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Advocacy & Government
Relations
MSCPVA advocates for our members and the disabled community by
remaining cognizant of local and national disability issues. We
remain actively vigilant in assisting and representing our members
regarding anything affecting their civil rights when issues regarding
disability arise. MSCPVA also maintains a vocal and visible presence
on disability related issues in the community. We strive to vocally
promote fair opportunity and equal access. In addition, MSCPVA
has built positive working relationships with our state and federal
elected officials to ensure our voice is heard on Capitol Hill
regarding legislative issues.
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DISABILITY
RIGHTS
Core to PVA's mission is helping veterans and all people with spinal cord injury
and disease (SCI/D) have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects
of American society and enjoy the high quality of life they deserve. Paralyzed
Veterans advocate for people living with SCI/D through speaking out on Capitol
Hill and by working with federal agencies such as the Department of Justice
to see that nondiscrimination laws are implemented and enforced. To learn more
about PVA’s advocacy efforts, visit
the Disability Rights/Advocacy section.
The Mt. States Chapter is committed to advocating for the civil rights of its
members and ensuring that local communities are accessible. If you have any
concerns regarding ADA accessibility or discrimination issues, contact
us. We will work with you and the community to rectify the situation.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
On June 19, H.R. 3195, the ADA Restoration Act (now named the ADA Amendments
of 2008) was reported out of the House Judiciary and Education & Labor
committees. The revised bill is substantially different from the original language
as a result of the disability and business communities working together and
coming to an agreement. Specifically, the bill rejects the previous Supreme
Court decisions that have reduced the protections for people with disabilities,
and it makes it absolutely clear that the ADA is intended to provide broad
coverage to protect anyone who faces discrimination on the basis of a disability.
The term ‘disability’ is defined as a individual who has a physical
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
has a history of such impairment, and/or is regarded as having such an impairment.
However, it does not apply to impairments that are minor and/or lasts or is
expected to last for 6 months or less. Finally, nothing in this bill alters
the standards for determining eligibility for benefits under state worker’s
compensation laws or under state and federal disability benefit programs.
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The next
step is for the full House of Representatives to consider
the bill on June 26. It is important that PVA members
call their local representative and senators and urge
them to support the ADA Amendments of 2008. The number
to contact Members of Congress is (202)224-3121 (TTY:
(202)225-1904).
Proposed Regulations for Titles II and III of the ADA
On June 17, the Department of Justice published proposed regulations for Titles
II and III of the ADA. The proposed regulations will incorporate the revised
ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) issued by the U.S. Access Board in 2004.
Proposed changes will tighten the definition of service animals to exclude wild
animals, rodents, farm animals and amphibians; allow entities to place reasonable
restrictions on the use of power mobility devices other than wheelchairs (e.g.
Segways); and offer guidance on development of ticketing policies. The proposed
regulations are easily available at www.ada.gov;
comment period closes on August 17, though PVA National expects a two month
extension. Please contact the Chapter at 1-800-833-9400 or at lholman@mscpva.org if
you have an issue you would like to see addressed in PVA's comments on these
proposed regulations.
The Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission Offers Guides for Disabled
Veterans and Employers
The EEOC issued new publications for employers and military veterans on workplace
issues surrounding veterans with service-connected disabilities. One of the
guides is directed toward employers; the other is directed toward disabled
veterans and focuses on the employment provisions of the “Americans with
Disabilities Act” and the “Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment
Rights Act”. These guides can be found at: http://www.eeoc.gov/
facts/veterans-disabilities.html. |
| 2008 STATE
LEGISLATION |
Colorado
Colorado
General Assembly Home Page >>
Legislative session: January–May
2008
Legislative Summary (PDF Format, 94K) |
Utah
Utah State Legislature Home Page >>
Legislative session: January–March
2008 Legislative
Summary (PDF Format, 91K) |
Montana
Montana State Legislature Home Page >>
Montana (State legislature
not in Session during 2008) |
Wyoming
Wyoming State Legislature Home Page >>
Legislative session: February–March
2008 Legislative
Summary (PDF Format, 87K) |
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| Local
News |
Plans for Denver's VA Replacement
Facility Change Again
On April 24, 2008, the veteran community was shocked and dismayed when the Department
of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake unveiled the VA’s new plan to
partner with the University of Colorado Hospital to build a shared new bed tower
and expand services. The PVA Mt. States Chapter was displeased to learn that
the previously planned 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction (SCI/D) Center had
been eliminated from the new plan and reduced to an 8-bed SCI/D Inpatient Clinic
and Outpatient Program. After weeks of various meetings with the VA and VISN
leadership, the Colorado Congressional delegation, and other veterans service
organizations, the current plan re-establishes a 30-bed SCI Center. However,
in an effort to redesign their model of providing care to veterans, the VA is
proposing the SCI Center be split in two buildings – 12 beds in the University
of Colorado Hospital tower & 18 beds in the VA’s Ambulatory Care Center.
