth mentioning is first, we avoided a government shut down, and second Osama Bin Laden was killed. Other than that to the regular citizen there is not much happening, just bickering and arguing along party lines. And gasoline prices are way up high!
Veterans from South Texas should ask Congressman Henry Cuellar if he had a chance to speak to President Barack Obama on his visit to El Paso last week about a VA Full Medical Service Center for our region. It is my understanding that he was one of those invited to attend. The same question should be posed to state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, who did attend the El Paso event.
Obama promised on three separate occasions to support a VA hospital for South Texas. But that was back in 2008 when he was running for president. Now he comes to Texas to meet with voters in Austin and El Paso but with a catch to it, namely $1,000 a plate fee. It seems that Democrats in office that want to meet with their constituents always come up with these $1,000 plate meetings. I believe it’s done to keep the likes of us away. I mean who can afford $1,000 to attend? Or travel up to 700 miles one way?
When we met with Rep. Lucio at his office a while back, he was getting ready to travel up north, I believe to Utah to attend the Democratic National Committee meeting. He promised that he would discuss the VA hospital issue. He has promised that he would travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for a VA hospital for South Texas. Are these two politicos just playing with the feelings of the veterans? They should wise up. Look what happened to Congressman Solomon Ortiz. The same thing could happen to them. They could get defeated. This goes for Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, too. Local veterans are getting tired of listening to promises. It’s time for action.
Legislation before Congress
Our congressional delegation has again filed bills in Congress for the creation of a Full Medical Service Center for deep South Texas. Two are identical. They are HB 837, filed in the House by Rep. Hinojosa, and S 396, filed in the Senate by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Some say Hinojosa filed the bill in desperation after Cornyn filed his. The fact remains that he indeed filed the bill.
Another bill - HB 1318 by Cuellar – is perhaps more interesting. It calls for an urgent care center with 50 inpatient beds, a full range of services to meet the need of female veterans, and a day care center to provide respite for the caregivers that look after veterans. The bill asks that the VA’s Strategic Capital Investment Plan (SCIP) be the vehicle through which these improvements happen. Local VA officials are making plans to submit a proposal to the SCIP in August. The thing is that the proposal will have to compete with others from throughout the nation. The downside with this bill is that it passes the buck to the VA bureaucracy which could mean delay.
All of these pieces of legislation are commendable. The problem, however, is that the bills can sit in committee for a long time, with no movement. To the veterans of South Texas and residents generally, it appears no one is doing anything to move them. Now, some veterans want to do something about this apparent inertia.
Veterans have launched a letter writing campaign to three important committee chairs – U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Jeff Miller, chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, chair of the Subcommittee on Veterans Health of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The letters request that HB 837 and S 396 be placed on the agenda of their respective committees for discussion and a vote. If this occurs and they receive favorable votes in committee and then the full House and Senate they will be sent to the President for his signature.
The next step for veterans will be to send letters out to members of Congress who might want to join as co-sponsors and to all members of the Veteran Affairs committees. This will add to the online petition that is currently underway. Click here to view the petition. Anyone can sign, not just veterans.
There is work to be done and we must continue the battle. Some of the veterans are in it for the long haul, for the duration, or until the Good Lord calls us home.
Veterans do not be misled by other “veterans’ advocates” who say we have won the VA hospital issue. Not so. We still have a lot of work to do. Join us in this continued quest for a Full Medical Service Center in Harlingen to serve the veterans of South Texas.
Also, veterans, please register to vote. Do it now. We fought for democracy in other parts of the world, so let's put it to practice here. Do Not, Do Not be swayed by naysayers that tell you the VA hospital issue is a lost cause because once politicians get into office they do whatever they want. The reason is we let them. If need be let’s get rid of those types and get in new ones and keep vigilant.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! SUPPORT OUR VETERANS! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza is a former vice commander of the Veteran’s Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley. He served in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine. His Veteran’s Voice column appears exclusively in the Guardian.
© Copyright of the Rio Grande Guardian, www.riograndeguardian.com. Publisher: Steve Taylor. All rights reserved.
© 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Web design by TWRI
Powered by StoryPage
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Guardian News
Garza: Did anyone ask Obama about a VA hospital for the Valley?
By Arturo 'Treto' Garza
"You served our country bravely and now our country owes you." - Senator Barack Obama on various visits to Texas.
HARLINGEN, May 15 - The 2012 elections are fast approaching and already people are out on the campaign trail. It’s going to be another interesting election.
Last November, Republicans swept the polls in Texas and much of the country. They took control of the U.S. House of Representatives and gained seats in the U.S. Senate. Since then it appears the government has stalled somewhat. The only two things worth mentioning is first, we avoided a government shut down, and second Osama Bin Laden was killed. Other than that to the regular citizen there is not much happening, just bickering and arguing along party lines. And gasoline prices are way up high!
Veterans from South Texas should ask Congressman Henry Cuellar if he had a chance to speak to President Barack Obama on his visit to El Paso last week about a VA Full Medical Service Center for our region. It is my understanding that he was one of those invited to attend. The same question should be posed to state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, who did attend the El Paso event.
Obama promised on three separate occasions to support a VA hospital for South Texas. But that was back in 2008 when he was running for president. Now he comes to Texas to meet with voters in Austin and El Paso but with a catch to it, namely $1,000 a plate fee. It seems that Democrats in office that want to meet with their constituents always come up with these $1,000 plate meetings. I believe it’s done to keep the likes of us away. I mean who can afford $1,000 to attend? Or travel up to 700 miles one way?
When we met with Rep. Lucio at his office a while back, he was getting ready to travel up north, I believe to Utah to attend the Democratic National Committee meeting. He promised that he would discuss the VA hospital issue. He has promised that he would travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for a VA hospital for South Texas. Are these two politicos just playing with the feelings of the veterans? They should wise up. Look what happened to Congressman Solomon Ortiz. The same thing could happen to them. They could get defeated. This goes for Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, too. Local veterans are getting tired of listening to promises. It’s time for action.
Legislation before Congress
Our congressional delegation has again filed bills in Congress for the creation of a Full Medical Service Center for deep South Texas. Two are identical. They are HB 837, filed in the House by Rep. Hinojosa, and S 396, filed in the Senate by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Some say Hinojosa filed the bill in desperation after Cornyn filed his. The fact remains that he indeed filed the bill.
Another bill - HB 1318 by Cuellar – is perhaps more interesting. It calls for an urgent care center with 50 inpatient beds, a full range of services to meet the need of female veterans, and a day care center to provide respite for the caregivers that look after veterans. The bill asks that the VA’s Strategic Capital Investment Plan (SCIP) be the vehicle through which these improvements happen. Local VA officials are making plans to submit a proposal to the SCIP in August. The thing is that the proposal will have to compete with others from throughout the nation. The downside with this bill is that it passes the buck to the VA bureaucracy which could mean delay.
All of these pieces of legislation are commendable. The problem, however, is that the bills can sit in committee for a long time, with no movement. To the veterans of South Texas and residents generally, it appears no one is doing anything to move them. Now, some veterans want to do something about this apparent inertia.
Veterans have launched a letter writing campaign to three important committee chairs – U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Jeff Miller, chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, chair of the Subcommittee on Veterans Health of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The letters request that HB 837 and S 396 be placed on the agenda of their respective committees for discussion and a vote. If this occurs and they receive favorable votes in committee and then the full House and Senate they will be sent to the President for his signature.
The next step for veterans will be to send letters out to members of Congress who might want to join as co-sponsors and to all members of the Veteran Affairs committees. This will add to the online petition that is currently underway. Click here to view the petition. Anyone can sign, not just veterans.
There is work to be done and we must continue the battle. Some of the veterans are in it for the long haul, for the duration, or until the Good Lord calls us home.
