1. Legislative Week Updates
AFSA
Legislative Week Updates
OCTOBER 20, 2009

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. EDUCATION Post 9/11 GI Bill
Many technical corrections still needed
Compare what bill is best for you?
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HR 114: “The Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Act”
Use financial educational assistance to establish & operate certain businesses

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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 .

14. Your AFSA in Action Writes Letters Lobbies Congress
Testifies on Capitol Hill
Helps Draft Laws
Energizes Grassroots
Supports The Military Coalition

15. 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)

16. 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

17. AFSA Effect on Military Pay Raises

18. Visit the websites…. www.hqafsa.org
News You Can Use!
Congress wants to know what
YOU want changed!
Call them at ,
, Write, and most importantly,
LET THEM KNOW!
Visit the websites…. 18

19. Contact the Air Force Sergeants Association
ext 291
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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