In its current form, MSCPVA finds the plan lacking in details and an impractical
attempt to care for the veterans in this region affected by spinal cord injury
or dysfunction. The Chapter will continue to work with all the stakeholders throughout
this process in order to address the concerns of the PVA membership and the entire
veteran community.
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| PVA and
National News |
PVA National President Presents Annual Testimony
On Thursday, March 6, Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), presented PVA’s annual testimony before
a joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.
This was President Pleva’s fourth year testifying on behalf of
PVA and America’s veterans.
As an aside from his written testimony, President Pleva told the members
that he was 17 years old when he joined the United States Marine Corps,
and like all service members, he was willing to fight for, and give
his all for his country. President Pleva continued to discuss the sacrifices
made by our service members and asked the members of Congress that
when making legislative decisions, to remember that a veteran is a
veteran.
In President Pleva’s written remarks, he discussed the recommendation
of The Independent Budget (IB) for FY 2009. The IB recommends an increase
of $3.7 billion over the FY 2008 operating budget for health care,
and approximately $1.6 billion above the Administration’s FY
2009 request. President Pleva’s full of written remarks were
submitted for the record.
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Economic Stimulus Package
For those of you that filed your 2007 returns, you may be eligible
to receive an additional one-time economic stimulus payment if you
meet the following three requirements: have a valid Social Security
number (SSN); have at least $3,000 in qualifying income; and filed
a 2007 federal tax return. Qualifying income includes earned income
from a job, net self-employment income, Social Security benefits such
as Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and veterans-disability
payments. The amounts of stimulus payments range between $300 and $1,200
depending on your eligibility status. The IRS is mailing a package
of information to recipients of VA benefits who did not file a tax
return last year. For more information, visit
the IRS web site. |
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| VA Updates |
Disabled Veterans Receive
Cost-Of-Living and Travel Reimbursement Rate Increases
President Bush recently signed a law that provides
a 2.3% increase in disability compensation and
survivors’ benefits. Increases
began in January 2008 for eligible veterans and family members. Programs
included in the cost-of-living increase are veterans’ disability
compensation, pension disability benefits, survivors of veterans
who died in service or service-connected disability, and survivors
of wartime
veterans receiving death pension.
Furthermore, $125 million was allocated to the Disabled Veterans Travel
Reimbursement program, which allows for the rate to increase from 11
cents per mile to 28.5 cents, effective 02/01/2008. However, deductible
amounts also increased to $7.77 for a one-way trip, $15.54 for a two
way trip, with a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month.
War Drives New Prosthetics
Innovations
The sheer number of returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan has produced
a new wave of development in prosthetics devices. The needs of these
wounded warriors for newly designed highly responsive devices has not
been ignored by the Department of Defense and the VA. Since 2001 the
VA and DoD have committed over $70 million to develop better artificial
limbs. Part of this budget is $30.4 million from the Department of
Defense to a group of researchers and prosthetics manufacturers to
build a thought-controlled arm. Congress has also recognized the need
for new devices by increasing prosthetics funding to the VA from $529
million in 2000 to $1.2 billion in 2007. |
Helpful Tips for Transfer of OIF/OEF Personnel from Active Duty
During the difficult time of transferring injured personnel
to VA facilities there are several helpful measures
that will ensure a much smoother
transition. First, ensure that proper communication with physicians,
nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals has been
conducted. By ensuring that personnel at the receiving facility have
communicated with counterparts at the previous facility, many misunderstandings
regarding background information, prognosis, and path to recovery
may be avoided. Second, be sure to inquire about health
care options after
discharge as the patient may be eligible for other health insurance,
such as TRI-CARE. All care provided on or after January 1st,
2007 should have claims submitted to one of the three MCSC regional
offices.
VA to Pilot Remote Benefits Delivery Program
in Rural Montana
The VA will now be able to better
serve rural Montana veterans with easier access to benefits information
and assistance through an innovative, first-of-its-kind remote benefits
delivery pilot program using video conferencing technology and staff
support. Veterans who do not live near Fort Harrison VA regional benefits
office will now be able to visit the Valley Veterans Service Center
(VVSC) in Hamilton to receive face-to-face assistance. VVSC will schedule
appointments with veterans on Fridays during normal business hours.
For more information, call (406)363-9538.
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| Calls for Volunteers |
Members
who are interested in helping our hospitalized members
should call the chapter regarding participation in two
monthly programs.
The Ice Cream Social will be held at the Denver VAMC (1055 Clermont
St.) on the last Tuesday of each month from 1-3 pm. Come help pass
out ice cream cones and visit with other Veterans.
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The
Pizza Party will also be held at the Denver VAMC. It
will be held the 2ND Wednesday of each month from 12-1
pm. Come pass out pizza to our members and other Veterans.
This is also a great opportunity to spend some social
time with the staff. |
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Paralyzed
Veterans of America