Veterans do not be misled by other “veterans’ advocates” who say we have won the VA hospital issue. Not so. We still have a lot of work to do. Join us in this continued quest for a Full Medical Service Center in Harlingen to serve the veterans of South Texas.
Also, veterans, please register to vote. Do it now. We fought for democracy in other parts of the world, so let's put it to practice here. Do Not, Do Not be swayed by naysayers that tell you the VA hospital issue is a lost cause because once politicians get into office they do whatever they want. The reason is we let them. If need be let’s get rid of those types and get in new ones and keep vigilant.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! SUPPORT OUR VETERANS! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza is a former vice commander of the Veteran’s Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley. He served in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine. His Veteran’s Voice column appears exclusively in the Guardian.
© Copyright of the Rio Grande Guardian, www.riograndeguardian.com. Publisher: Steve Taylor. All rights reserved.
© 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Web design by TWRI
Powered by StoryPage
Monday, May 16, 2011
American Legions Post 205 & VA Health Fair
Harlingen News
Politics, Public Safety, Activism
Posted on Sunday, May 15th, 2011
By: Arturo (Treto) Garza
May 14, 2011
American Legion Post 205
Harlingen, TX
The Veterans Affairs TX Valley Coastal Bend Health Care Services and the American Legion Post 205 sponsored a Veterans Health Fair to enroll and inform veterans of benefits available. Jeff Milligan, Director, of the VA local clinics and Post Commander Raul Fonseca addressed the participants.
Commander Fonseca welcomed the veterans and stated that this was the first ever Health Fair and plans call for future annual Health Fairs. He also urged all veterans to pass the word that they must enroll for veterans benefits. Cmdr. Fonseca just recently took over post command from Cmdr. Tom Harrison. Cmdr. Harrison played a major role in setting up the Fair.
Milligan informed the veterans to make sure that all veterans are enrolled for health services. He stated that their service area has over 110,000 veterans and of those only 26,000 use the services. He exhorted the veterans to spread the word among other veterans to get them to sign up for health care through the newly created health care system. He continued that south Texas now has its own system with its own budget. In order for them to get more funds, veterans must step forward and utilize the benefits which they have earned through their service in the Armed Forces of America. He also stated that in June the new Surgical Center will be opened for inpatient surgery. At that time, they will have their first surgical procedure done. He is very optimistic as to the future of the TX Valley Coastal Bend Health Care Services. Even though the Surgical Center opened in January, they have not done any outpatient surgery because they were waiting for an inspection and accreditation by the Government of the facilities. Apparently, the Center passed and are ready for patients. Other services are being provided. He told the participants that there was VA personnel available to answer any questions. The VA also provided glucose and blood pressure checks. The VA benefits advisors were also present.
Other booths were available sponsored by Amigo Home Health Care Service, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Congressman Ruben Hinojosa’s office, Alfredo Gonzales Texas State Veterans Home, Bright Vista McAllen Medical Center, Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Services, and others.
The DAV provided information on Death Benefits for Survivors of Deceased Veterans and other VA compensation and health benefits. Pete Prax Garza, Commander of DAV Chapter 121 reminds all veterans that are receiving compensation benefits to make sure that they have their medical chart up to date as to service connected claims. This is important in case the veteran passes away and the spouse applies for survivors benefits. There have been many spouses that have experienced problems getting their deceased veteran’s benefits. Samuel Cardenas, DAV Veterans Service Officer is available at the VA clinic to provide assistance to veterans with their claims.
The Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley was able to obtain 218 signatures on letters to the Veterans Affairs Committees’ chairs asking that HB 837 and SB 396 be placed on their respective agenda for a vote. The bill asks for a Full Medical Services Center. Joe Ibarra, says that the fair health was successful because they were able to obtain 221 signed letters from veterans. The letters are being sent to the Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Chairwoman Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle of the House Sub-committee of Health and to Senator Patty Murray, Chairwoman of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee. These bills are identical and call for an extension of the VA Surgical Center to a Full Service Medical Center in Harlingen, TX This is part of Operation 10,10,10 which to date has mailed 325 letters to members of the Veterans Affairs Committees. Veterans are making a very strong effort this time to try and get the bills out of committee. If voted favorably, the bills go before a Conference Committee of both Houses and since they are identical, it would not create any further discussion and could be send to the President. In past sessions, the bills died in committee.
Cmdr. Fonseca and Vice Commander Elugio Muniz were very pleased with the results and turnout at the Fair. The Post has been remodeled and they invite all to stop by. Also attending were Alex Trejo and Ruben Cantu of the recently created Harlingen Veterans Advisory Committee.
.
Politics, Public Safety, Activism
Posted on Sunday, May 15th, 2011
By: Arturo (Treto) Garza
May 14, 2011
American Legion Post 205
Harlingen, TX
The Veterans Affairs TX Valley Coastal Bend Health Care Services and the American Legion Post 205 sponsored a Veterans Health Fair to enroll and inform veterans of benefits available. Jeff Milligan, Director, of the VA local clinics and Post Commander Raul Fonseca addressed the participants.
Commander Fonseca welcomed the veterans and stated that this was the first ever Health Fair and plans call for future annual Health Fairs. He also urged all veterans to pass the word that they must enroll for veterans benefits. Cmdr. Fonseca just recently took over post command from Cmdr. Tom Harrison. Cmdr. Harrison played a major role in setting up the Fair.
Milligan informed the veterans to make sure that all veterans are enrolled for health services. He stated that their service area has over 110,000 veterans and of those only 26,000 use the services. He exhorted the veterans to spread the word among other veterans to get them to sign up for health care through the newly created health care system. He continued that south Texas now has its own system with its own budget. In order for them to get more funds, veterans must step forward and utilize the benefits which they have earned through their service in the Armed Forces of America. He also stated that in June the new Surgical Center will be opened for inpatient surgery. At that time, they will have their first surgical procedure done. He is very optimistic as to the future of the TX Valley Coastal Bend Health Care Services. Even though the Surgical Center opened in January, they have not done any outpatient surgery because they were waiting for an inspection and accreditation by the Government of the facilities. Apparently, the Center passed and are ready for patients. Other services are being provided. He told the participants that there was VA personnel available to answer any questions. The VA also provided glucose and blood pressure checks. The VA benefits advisors were also present.
Other booths were available sponsored by Amigo Home Health Care Service, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Congressman Ruben Hinojosa’s office, Alfredo Gonzales Texas State Veterans Home, Bright Vista McAllen Medical Center, Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Services, and others.
The DAV provided information on Death Benefits for Survivors of Deceased Veterans and other VA compensation and health benefits. Pete Prax Garza, Commander of DAV Chapter 121 reminds all veterans that are receiving compensation benefits to make sure that they have their medical chart up to date as to service connected claims. This is important in case the veteran passes away and the spouse applies for survivors benefits. There have been many spouses that have experienced problems getting their deceased veteran’s benefits. Samuel Cardenas, DAV Veterans Service Officer is available at the VA clinic to provide assistance to veterans with their claims.
The Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley was able to obtain 218 signatures on letters to the Veterans Affairs Committees’ chairs asking that HB 837 and SB 396 be placed on their respective agenda for a vote. The bill asks for a Full Medical Services Center. Joe Ibarra, says that the fair health was successful because they were able to obtain 221 signed letters from veterans. The letters are being sent to the Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Chairwoman Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle of the House Sub-committee of Health and to Senator Patty Murray, Chairwoman of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee. These bills are identical and call for an extension of the VA Surgical Center to a Full Service Medical Center in Harlingen, TX This is part of Operation 10,10,10 which to date has mailed 325 letters to members of the Veterans Affairs Committees. Veterans are making a very strong effort this time to try and get the bills out of committee. If voted favorably, the bills go before a Conference Committee of both Houses and since they are identical, it would not create any further discussion and could be send to the President. In past sessions, the bills died in committee.
