House Bill 3196 Approved by House Committee on Veterans Affairs
SALEM – An important measure to help Oregon’s disabled veterans cleared a major hurdle today. House Bill 3196, sponsored by Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville), has been approved by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.
“This is a tremendous first step towards ensuring disabled veterans residing in rural areas will have adequate access to the health care they have earned,” said Representative Nelson. “We owe our veterans everything for the freedoms we enjoy. It is our duty to them to ensure they have the health care they need.”
House Bill 3196 will give rural disabled veterans access to care through the Oregon Health Plan. Even though disabled veterans have coverage through the Veterans Administration, they must seek medical care at regional medical centers in Portland or Roseburg. The tremendous distances some disabled veterans must travel is an impossible burden. By allowing rural disabled veterans access to the Oregon Health Plan, they may seek medical attention from local health care providers.
“Veterans have been concerned about this for decades,” said Greg Warnock, Executive Director of Oregon War Veterans Association. “This bill provides a stop-gap solution to issues of unavailable care for veterans in rural communities. The best solution would be for the federal government to provide mandatory health care through the Veterans Administration. Mandatory care would permit any disabled veteran to see any health care provider at VA expense. Until Congress provides this level of care, we would like rural disabled veterans to have access to the Oregon Health Plan for their urgent medical needs.”
House Bill 3196 now proceeds to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
# # #
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
We are witnessing the end of History
A truly sad story today: Oregon's last WW I veteran, possibly the oldest living combat veteran in the world, passed away.
There are now 6 known WW I veterans still alive in the entire United States. A year ago, there were 50. Soon, there will be no one left alive from the War to End All Wars.
When they are gone, how will History remember them? If we do not honor our veterans and remember their deeds, their history will die with them.
Never forget!
There are now 6 known WW I veterans still alive in the entire United States. A year ago, there were 50. Soon, there will be no one left alive from the War to End All Wars.
When they are gone, how will History remember them? If we do not honor our veterans and remember their deeds, their history will die with them.
Never forget!
Monday, February 5, 2007
Thank a Veteran
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) proposes a number of new programs to help veterans in Oregon.
“We owe everything we take for granted in our society to the hard work and sacrifices of our veterans,” said Representative Nelson. “That’s why, this week, we started work on a number of drafts to give back what we can.”
One bill introduced this week builds on one of last session’s successes, the Troops to Teachers program. House Bill 2577, which will receive its first reading on the House floor next week, would expand the program in order to allow veterans attending private colleges and universities to receive tuition assistance as if they were at a state-funded school. Another proposal would help ensure veterans are sufficiently represented in graduate and professional schools.
Education is not the only veterans issue for Representative Nelson. Other proposals include incentives to bring more health care providers into the Tricare system, tax credits for long term care costs incurred by veterans, and funding for funeral services for veterans killed in service.
Representative Nelson previously served as the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2005, and continues to make veterans a top legislative priority.
“If you can read this, thank a teacher,” Representative Nelson stated. “If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.”
“We owe everything we take for granted in our society to the hard work and sacrifices of our veterans,” said Representative Nelson. “That’s why, this week, we started work on a number of drafts to give back what we can.”
One bill introduced this week builds on one of last session’s successes, the Troops to Teachers program. House Bill 2577, which will receive its first reading on the House floor next week, would expand the program in order to allow veterans attending private colleges and universities to receive tuition assistance as if they were at a state-funded school. Another proposal would help ensure veterans are sufficiently represented in graduate and professional schools.
Education is not the only veterans issue for Representative Nelson. Other proposals include incentives to bring more health care providers into the Tricare system, tax credits for long term care costs incurred by veterans, and funding for funeral services for veterans killed in service.
Representative Nelson previously served as the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2005, and continues to make veterans a top legislative priority.
“If you can read this, thank a teacher,” Representative Nelson stated. “If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.”
Friday, February 2, 2007
A Fallen Hero
I just came back from a ceremony honoring PFC Ryan Hill, Oregon's latest casualty in the War on Terror. His funeral procession stopped at the Capitol, where the Governor offered his condolences to the Hill family. I joined my colleagues and most of the Capitol staff in honoring our Fallen Hero.
I just want to offer my heartfelt condolences to PFC Hill's family. He will not be forgotten: he died serving his country, and his legacy will live on in the freedom of those he died to protect. I'd also like to thank all the members of our Armed Forces: your service and sacrifice make everything we take for granted in America possible.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Let's fix Oregon first, y'all!
I just read a press release from Republican Leader Wayne Scott and I wanted to share it:
REP. SCOTT TO HOUSE DEMOCRATS:
FOCUS ON OREGON ISSUES, NOT IRAQ GRANDSTANDING
SALEM— House Republican Leader Wayne Scott (R-Canby) had the following to say regarding the House Democrats’ non-binding resolution opposing military escalation in Iraq:
“Before session, House Majority Leader Dave Hunt told the press that House Democrats would not bring up ‘divisive issues’ this session. I can’t think of many issues as divisive as the Iraq conflict.
