Legislative Week Updates AFSA Legislative Week Updates OCTOBER 20, 2009
A Few Hot Topics for Us Today… Health Care Education Pay & Compensation Veteran/Retiree Benefits Survivor Benefits Other Bills of Interest Administration proposed budget cut $10.5M from military accounts for medical care; offset to this was a recycled idea to increase TRICARE enrollment fees In some cases, doubling and tripling fees over the next few years We have assurances from congressional leaders on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, this simply won’t see the light of day – election year dynamic – will be a concern next year Medical care costs continue to go up at a difficult to sustain rate Presidential commission on the National Guard and Reserve recently released its final report 40 recommendations; some reflect what AFSA has long advocated – reduce the age Guard and Reserve members can receive retired pay - CNGR here proposal suggest all components should be under the same retirement system
HEALTHCARE Prevent DoD plans to significantly increase annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fees for military retirees. HR 816 : “Military Retirees Healthcare Protection Act” Prohibits TRICARE enrollment fee increases
1st Implement any and all cost saving measures 2nd Talk with Military Professional Organizations about other ways to cut costs. Flat rate for all military retirees adversely affects enlisted members who retire at lower pay scale.
Pay health insurance premiums on pre-tax basis HR 1203 & S 491: “Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act” Pay health insurance premiums on pre-tax basis HR 484: “Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act” Provide this service/benefit as permanent part of TRICARE
EDUCATION Post 9/11 GI Bill Many technical corrections still needed Compare what bill is best for you? Go to WWW.NewGIBILL.org HR 114: “The Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Act” Use financial educational assistance to establish & operate certain businesses
HR 309: “The American Heroes’ Home Ownership Assistance Act 2009” PAY & COMPENSATION HR 309: “The American Heroes’ Home Ownership Assistance Act 2009” Amend IRS Code to allow receipt of refundable credit for purchase of home HR 2302: “The Military Retired Fairness Act of 2009” Limit recoupment of certain pays & benefits those retiring
HR 303 / 333 / 811, S 546 “Retired Pay Restoration Act”, etc. Provide concurrent retirement / combat-related special compensation and disability pay Veterans should not have to fund their own disability compensation Eliminate phase-in and allow regardless of disability level
VETERAN & RETIREE BENEFITS HR 108: “Disabled Veterans Commissary & Exchange Benefits Act Extend Commissary & BX privileges to vets w/compensable service connect disability S 404: “Veterans’ Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009” Expand Eligibility for reimbursement for emergency treatment in non-DoD facilities
S-407: “Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009” Increase rates for compensation for veterans w/service-connected disabilities S-728: “Veterans’ Insurance & Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009” Enhance veteran insurance benefits
SURVIVOR BENEFITS HR 775, 2243 & S-535, 1118: “The Surviving Spouse/Military Survivor Fairness Acts” Repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under SBP to offset receipts of dependency & indemnity comp. HR 509: “DIC Age 55 Remarriage Act” Reduce age to 55 w/o loss of DIC to surviving spouse
OTHER BILLS OF INTEREST HR 466: “Wounded Veteran Job Security Act” Prohibit discrimination & acts of reprisal based on injuries & disabilities HR 1305 & S 572: “Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act” Issuance of a “Forever” Purple Heart Stamp to honor the sacrifices of those awarded the PH
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION Capstone of the Organization Championed Many Initiatives for Enlisted Inherent Responsibility Duties & Responsibilities Capstone: One the primary focuses of the Air Force Sergeants Association is on improving the quality of the lives of current and past total force enlisted Airmen and their families. We primarily do this through our legislative advocacy program. The directorate of Military and Government Relations (M&GR), led by AFSA’s Chief Executive Officer, works hard in Washington to influence Congress and the Administration to amend Public Law--to create, maintain, and protect quality-of-life programs. - Championed Initiatives: The list improvements and victories for our personnel are innumerous they include; implementation of the post 9/11 education benefit act; successfully guarded against any Tricare fee increases; expanded access to veterans healthcare; pay increases and many, many more Inherent Responsibility: We at AFSA have the innate duty of keeping our membership informed and involved in the legislative process. The chapter is the proletariat of AFSA! Without the chapters and their involvement AFSA would not exist. Therefore, they must take active role in the process. This starts with the appointment of the legislative chair. Duties & Responsibilities: Six Primary Functions; 1). Monitors state and national legislation affecting military members and their families. 2). Keeps members informed regarding legislative development 3). Provide input into AFSA Legislative Platform 4). Cooperate with Division/International Legislative Chair 5). Encourage and assists in letter writing campaigns, especially grassroots initiatives and calls for action from headquarters. 6). Maintain liaison with other organizations .
Your AFSA in Action Writes Letters Lobbies Congress Testifies on Capitol Hill Helps Draft Laws Energizes Grassroots Supports The Military Coalition
Conferenced approved FY10 National Defense Authorization Act (FY10 NDAA) 3.4% pay raise Grey Area – Tricare Standard for Guard/Reserve No TRICARE fee increases Prohibited fee increases on TRICARE inpatient care for one year Additional 300 Million for Housing Assistance Program (HAP)
LOOKING AHEAD Technical corrections to the Post-9/11 GI Bill Exceptional Family Member Program/Respite care Child Development Centers-Enhancements Guard against TRICARE fee increases Reduce retirement age for G/R Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
AFSA Effect on Military Pay Raises
Visit the websites…. www.hqafsa.org News You Can Use! Congress wants to know what YOU want changed! Call them at 1-888-762-8760, E-Mail, Write, and most importantly, LET THEM KNOW! Visit the websites…. www.hqafsa.org www.thomas.gov www.whitehouse.gov 18
Contact the Air Force Sergeants Association staff@hqafsa.org 1-301-899-3500 ext 291 1-800-638-0594 ext 291 Thank you for your attention Close with this: First, thank you for your service Second, never underestimate the value of what you do for America Your service, your leadership, the sacrifice you and your family make each and every day ensures freedom for all Americans As a benefactor of your efforts – THANK YOU! Pending your questions, this concludes my briefing, thank you.
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