Cmdr. Fonseca and Vice Commander Elugio Muniz were very pleased with the results and turnout at the Fair. The Post has been remodeled and they invite all to stop by. Also attending were Alex Trejo and Ruben Cantu of the recently created Harlingen Veterans Advisory Committee.
.
Monday, April 4, 2011
NEWS STORY on My Harlingen News
My Harlingen News
Politics, Public Safety, Activism
Posted on Monday, April 4th, 2011
By: Arturo (Treto) Garza
Valley Veterans will be presenting testimony before the State House Defense and Veterans Committee, chaired by State Rep. Joseph Pickett on Thursday April 7, 2011 in Austin. They will speak on behalf of House Bill 55 submitted by Armando Mando Martinez (D-40) which was submitted in August 4, 2010. The bill asks that the Texas Enterprise Fund be used for veterans hospitals in Texas. The Texas Enterprise Fund is administered by the Texas Veterans Land Board. Jerry Patterson is the Commissioner in charge. He told veterans at a meeting in October 2010 in McAllen that he would need legislative action that would allow him to use funds that veterans were requesting. Veterans are seeking financial assistance from Texas to help purchase ancillary items that are needed at the Harlingen facility to convert the Clinic into a Full Service Medical Center. It would require a joint effort of the State and the federal government working together to establish a Full Service Medical Center as proposed.
Veterans have met with Rep. Martinez on several occasions and he agreed to submit the bill. Veterans are now trying to move it out of committee and onto the full house. At this time, the Senate does not have a sister bill. If HB 55 passes in Committee veterans will seek their state Senators to submit one. In the past veterans supported Proposition 8 which would allow the State to provide monies for construction and maintenance of veteran’s hospitals. The legislation passed but no monies were authorized for its development. But now veterans have identified a funding source.
Local veterans are also working at the national level trying to get two bills out of Veterans Affairs Committees in each house. SB 396 submitted by Senator Cornyn and HB 837 submitted by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa. A letter writing campaign has been launched in that effort code named Operation 10.10.10.
Politics, Public Safety, Activism
Posted on Monday, April 4th, 2011
By: Arturo (Treto) Garza
Valley Veterans will be presenting testimony before the State House Defense and Veterans Committee, chaired by State Rep. Joseph Pickett on Thursday April 7, 2011 in Austin. They will speak on behalf of House Bill 55 submitted by Armando Mando Martinez (D-40) which was submitted in August 4, 2010. The bill asks that the Texas Enterprise Fund be used for veterans hospitals in Texas. The Texas Enterprise Fund is administered by the Texas Veterans Land Board. Jerry Patterson is the Commissioner in charge. He told veterans at a meeting in October 2010 in McAllen that he would need legislative action that would allow him to use funds that veterans were requesting. Veterans are seeking financial assistance from Texas to help purchase ancillary items that are needed at the Harlingen facility to convert the Clinic into a Full Service Medical Center. It would require a joint effort of the State and the federal government working together to establish a Full Service Medical Center as proposed.
Veterans have met with Rep. Martinez on several occasions and he agreed to submit the bill. Veterans are now trying to move it out of committee and onto the full house. At this time, the Senate does not have a sister bill. If HB 55 passes in Committee veterans will seek their state Senators to submit one. In the past veterans supported Proposition 8 which would allow the State to provide monies for construction and maintenance of veteran’s hospitals. The legislation passed but no monies were authorized for its development. But now veterans have identified a funding source.
Local veterans are also working at the national level trying to get two bills out of Veterans Affairs Committees in each house. SB 396 submitted by Senator Cornyn and HB 837 submitted by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa. A letter writing campaign has been launched in that effort code named Operation 10.10.10.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Operation 10,10,10
Operation 10, 10,10
We are launching what we call Operation 10-10-10 which is essence an effort directed at members of the Veterans Affairs Committees. We have made little progress and times have changed, but we continue our battle.
Operation 10, 10, 10 has been launched by Rio Grande Valley Veterans to try and get HB 837 and SB 396 passed in Congress. The wording of each bill in their respective chamber is identical. They call for an expansion of the Surgical Center in Harlingen to a Full Service Medical Center.
The Operation will consist of veterans targeting 10 members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. They will be sending their offices letters asking for support and passage of HB 837 as submitted by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa and Co-Sponsored by Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Blake Farenthold. This committee has 24 members representing both Political parties and is chaired by Rep. Jeff Miller.
Second phase will be to target 10 members of the House Veterans Affairs sub-committee on Veterans Health. This Committee has 12 members and its Chair is Rep. Ann Marie Buerkele.
The third phase will be to target 10 members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee asking for support and passage of SB 396. SB 396 was submitted by Senator John Cornyn and Co-Sponsored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. This committee has 21 members and its Chair is Senator Patty Murray.
The phonetic pronunciation of the word 10 in Spanish means here, so Operation 10, 10, 10 will be Operation Here, Here, Here. Veterans feel that our Congressional leaders have not asked these committees to work on the bills and the need for such a facility.
Veterans will be calling on veterans to participate in Operation 10, 10, 10. If a Veterans Service organization wants more information the group will sent some one to their posts and provide it. Commanders or Vice Commanders should call Treto Garza at 956.226.9176.
Veterans also ask the community at large to sign an on-line petition at http//:www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/578/551/374.
SUPPORT OUR VETERANS AND LET’S GET THEM A FULL SERVICE MEDICAL CENTER.
We are launching what we call Operation 10-10-10 which is essence an effort directed at members of the Veterans Affairs Committees. We have made little progress and times have changed, but we continue our battle.
Operation 10, 10, 10 has been launched by Rio Grande Valley Veterans to try and get HB 837 and SB 396 passed in Congress. The wording of each bill in their respective chamber is identical. They call for an expansion of the Surgical Center in Harlingen to a Full Service Medical Center.
The Operation will consist of veterans targeting 10 members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. They will be sending their offices letters asking for support and passage of HB 837 as submitted by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa and Co-Sponsored by Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Blake Farenthold. This committee has 24 members representing both Political parties and is chaired by Rep. Jeff Miller.
Second phase will be to target 10 members of the House Veterans Affairs sub-committee on Veterans Health. This Committee has 12 members and its Chair is Rep. Ann Marie Buerkele.
The third phase will be to target 10 members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee asking for support and passage of SB 396. SB 396 was submitted by Senator John Cornyn and Co-Sponsored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. This committee has 21 members and its Chair is Senator Patty Murray.
The phonetic pronunciation of the word 10 in Spanish means here, so Operation 10, 10, 10 will be Operation Here, Here, Here. Veterans feel that our Congressional leaders have not asked these committees to work on the bills and the need for such a facility.
Veterans will be calling on veterans to participate in Operation 10, 10, 10. If a Veterans Service organization wants more information the group will sent some one to their posts and provide it. Commanders or Vice Commanders should call Treto Garza at 956.226.9176.
Veterans also ask the community at large to sign an on-line petition at http//:www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/578/551/374.
SUPPORT OUR VETERANS AND LET’S GET THEM A FULL SERVICE MEDICAL CENTER.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Vets to try new approach for hospital | grande, hospital, new - TheMonitor.com
This article is very interesting. Please take time and read. Send comments.
Vets to try new approach for hospital grande, hospital, new - TheMonitor.com
Vets to try new approach for hospital grande, hospital, new - TheMonitor.com
Another plan for a VA hospital for Valley
The Monitor
McAllen, TX - 23 Mar 2011 - Congressman Henry Cuellar talks during a veterans forum on March 23, 2011 at South Texas College Cooper Center in McAllen.
Jared Janes
The Rio Grande Valley’s congressional delegation will use a different tactic in its approach to secure a veterans hospital here.