“And now, after four weeks in session, the House Democrats have advanced Iraq to the top of their agenda. The House has not voted on any single item in the House Democrats’ 2007 agenda.
“Now is not the time to continue the campaign. Oregon faces a long list of serious issues to resolve, including improving schools, growing the economy and strengthening public safety in our state.
“House Democrats need to stop wasting time on political grandstanding and get to work.”
# # #
I can't believe how much time and energy is being spent in the Oregon Legislature on an issue that can only truly be handled by the President and U.S. Congress. Meanwhile, we here in Oregon still have issues like crime, education, meth, senior citizens, and mental health to work on. Why don't we actually work on them?
REP. SCOTT TO HOUSE DEMOCRATS:
FOCUS ON OREGON ISSUES, NOT IRAQ GRANDSTANDING
SALEM— House Republican Leader Wayne Scott (R-Canby) had the following to say regarding the House Democrats’ non-binding resolution opposing military escalation in Iraq:
“Before session, House Majority Leader Dave Hunt told the press that House Democrats would not bring up ‘divisive issues’ this session. I can’t think of many issues as divisive as the Iraq conflict.
“And now, after four weeks in session, the House Democrats have advanced Iraq to the top of their agenda. The House has not voted on any single item in the House Democrats’ 2007 agenda.
“Now is not the time to continue the campaign. Oregon faces a long list of serious issues to resolve, including improving schools, growing the economy and strengthening public safety in our state.
“House Democrats need to stop wasting time on political grandstanding and get to work.”
# # #
I can't believe how much time and energy is being spent in the Oregon Legislature on an issue that can only truly be handled by the President and U.S. Congress. Meanwhile, we here in Oregon still have issues like crime, education, meth, senior citizens, and mental health to work on. Why don't we actually work on them?
Friday, January 26, 2007
PRESS RELEASE
Disabled veterans need health care reform
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) proposes bold changes to the way Oregon’s disabled veterans receive health care.
“We are now working with the Oregon War Veterans Association to draft a bill that would allow all disabled veterans access to the Oregon Health Plan,” Representative Nelson stated. “Many of our disabled veterans live in rural communities far removed from regional V.A. medical centers. But because these brave men and women are eligible for V.A. benefits, they are denied use of the Oregon Health Plan.”
There are an estimated 40,000 disabled veterans living in Oregon. For many medical procedures, veterans must travel to either the Portland or Roseburg V.A. medical center in order to receive V.A.-funded treatment. Representative Nelson explained, “this proposal would allow those who have sacrificed so much to receive treatment locally, rather than at clinics half-way across the state.”
Greg Warnock, the President of the Oregon War Veterans Association, believes this plan is long overdue. “Veterans living in rural communities have suffered long enough,” said Warnock. “If disabled veterans had access to the Oregon Health Plan, their medical needs could easily be met from within their own communities.”
Other veterans groups support the idea. “Allowing disabled veterans to join the Oregon Health Plan would provide a valuable resource for disabled veterans in rural areas,” said Kevin O’Reilly, the government relations director for Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Many of these veterans have difficulty in accessing health care through the V.A. due to extended travel times. Plus, those with limited incomes can face a huge financial burden meeting travel costs.”
Other states, such as Illinois, provide health insurance programs for certain veterans who have no other form of coverage. Oregon would be the first state to provide a comprehensive medical plan for all disabled veterans.
###
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) proposes bold changes to the way Oregon’s disabled veterans receive health care.
“We are now working with the Oregon War Veterans Association to draft a bill that would allow all disabled veterans access to the Oregon Health Plan,” Representative Nelson stated. “Many of our disabled veterans live in rural communities far removed from regional V.A. medical centers. But because these brave men and women are eligible for V.A. benefits, they are denied use of the Oregon Health Plan.”
There are an estimated 40,000 disabled veterans living in Oregon. For many medical procedures, veterans must travel to either the Portland or Roseburg V.A. medical center in order to receive V.A.-funded treatment. Representative Nelson explained, “this proposal would allow those who have sacrificed so much to receive treatment locally, rather than at clinics half-way across the state.”
Greg Warnock, the President of the Oregon War Veterans Association, believes this plan is long overdue. “Veterans living in rural communities have suffered long enough,” said Warnock. “If disabled veterans had access to the Oregon Health Plan, their medical needs could easily be met from within their own communities.”
