Below is a copy of email sent to members by our ED. This week the Department of Veterans Affairs released its Fiscal Year 2013 budget request, a request of 140.3 billion. The highlights are as follows:
- The $140.3 billion for FY2013 is roughly a 10{cd9ac3671b356cd86fdb96f1eda7eb3bb1367f54cff58cc36abbd73c33c82e1d} increase over the FY2012 request of $127 billion request for FY2012.
- $1 billion over five years for a Veterans Job Corps, a new effort to leverage skills Veterans developed in military service for a range of jobs protecting and rebuilding America’s public lands. The initiative would put up to 20,000 Veterans to work on projects to restore America’s lands and resources.
- $52.7 billion for medical care, a 4.1 percent increase over the the current fiscal year, and a net increase of $165 million above the advance appropriations level already enacted for FY 2013.
- $1.4 billion for programs that prevent or treat homelessness among Veterans.
- $76.3 billion for benefits
- $1.85 billion for the Post 9/11 GI Bill
- $ 400 million to improve care and facilities for female veterans
VA’s budget demonstrates that the Obama administration has heard the concerns of veterans voiced by VCS in the media and in meetings with Congressional and Administration officials. President Barack Obama is serious about making progress to address many of the longstanding deficiencies at VA. In public policy terms, a budget is a statement of priorities. VA’s FY2013 budget shows that veterans have been made a high priority by the Obama administration. It will not of course correct every problem but it goes a long way in that direction and is a good thing for veterans. As veterans advocates we must support this budget. We veteran advocates must make our voices heard by our elected officials in Washington DC. Please call, write, or e-mail them today, reminding Congress that our veterans are a top priority. It is time to really support the troops. When you call or write, let them know Veterans for Common Sense sent you.
At Veterans For Common Sense we pledge to remain vigilant protecting our military members and veterans rights and benefits. They earned them. This year we have already made more than 30 visits to Capitol Hill offices to advocate for veterans. Only 1{cd9ac3671b356cd86fdb96f1eda7eb3bb1367f54cff58cc36abbd73c33c82e1d} have borne the burden of a decade of conflicts and we only ask for a square deal after wards. We are proud to be entering into our second decade fighting for America and her veterans and smart national security positions. To continue to fight we need your support, please donate to VCS today by visiting this link https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=2069
Thank you for your support.
Patrick Bellon,MPA Iraq Veteran Executive Director