Legislation expected to be filed next week will ask the Department of Veterans Affairs to place the long-sought hospital on its 10-year strategic capital investment plan, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, told a roomful of veterans at a forum hosted by his office this week. The bill’s language differs from legislation filed in prior years that requests a hospital through the traditional VA budget request.
“Instead of saying, ‘Build us a hospital,’ we’re asking them to put it on their list of work they plan to do,” said Cuellar, who expects to file the legislation Tuesday. “We’re taking a different approach in the hopes that maybe it will get them moving on it to break the logjam that’s been here for 40 years or so.”
The VA dedicated a $40 million outpatient surgery center in Harlingen last month that significantly increases the local availability of health care services for Valley veterans who previously were forced to travel to San Antonio for specialty care. The 120,000-square-foot center includes nearly a dozen specialty clinics and six surgical suites, but it doesn’t house an emergency room or outpatient beds.
U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison introduced legislation that requires the VA to incorporate a full-service inpatient health care facility into the existing center. U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, later filed companion legislation in the U.S. House that was supported by Cuellar and U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi.
Similar legislation filed in previous years failed to make it out of committee.
But Cuellar said the new legislation tacking the expansion onto the VA’s strategic construction plan offers an alternative if the other bill stalls.
During the forum, Cuellar fielded questions from veterans about income-eligibility requirements that leave wealthier veterans without access to the VA, while others voiced complaints about limited services available for female and disabled veterans.
Congress has increased veterans funding by 60 percent in the past three years, providing an additional $23 billion to help veterans receive care by adding 8,300 new claims processors, 145 community-based outpatient clinics and more than 47,000 additional veterans’ health administration employees.
Investments are evident in the Valley beyond the outpatient surgery center, which opened months after the Valley, Corpus Christi and Laredo were split off from San Antonio into a standalone health care system. Jeff Milligan, the director for the Harlingen-based system, said the VA is in the midst of opening modernized and expanded clinics in McAllen, Corpus and Laredo.
Rey Moleno, the co-chair of the Veterans Alliance, whose established mission is to bring a hospital to the Valley, said the VA is finally listening to veterans’ concerns. “The VA’s services have gotten better, but we still have a ways to go (for a hospital),” Moleno said.
Jared Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4424 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (956) 683-4424
McAllen, TX - 23 Mar 2011 - Congressman Henry Cuellar talks during a veterans forum on March 23, 2011 at South Texas College Cooper Center in McAllen.
Jared Janes
The Rio Grande Valley’s congressional delegation will use a different tactic in its approach to secure a veterans hospital here.
Legislation expected to be filed next week will ask the Department of Veterans Affairs to place the long-sought hospital on its 10-year strategic capital investment plan, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, told a roomful of veterans at a forum hosted by his office this week. The bill’s language differs from legislation filed in prior years that requests a hospital through the traditional VA budget request.
“Instead of saying, ‘Build us a hospital,’ we’re asking them to put it on their list of work they plan to do,” said Cuellar, who expects to file the legislation Tuesday. “We’re taking a different approach in the hopes that maybe it will get them moving on it to break the logjam that’s been here for 40 years or so.”
The VA dedicated a $40 million outpatient surgery center in Harlingen last month that significantly increases the local availability of health care services for Valley veterans who previously were forced to travel to San Antonio for specialty care. The 120,000-square-foot center includes nearly a dozen specialty clinics and six surgical suites, but it doesn’t house an emergency room or outpatient beds.
U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison introduced legislation that requires the VA to incorporate a full-service inpatient health care facility into the existing center. U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, later filed companion legislation in the U.S. House that was supported by Cuellar and U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi.
Similar legislation filed in previous years failed to make it out of committee.
But Cuellar said the new legislation tacking the expansion onto the VA’s strategic construction plan offers an alternative if the other bill stalls.
During the forum, Cuellar fielded questions from veterans about income-eligibility requirements that leave wealthier veterans without access to the VA, while others voiced complaints about limited services available for female and disabled veterans.
Congress has increased veterans funding by 60 percent in the past three years, providing an additional $23 billion to help veterans receive care by adding 8,300 new claims processors, 145 community-based outpatient clinics and more than 47,000 additional veterans’ health administration employees.
Investments are evident in the Valley beyond the outpatient surgery center, which opened months after the Valley, Corpus Christi and Laredo were split off from San Antonio into a standalone health care system. Jeff Milligan, the director for the Harlingen-based system, said the VA is in the midst of opening modernized and expanded clinics in McAllen, Corpus and Laredo.
Rey Moleno, the co-chair of the Veterans Alliance, whose established mission is to bring a hospital to the Valley, said the VA is finally listening to veterans’ concerns. “The VA’s services have gotten better, but we still have a ways to go (for a hospital),” Moleno said.
Jared Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4424 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (956) 683-4424
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hard work ahead for Veterans
What is Happening with Veterans
ALL of a sudden the efforts to bring a VA hospital to the valley have come to almost a stand still. It appears that just about everyone thinks that we have won and that we are indeed getting a Full Service Medical Center. I think that veterans should be cautious on this assumption.
Senator Cornyn's bill S 396 is brief and to the point. But it must be passed at the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and onto the full floor of the Senate. This is something that has never been done before. All our previous bills have died in committee for lack of follow up by the sponsors. We could face the same dilemma this time around again. Unless, unless, and if we do, if we do something about it. We cannot rest and take it for granted that the bill is going to pass. We must make and all out effort to ensure that it gets out of committee. Our Congressional delegation can make all the promises they want, but the fact of the matter remains that the Veterans Affairs does not want anymore hospitals or full medical service centers. Congressman Jeff Miller, Chair of the House Veterans Committee has made it quite clear that he support private medical contracts to provided said service.
If Congressman Blake Farenthold had been allowed to file House Bill 837 we could have stood a better chance of having it voted on committee in that chamber. But Hinojosa hastily filed the bill. He has in past coponsored the bill from its origin. f Congressman Blake Farenthold had been allowed to file House Bill 837 we could have stood a better chance of having it voted on committee in that chamber. But Hinojosa hastily filed the bill. He has in past coponsored the bill from its origin. But then did not do a thing to get it moved. No co sponsors no nada. So what makes us think that he is going to do something about it. Will he be another Solomon Ortiz, promises, promises, and just file a bill. Let us hope not.
As veterans we must wise up and face the facts. We have been at it too long that some think that something is really better than nothing. I sense that many want to quit and was once again the veterans will face defeat until a new batch of veterans comes around later on and picks up the fight. The same old story.
Let us avoid that and get to work one more time. Let's give it our all this time around. For starters you can help by signing a petition in support of SB 396 by going to the link:
read and signed the petition: Full VA Medical Services Center for South Texas veterans
You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/578/551/374/
And we must make plans as to how we are going to get the necessary votes in the committee. Its a lot of work with the budget cutting fever and the wrestling for control of Congress that we might not even be heard. BUT WE MUST TRY.
ALL of a sudden the efforts to bring a VA hospital to the valley have come to almost a stand still. It appears that just about everyone thinks that we have won and that we are indeed getting a Full Service Medical Center. I think that veterans should be cautious on this assumption.
Senator Cornyn's bill S 396 is brief and to the point. But it must be passed at the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and onto the full floor of the Senate. This is something that has never been done before. All our previous bills have died in committee for lack of follow up by the sponsors. We could face the same dilemma this time around again. Unless, unless, and if we do, if we do something about it. We cannot rest and take it for granted that the bill is going to pass. We must make and all out effort to ensure that it gets out of committee. Our Congressional delegation can make all the promises they want, but the fact of the matter remains that the Veterans Affairs does not want anymore hospitals or full medical service centers. Congressman Jeff Miller, Chair of the House Veterans Committee has made it quite clear that he support private medical contracts to provided said service.