Other veterans groups support the idea. “Allowing disabled veterans to join the Oregon Health Plan would provide a valuable resource for disabled veterans in rural areas,” said Kevin O’Reilly, the government relations director for Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Many of these veterans have difficulty in accessing health care through the V.A. due to extended travel times. Plus, those with limited incomes can face a huge financial burden meeting travel costs.”
Other states, such as Illinois, provide health insurance programs for certain veterans who have no other form of coverage. Oregon would be the first state to provide a comprehensive medical plan for all disabled veterans.
###
Friday, January 12, 2007
Make English our Official Language
NEWS RELEASE
January 12, 2007
Contact:
David Gulliver
(503) 986-1424
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) announced a proposal to make English the official language of Oregon’s government.
“With the recent passage of Arizona’s new English-language law, there are now 28 states that have made English their official language,” said Representative Nelson. “Oregon should follow the lead of such other progressive states as California and Massachusetts that have enacted similar laws.”
According to the most recent United States Census, at least 138 languages are spoken in the State of Oregon. “While our diversity makes us strong, it takes a common language to bring diverse people together.”
Jim Ludwick, the Director of Oregonians for Immigration Reform, agrees. “America is the greatest and most successful experiment regarding the integration and assimilation of people of differing cultures, languages and religions,” said Ludwick. “Speaking one language, English, is one of the reasons for that success.”
In addition to the English-language proposal, Representative Nelson will be introducing measures to improve our Troops to Teachers program, strengthen sentencing under “Jessica’s Law,” and promote new energy sources.
###
January 12, 2007
Contact:
David Gulliver
(503) 986-1424
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) announced a proposal to make English the official language of Oregon’s government.
“With the recent passage of Arizona’s new English-language law, there are now 28 states that have made English their official language,” said Representative Nelson. “Oregon should follow the lead of such other progressive states as California and Massachusetts that have enacted similar laws.”
According to the most recent United States Census, at least 138 languages are spoken in the State of Oregon. “While our diversity makes us strong, it takes a common language to bring diverse people together.”
Jim Ludwick, the Director of Oregonians for Immigration Reform, agrees. “America is the greatest and most successful experiment regarding the integration and assimilation of people of differing cultures, languages and religions,” said Ludwick. “Speaking one language, English, is one of the reasons for that success.”
In addition to the English-language proposal, Representative Nelson will be introducing measures to improve our Troops to Teachers program, strengthen sentencing under “Jessica’s Law,” and promote new energy sources.
###
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Committees!
NEWS RELEASE
December 21, 2006
Contact:
David Gulliver
(503) 986-1424
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) has been appointed to two committee leadership positions for the upcoming legislative session. Representative Nelson will serve as Vice-Chair for both the House Committee on Consumer Protection and the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Ocean Policy.
“I’m very excited,” said Representative Nelson. “The most important function of Oregon’s government is protecting Oregonians.” One of the Representative’s concerns is the possibility of a natural disaster affecting the Portland area. “If there were a need to evacuate half a million people on short notice, I don’t think it could be done. As Vice-Chair, I want to help steer the committee towards finding a solution we can implement now, instead of waiting until after the fact. We don’t want to play the ‘we should have’ game when dealing with the lives of Oregonians.”
This session’s assignments will be a change of focus for the Representative, who previously served as Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. “I will sincerely miss working so closely with our service members; but I am glad to see that there are several veterans assigned to the committee this year,” stated the Representative. “We owe it to those who protect us to ensure they receive the care they so richly deserve.”
Representative Nelson begins her fourth term in the Oregon House this January. She is one of the only Republicans to be named to a leadership position in more than one committee, and will be the only Republican to serve as a Vice-Chair in both a House committee and a Joint committee.
###
December 21, 2006
Contact:
David Gulliver
(503) 986-1424
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) has been appointed to two committee leadership positions for the upcoming legislative session. Representative Nelson will serve as Vice-Chair for both the House Committee on Consumer Protection and the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Ocean Policy.
“I’m very excited,” said Representative Nelson. “The most important function of Oregon’s government is protecting Oregonians.” One of the Representative’s concerns is the possibility of a natural disaster affecting the Portland area. “If there were a need to evacuate half a million people on short notice, I don’t think it could be done. As Vice-Chair, I want to help steer the committee towards finding a solution we can implement now, instead of waiting until after the fact. We don’t want to play the ‘we should have’ game when dealing with the lives of Oregonians.”
This session’s assignments will be a change of focus for the Representative, who previously served as Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. “I will sincerely miss working so closely with our service members; but I am glad to see that there are several veterans assigned to the committee this year,” stated the Representative. “We owe it to those who protect us to ensure they receive the care they so richly deserve.”
Representative Nelson begins her fourth term in the Oregon House this January. She is one of the only Republicans to be named to a leadership position in more than one committee, and will be the only Republican to serve as a Vice-Chair in both a House committee and a Joint committee.
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