If Congressman Blake Farenthold had been allowed to file House Bill 837 we could have stood a better chance of having it voted on committee in that chamber. But Hinojosa hastily filed the bill. He has in past coponsored the bill from its origin. f Congressman Blake Farenthold had been allowed to file House Bill 837 we could have stood a better chance of having it voted on committee in that chamber. But Hinojosa hastily filed the bill. He has in past coponsored the bill from its origin. But then did not do a thing to get it moved. No co sponsors no nada. So what makes us think that he is going to do something about it. Will he be another Solomon Ortiz, promises, promises, and just file a bill. Let us hope not.
As veterans we must wise up and face the facts. We have been at it too long that some think that something is really better than nothing. I sense that many want to quit and was once again the veterans will face defeat until a new batch of veterans comes around later on and picks up the fight. The same old story.
Let us avoid that and get to work one more time. Let's give it our all this time around. For starters you can help by signing a petition in support of SB 396 by going to the link:
read and signed the petition: Full VA Medical Services Center for South Texas veterans
You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/578/551/374/
And we must make plans as to how we are going to get the necessary votes in the committee. Its a lot of work with the budget cutting fever and the wrestling for control of Congress that we might not even be heard. BUT WE MUST TRY.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
HB 837 Full Service Medical Center
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
House Bill 837
It appears that Congressman Ruben Hinojosa has filed a similar bill as Senator John Cornyn's version in haste without obtaining the co sponsorship of Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Blake Farenthold. Hinojosa's House Bill 837 has almost identical language as Cornyn's S 396.
Veterans were reaching out to Congressman Blake Farenthold to file a bill in the House of Representatives. A meeting to discuss the wording of the bill was scheduled for the near future with him.
Hinojosa hastily responded because he was surprised to see the huge crowd gathered on Friday's Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies of the new Surgical Center. He had been side-stepping the issue and probably thought it would be another effort in futility. All he did was change the name of the Chamber in Congress and name of the submitting the bill.
I feel he filed because he is running scared and is thinking he might suffer the fate as Solomon Ortiz. Both of theses individuals did not do much to promote the veteran's bill once it was filed. The bills died at the committee level. That was their contribution to the efforts.
At least Senator Cornyn and his staff had the decency to meet and discuss the filing of the bill with veterans before filing. Cornyn listened to veterans and agreed to the wording of insuring that everyone understood that we were talking about expanding the Harlingen Clinic into a full service medical center. We asked for no funding because of the budget and cuts being discussed in D.C. Hinojosa on the other hand, had been avoiding veterans.
Beware the Ides of March. Congressman Hinojosa should have put the Veterans health concerns above his personal gain and political survival. His actions smell like dirty politics, shame on him. I just hope that he has not placed in danger our efforts which have come so close to our goal. Already he is about to make this a partisan political issue. Something that we have been trying to avoid.
Hinojosa could have at least met with veterans to discuss the wording of his bill. It would have had similar wording but yet different. To me, he might want to claim that he is the Senior Congressmen in the South Texas delegation, that only works in politics. Down here it would have been better to share and wait to be called upon after discussing strategy on how to make sure that the bill is supported. Had he really been interested, he could have filed in earlier and, thus, it would have been announced at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies on February 25, 2011.
House Bill 837
It appears that Congressman Ruben Hinojosa has filed a similar bill as Senator John Cornyn's version in haste without obtaining the co sponsorship of Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Blake Farenthold. Hinojosa's House Bill 837 has almost identical language as Cornyn's S 396.
Veterans were reaching out to Congressman Blake Farenthold to file a bill in the House of Representatives. A meeting to discuss the wording of the bill was scheduled for the near future with him.
Hinojosa hastily responded because he was surprised to see the huge crowd gathered on Friday's Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies of the new Surgical Center. He had been side-stepping the issue and probably thought it would be another effort in futility. All he did was change the name of the Chamber in Congress and name of the submitting the bill.
I feel he filed because he is running scared and is thinking he might suffer the fate as Solomon Ortiz. Both of theses individuals did not do much to promote the veteran's bill once it was filed. The bills died at the committee level. That was their contribution to the efforts.
At least Senator Cornyn and his staff had the decency to meet and discuss the filing of the bill with veterans before filing. Cornyn listened to veterans and agreed to the wording of insuring that everyone understood that we were talking about expanding the Harlingen Clinic into a full service medical center. We asked for no funding because of the budget and cuts being discussed in D.C. Hinojosa on the other hand, had been avoiding veterans.
Beware the Ides of March. Congressman Hinojosa should have put the Veterans health concerns above his personal gain and political survival. His actions smell like dirty politics, shame on him. I just hope that he has not placed in danger our efforts which have come so close to our goal. Already he is about to make this a partisan political issue. Something that we have been trying to avoid.
Hinojosa could have at least met with veterans to discuss the wording of his bill. It would have had similar wording but yet different. To me, he might want to claim that he is the Senior Congressmen in the South Texas delegation, that only works in politics. Down here it would have been better to share and wait to be called upon after discussing strategy on how to make sure that the bill is supported. Had he really been interested, he could have filed in earlier and, thus, it would have been announced at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies on February 25, 2011.
Hinojosa files bill for VA hospital
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) filed HB 837 in support of S 369 filed by Senator John Cornyn. Hinojosa filed this sister bill after attending a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the new Surgical Center in Harlingen, TX The large veterans crowd might have impressed him. He had being dodging the issue for some time. So much that veterans were looking to approach Congressman Blake Farenthold (TX-27) to file. District 27 is Solomon Ortiz district and he had filed bills for the past several sessions. None made it out of committee level.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R.837 -- Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2011 (Introduced in House - IH)
HR 837 IH
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 837
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 28, 2011
Mr. HINOJOSA introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2011'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The current and future health care needs of veterans residing in the Far South Texas area are not being fully met by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 117,000 veterans reside in Far South Texas.
(3) In its Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services study, the Department of Veterans Affairs found that fewer than 3 percent of its enrollees in the Valley-Coastal Bend Market of Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 reside within its acute hospital access standards.
(4) Travel times for veterans from the market referred to in paragraph (3) can exceed 6 hours from their residences to the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs hospital for acute inpatient health care.
(5) Even with the significant travel times, veterans from Far South Texas demonstrate a high demand for health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(6) Current deployments involving members of the Texas National Guard and other members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who reside in Texas will continue to increase demand for medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
SEC. 3. INPATIENT HEALTH CARE AT THE SOUTH TEXAS VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE CENTER.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility and, if necessary, shall modify the existing facility to meet this requirement.
(b) Report- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report outlining the specific actions the Secretary plans to take to satisfy the requirements in subsection (a), including a detailed estimate of the cost of such actions, if any, and the time necessary for completion of any modification required by such subsection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R.837 -- Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2011 (Introduced in House - IH)
HR 837 IH
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 837
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 28, 2011
Mr. HINOJOSA introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2011'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The current and future health care needs of veterans residing in the Far South Texas area are not being fully met by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 117,000 veterans reside in Far South Texas.
(3) In its Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services study, the Department of Veterans Affairs found that fewer than 3 percent of its enrollees in the Valley-Coastal Bend Market of Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 reside within its acute hospital access standards.
(4) Travel times for veterans from the market referred to in paragraph (3) can exceed 6 hours from their residences to the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs hospital for acute inpatient health care.
(5) Even with the significant travel times, veterans from Far South Texas demonstrate a high demand for health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(6) Current deployments involving members of the Texas National Guard and other members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who reside in Texas will continue to increase demand for medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
SEC. 3. INPATIENT HEALTH CARE AT THE SOUTH TEXAS VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE CENTER.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility and, if necessary, shall modify the existing facility to meet this requirement.
(b) Report- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report outlining the specific actions the Secretary plans to take to satisfy the requirements in subsection (a), including a detailed estimate of the cost of such actions, if any, and the time necessary for completion of any modification required by such subsection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 17, 2011
From: Sandlin, Jessica (Cornyn)
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 06:00 PM
Subject: JOINT RELEASE: Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Introduce Legislation To Bring Inpatient VA Facility To The Valley
UNITED STATES SENATE
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, JOHN CORNYN
United States Senators - Texas
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Kevin McLaughlin (Cornyn) (202) 224-0704
Courtney Sanders (Hutchison), 202-224-9767
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Introduce Legislation To Bring Inpatient VA Facility To The Valley
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas today introduced the “Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act,” cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, that would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to incorporate a full-service inpatient health care facility into the existing South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen.
Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison continue to lead the effort in the U.S. Senate to ensure the estimated 100,000 veterans in Far South Texas have adequate access to a full-service VA inpatient health care facility. They have introduced legislation and weighed in with the current and former top-ranking VA officials. While the Senators have supported and welcomed expansions to outpatient and other services at the existing Harlingen VA facilities, they maintain that access to VA inpatient care still must be provided.
“Though we have faced numerous challenges and speed bumps along the way, I am more determined than ever to see that a VA inpatient facility in South Texas becomes a reality for the thousands of veterans who reside there. The commitment and motivation of these veterans and local leaders to achieve this goal has been an inspiration for me, and with the introduction of this legislation, we will redouble our efforts to make sure these men and women finally have access to the VA inpatient facilities they deserve,” Sen. Cornyn said.
“Our South Texas veterans deserve access to the finest health care available. The VA is taking major steps forward with the continued expansion of its Harlingen clinic, and I remain committed to progress toward a full-service VA hospital for the thousands of veterans in the Valley,” Sen. Hutchison said.
The full text of the legislation, S. 396, is attached.
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 06:00 PM
Subject: JOINT RELEASE: Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Introduce Legislation To Bring Inpatient VA Facility To The Valley
UNITED STATES SENATE
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, JOHN CORNYN
United States Senators - Texas
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Kevin McLaughlin (Cornyn) (202) 224-0704
Courtney Sanders (Hutchison), 202-224-9767
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Introduce Legislation To Bring Inpatient VA Facility To The Valley
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas today introduced the “Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act,” cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, that would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to incorporate a full-service inpatient health care facility into the existing South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen.
Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison continue to lead the effort in the U.S. Senate to ensure the estimated 100,000 veterans in Far South Texas have adequate access to a full-service VA inpatient health care facility. They have introduced legislation and weighed in with the current and former top-ranking VA officials. While the Senators have supported and welcomed expansions to outpatient and other services at the existing Harlingen VA facilities, they maintain that access to VA inpatient care still must be provided.
“Though we have faced numerous challenges and speed bumps along the way, I am more determined than ever to see that a VA inpatient facility in South Texas becomes a reality for the thousands of veterans who reside there. The commitment and motivation of these veterans and local leaders to achieve this goal has been an inspiration for me, and with the introduction of this legislation, we will redouble our efforts to make sure these men and women finally have access to the VA inpatient facilities they deserve,” Sen. Cornyn said.
“Our South Texas veterans deserve access to the finest health care available. The VA is taking major steps forward with the continued expansion of its Harlingen clinic, and I remain committed to progress toward a full-service VA hospital for the thousands of veterans in the Valley,” Sen. Hutchison said.
The full text of the legislation, S. 396, is attached.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
LZ RGV
How many of you Vietnam veterans remember the UUUU markings placed on their helmets by many of the troops in Nam? How many remember what the UUUU stood for?
It was sort of like a coded protest code that many used to voice their disapproval on how things were going on in the war. This was not limited to the groundpounders, the grunts, the cannoncockers, the MPs, the REMFs, it was a general thing. It did not hit the USMC early on, but it finally got to the I Corps area when the Army starting deploying there.
It got even worse when the draftees started arriving in Nam. Not too many of them were gung-ho about being called to serve. They went because they felt it their duty and of course to avoid any legal problems with the U. S. government.
UUUU stood for "the Unwilling, led by the Unqualified, doing the Unnecessary for the Ungrateful. And too many of us, it seemed like it was the best way to identify our situation. For those that made two tours and wound up going back, remember, we had to fight for the same territory, the same vil, in the same area as if we had not done our job before. The search and destroy efforts were never noted. We would take a hill, or we would take a vil, or we built large LZs to protect the local population and for the operation of our war machine. Nevertheless, many felt early on that it was UUUU.
Another writing on the helmets was 'THOUGH I HAVE WALKED THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I FEAR NO EVIL, CAUSE I AM THE MEANEST SONOFBITCH IN THE VALLEY. Any many grunts live up to it. And of course many just wrote it on their helmets because it was an "in thing."
LZ RGV is being organized as a final welcoming home for our South Texas Vietnam Veterans. This will be held on April 9, 2011 in McAllen and was originally sponsored by the Alfredo Freddy Gonzales American Legion Post of Edinburg, TX. It has taken a larger form and is being sponsored by other groups.
"On April 9th 2011, all of the communities of South Texas will meet at the McAllen Convention Center to welcome home our Vietnam Veterans. This family event will celebrate our Veterans achievements with fun events, food and live music. Our Vietnam Veterans of South Texas have not had an official welcome home event to recognize the sacrifices made during Vietnam. This event is intended to recognize all Vietnam Veterans in South Texas and remember the killed in action and missing in action heroes that fought on behalf of our country. This event will have three main components: Proclamation, Education and Celebration" from their webpage.
There are many veterans in south Texas that were involved in the Vietnam War. Most Vietnam veterans greet each other with the phrase "Welcome Home!". They have been doing this for a while. A personal greeting from one Nam Vet to another.
It was sort of like a coded protest code that many used to voice their disapproval on how things were going on in the war. This was not limited to the groundpounders, the grunts, the cannoncockers, the MPs, the REMFs, it was a general thing. It did not hit the USMC early on, but it finally got to the I Corps area when the Army starting deploying there.
It got even worse when the draftees started arriving in Nam. Not too many of them were gung-ho about being called to serve. They went because they felt it their duty and of course to avoid any legal problems with the U. S. government.
UUUU stood for "the Unwilling, led by the Unqualified, doing the Unnecessary for the Ungrateful. And too many of us, it seemed like it was the best way to identify our situation. For those that made two tours and wound up going back, remember, we had to fight for the same territory, the same vil, in the same area as if we had not done our job before. The search and destroy efforts were never noted. We would take a hill, or we would take a vil, or we built large LZs to protect the local population and for the operation of our war machine. Nevertheless, many felt early on that it was UUUU.
Another writing on the helmets was 'THOUGH I HAVE WALKED THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I FEAR NO EVIL, CAUSE I AM THE MEANEST SONOFBITCH IN THE VALLEY. Any many grunts live up to it. And of course many just wrote it on their helmets because it was an "in thing."
LZ RGV is being organized as a final welcoming home for our South Texas Vietnam Veterans. This will be held on April 9, 2011 in McAllen and was originally sponsored by the Alfredo Freddy Gonzales American Legion Post of Edinburg, TX. It has taken a larger form and is being sponsored by other groups.
"On April 9th 2011, all of the communities of South Texas will meet at the McAllen Convention Center to welcome home our Vietnam Veterans. This family event will celebrate our Veterans achievements with fun events, food and live music. Our Vietnam Veterans of South Texas have not had an official welcome home event to recognize the sacrifices made during Vietnam. This event is intended to recognize all Vietnam Veterans in South Texas and remember the killed in action and missing in action heroes that fought on behalf of our country. This event will have three main components: Proclamation, Education and Celebration" from their webpage.
There are many veterans in south Texas that were involved in the Vietnam War. Most Vietnam veterans greet each other with the phrase "Welcome Home!". They have been doing this for a while. A personal greeting from one Nam Vet to another.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Veterans Listen Up.
February 4, 2011
Harlingen, TX
We will witness a veterans historical event on Friday February 25, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. The occasion will be the GRAND OPENING OF THE AMBULATORY & OUT PATIENT SPECIALTY SURGICAL CENTER.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will be the keynote speaker. Julian Alvarez of her office has confirmed that she will indeed participate. She should since she has been instrumental in getting the funding and moving the program. Hutchison told veterans back in April 2009 at a ground breaking event, that the new construction was the beginning of the end toward a full service medical center (VA hospital). Her words were that the proposed expansion was like a “down payment” toward the final goal of making the dreams of many veterans come true. In October 2010, the valley’s Congressional delegation called this expansion Phase I and that it would signal the beginning of Phase II. Work toward that goal of a full medical center would commence once the Surgical Center was formally opened.
So, February 25, 2011 will mark the opening of the Surgical Center at 2601 Veterans Drive with a ribbon cutting ceremony. For veterans it means that Phase II should start toward the end goal.
As many know, veterans have been asking for a full service medical center for the past 5 decades. Many have gone to their grave without seeing their dream come true. How many more will pass away until indeed we do have one?
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Lt. General Eric Shinseki was scheduled to appear. Veterans had send him letters expressing the need for him to come to south Texas and listen to the veteran’s
request for a full medical center at the site of the newly constructed Surgical Center.
This event was scheduled for January 21, 2011 but was cancelled because invitations did not go out to elected officials in time. Most of them informed that they were committed for that day and had conflicts of interest with Congressional business in DC.
Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos and Senator John Cornyn were not invited. Both of them have been very helpful and supportive of veteran efforts to get these services.
Harlingen, TX
The new Ambulatory and OutPatient Surgical Specialty Center saw its first patient on January 18, 2011. So the new surgical center is up and running. All it needs now are patients. It’s a huge and beautiful building. Attend the grand opening and see for yourself. There is indeed enough room to expand it to full medical service center.
Weslaco, TX
The selection of officers for the Veterans Alliance will be held during the next meeting to be held in February 14, 2011. It was agreed to at the December meeting that selection be postponed until the grand opening of the new clinic. There are some matters pending that require continuity of effort and no one wanted to jeopardize the momentum that we have going. But since the date was changed and is rescheduled there are some veterans pushing for new officers.
McAllen, TX
The Veterans Alliance movement has been side tracked and is concentrating more on the LZ Event. Little discussion or activity is discussed concerning what is happening with the VA hospital issue. This should not be the case. The only purpose of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley ad hoc committee is to work toward getting a VA hospital. There is work to be done but the focus is on that event. The question is how to set priorities. The Veterans Alliance needs to get back on track. If members feel that we have accomplished our goals than it should be dissolved.
Austin, TX
State Rep. Mando Martinez has filed HB 55 which calls for Texas to allow that Texas Enterprise Fund to be utilized for veterans hospitals. The Veterans Alliance has not followed up on this and has no strategy to try and help Rep. Martinez gather support for its passage. Veterans need to provide him with information to justify the bill. His staff has asked for help, but there has been no follow up on this.
Here are some photos of the new building:
Top Inside the front lobby. Below this is the garage adjacent to main building.
These photos may give you an idea of the facility. But it would be better if you actually came by and tour it on the 25th of February.
Harlingen, Tx
The Under Secretary of Health at the Veterans Health Agency of the Veterans Affairs, Dr. Robert Petzel will be representing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Congressman Cuellar’s office was instrumental in getting someone from the VA’s national office to come down to the event. Senator Cornyn’s office also inquired about a representative from the national office to attend the event.
Congressman Blake Farenthold also has indicated that he will attend the event. His Washington Office has confirmed that his schedule includes a visit to Harlingen, TX on February 25th. He will also be in the area to attend the Charro Day Festivities in Brownsville.
Veterans have asked the VA to invite, Texas Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson and Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos to participate in the ribbon cutting event. Another person that should be invited is General Eric Cisneros, US Army Retired to represent the military forces. All three are strong supporters of a VA hospital for the area. And they have met with the Veterans Alliance.
Ana Garcia, Regional Director for Senator John Cornyn has indicated that the senator will be in Texas on that day in Austin attending an event for cadets entering our military academies. But since he was not invited he will probably not attend and she will have to do the honors of representing him at the event. This is a sad day that the local VA administrative staff did not invite him, when he has been a staunch supporter of full medical services for veterans.
Harlingen, TX
Veterans are making plans to donate a United States of America Garrison flag to the Harlingen Fire Dept. The flag will be flown in front of the new Surgical Center at the ribbon cutting. It will be hoisted with one of the HFD ladder trucks. It will serve as a guide for those out of town folks. We are hoping for good weather.
VETERANS LISTEN UP:
Minnesota
US Congresswoman Micelle Bachmann, (R) is suggesting that in order to balance the budget one item to be looked at is that of the veterans receiving disability benefits. She wants to stop those payments if the veteran is also receiving Social Security Disability benefits. The VA benefits check for a 100% disabled or an Unemployable Individual is larger than the SSD check. It will definitely put a hurt on many veterans. This is a direct attack on veterans by the Tea Party and it appears that they want to sacrifice the veteran over this budget issue. What they should do is stop all Wars. Then there would be no veterans. And, in all likely hood, no U S of A. Many veterans feel that this cannot happen to the veterans. But remember they said the same thing about the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) on Veterans and Elderly checks. It passed and it’s been two years now. And again in 2011, there won’t be one.
Georgia
The state of Georgia passed a law that requires that the Driver’s license of veterans diagnosed with PTSD be posted/noted on the driver’s license. I guess it’s just like the exemption for glasses right now. But identifying those with PTSD will face more scrutiny. When a disabled veteran that has PTSD presents his Georgia driver’s license for identification purposes whomever sees the license will know that the holder of that license has PTSD. PTSD has been associated with deranged people that have committed heinous crimes and are a danger to society. Veterans, especially those that served in Vietnam know what it is to be scorned by America when identified as such.This type of law should not be allowed to pass in Texas. Veterans will be affected.
Harlingen:
It has been confirmed that the Under Secretary of Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs will be attending the ribbon cutting ceremonies of the new Surgical Center in Harlingen on February 25. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has also indicated that he will be present on that date. This is important news for veterans because veterans have been advocating for a full service medical center for south Texas for a long time. Part of the results of those activities was the creation of expansion of the clinics in the valley. From McAllen it spread to Harlingen where we have another clinic. Adding to that will be the new Surgical Center which has been identified as Phase I. This activity is at the federal level. Now at the state level, veterans have been advocating that the state of Texas help in bringing a full service medical center to south Texas. Legislation was proposed and passed (Proposition 8) to allow the state of Texas to provide funds for the construction and maintenance of hospitals for veterans in the state. And here is where the Texas Land Commissioner comes in. He is a very powerful person. He is in charge of the Texas Land Commission, the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emergency Technology Fund. These funds could be tapped to provide monies for ancillary service support. Monies for modern equipment, technology, beds, etc. to complement the VA and let them concentrate in maintaining the medical staffing and daily operations of a full medical service center. This is because the state cannot purchase land for another building.
This would require a partnering of state and national resources. The state of Texas has passed resolutions requesting such action. It passed and was signed by the governor.
This might be wishful thinking but veterans have the opportunity to make their case before two of the individuals in position to make it happen.
Veterans have to get back to working on getting a full service medical center and not get involved in other issues that take time and energy from these efforts. This issue must be at the forefront of all Veterans Alliance meetings. Commissioner Patterson has already met with the Veterans Alliance this past summer. He wants to help. He is a veteran having proudly served in the Marine Corps.
REMEMER: FRIDAY 11:30 A.M February 24, 2011 AT THE NEW SURGICAL CENTER LOCATED AT 2601 VETERANS DRIVE IN HARLINGEN.
Harlingen, TX
We will witness a veterans historical event on Friday February 25, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. The occasion will be the GRAND OPENING OF THE AMBULATORY & OUT PATIENT SPECIALTY SURGICAL CENTER.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will be the keynote speaker. Julian Alvarez of her office has confirmed that she will indeed participate. She should since she has been instrumental in getting the funding and moving the program. Hutchison told veterans back in April 2009 at a ground breaking event, that the new construction was the beginning of the end toward a full service medical center (VA hospital). Her words were that the proposed expansion was like a “down payment” toward the final goal of making the dreams of many veterans come true. In October 2010, the valley’s Congressional delegation called this expansion Phase I and that it would signal the beginning of Phase II. Work toward that goal of a full medical center would commence once the Surgical Center was formally opened.
So, February 25, 2011 will mark the opening of the Surgical Center at 2601 Veterans Drive with a ribbon cutting ceremony. For veterans it means that Phase II should start toward the end goal.
As many know, veterans have been asking for a full service medical center for the past 5 decades. Many have gone to their grave without seeing their dream come true. How many more will pass away until indeed we do have one?
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Lt. General Eric Shinseki was scheduled to appear. Veterans had send him letters expressing the need for him to come to south Texas and listen to the veteran’s
request for a full medical center at the site of the newly constructed Surgical Center.
This event was scheduled for January 21, 2011 but was cancelled because invitations did not go out to elected officials in time. Most of them informed that they were committed for that day and had conflicts of interest with Congressional business in DC.
Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos and Senator John Cornyn were not invited. Both of them have been very helpful and supportive of veteran efforts to get these services.
Harlingen, TX
The new Ambulatory and OutPatient Surgical Specialty Center saw its first patient on January 18, 2011. So the new surgical center is up and running. All it needs now are patients. It’s a huge and beautiful building. Attend the grand opening and see for yourself. There is indeed enough room to expand it to full medical service center.
Weslaco, TX
The selection of officers for the Veterans Alliance will be held during the next meeting to be held in February 14, 2011. It was agreed to at the December meeting that selection be postponed until the grand opening of the new clinic. There are some matters pending that require continuity of effort and no one wanted to jeopardize the momentum that we have going. But since the date was changed and is rescheduled there are some veterans pushing for new officers.
McAllen, TX
The Veterans Alliance movement has been side tracked and is concentrating more on the LZ Event. Little discussion or activity is discussed concerning what is happening with the VA hospital issue. This should not be the case. The only purpose of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley ad hoc committee is to work toward getting a VA hospital. There is work to be done but the focus is on that event. The question is how to set priorities. The Veterans Alliance needs to get back on track. If members feel that we have accomplished our goals than it should be dissolved.
Austin, TX
State Rep. Mando Martinez has filed HB 55 which calls for Texas to allow that Texas Enterprise Fund to be utilized for veterans hospitals. The Veterans Alliance has not followed up on this and has no strategy to try and help Rep. Martinez gather support for its passage. Veterans need to provide him with information to justify the bill. His staff has asked for help, but there has been no follow up on this.
Here are some photos of the new building:
Top Inside the front lobby. Below this is the garage adjacent to main building.
These photos may give you an idea of the facility. But it would be better if you actually came by and tour it on the 25th of February.
Harlingen, Tx
The Under Secretary of Health at the Veterans Health Agency of the Veterans Affairs, Dr. Robert Petzel will be representing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Congressman Cuellar’s office was instrumental in getting someone from the VA’s national office to come down to the event. Senator Cornyn’s office also inquired about a representative from the national office to attend the event.
Congressman Blake Farenthold also has indicated that he will attend the event. His Washington Office has confirmed that his schedule includes a visit to Harlingen, TX on February 25th. He will also be in the area to attend the Charro Day Festivities in Brownsville.
Veterans have asked the VA to invite, Texas Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson and Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos to participate in the ribbon cutting event. Another person that should be invited is General Eric Cisneros, US Army Retired to represent the military forces. All three are strong supporters of a VA hospital for the area. And they have met with the Veterans Alliance.
Ana Garcia, Regional Director for Senator John Cornyn has indicated that the senator will be in Texas on that day in Austin attending an event for cadets entering our military academies. But since he was not invited he will probably not attend and she will have to do the honors of representing him at the event. This is a sad day that the local VA administrative staff did not invite him, when he has been a staunch supporter of full medical services for veterans.
Harlingen, TX
Veterans are making plans to donate a United States of America Garrison flag to the Harlingen Fire Dept. The flag will be flown in front of the new Surgical Center at the ribbon cutting. It will be hoisted with one of the HFD ladder trucks. It will serve as a guide for those out of town folks. We are hoping for good weather.
VETERANS LISTEN UP:
Minnesota
US Congresswoman Micelle Bachmann, (R) is suggesting that in order to balance the budget one item to be looked at is that of the veterans receiving disability benefits. She wants to stop those payments if the veteran is also receiving Social Security Disability benefits. The VA benefits check for a 100% disabled or an Unemployable Individual is larger than the SSD check. It will definitely put a hurt on many veterans. This is a direct attack on veterans by the Tea Party and it appears that they want to sacrifice the veteran over this budget issue. What they should do is stop all Wars. Then there would be no veterans. And, in all likely hood, no U S of A. Many veterans feel that this cannot happen to the veterans. But remember they said the same thing about the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) on Veterans and Elderly checks. It passed and it’s been two years now. And again in 2011, there won’t be one.
Georgia
The state of Georgia passed a law that requires that the Driver’s license of veterans diagnosed with PTSD be posted/noted on the driver’s license. I guess it’s just like the exemption for glasses right now. But identifying those with PTSD will face more scrutiny. When a disabled veteran that has PTSD presents his Georgia driver’s license for identification purposes whomever sees the license will know that the holder of that license has PTSD. PTSD has been associated with deranged people that have committed heinous crimes and are a danger to society. Veterans, especially those that served in Vietnam know what it is to be scorned by America when identified as such.This type of law should not be allowed to pass in Texas. Veterans will be affected.
Harlingen:
It has been confirmed that the Under Secretary of Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs will be attending the ribbon cutting ceremonies of the new Surgical Center in Harlingen on February 25. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has also indicated that he will be present on that date. This is important news for veterans because veterans have been advocating for a full service medical center for south Texas for a long time. Part of the results of those activities was the creation of expansion of the clinics in the valley. From McAllen it spread to Harlingen where we have another clinic. Adding to that will be the new Surgical Center which has been identified as Phase I. This activity is at the federal level. Now at the state level, veterans have been advocating that the state of Texas help in bringing a full service medical center to south Texas. Legislation was proposed and passed (Proposition 8) to allow the state of Texas to provide funds for the construction and maintenance of hospitals for veterans in the state. And here is where the Texas Land Commissioner comes in. He is a very powerful person. He is in charge of the Texas Land Commission, the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emergency Technology Fund. These funds could be tapped to provide monies for ancillary service support. Monies for modern equipment, technology, beds, etc. to complement the VA and let them concentrate in maintaining the medical staffing and daily operations of a full medical service center. This is because the state cannot purchase land for another building.
This would require a partnering of state and national resources. The state of Texas has passed resolutions requesting such action. It passed and was signed by the governor.
This might be wishful thinking but veterans have the opportunity to make their case before two of the individuals in position to make it happen.
Veterans have to get back to working on getting a full service medical center and not get involved in other issues that take time and energy from these efforts. This issue must be at the forefront of all Veterans Alliance meetings. Commissioner Patterson has already met with the Veterans Alliance this past summer. He wants to help. He is a veteran having proudly served in the Marine Corps.
REMEMER: FRIDAY 11:30 A.M February 24, 2011 AT THE NEW SURGICAL CENTER LOCATED AT 2601 VETERANS DRIVE IN HARLINGEN.
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