28 May 2014

If VA allegations are true, heads have to roll

By Vonnie Hampel

"This past weekend we celebrated Memorial Day where we take time to remember the men and women who gave their lives defending our nation and protecting the freedoms that we all deeply cherish. As we remember our fallen service members, we must continue to fight for the men and women who are currently serving our nation, as well as redouble our efforts to provide the best care possible to those who volunteered to serve and defend our nation when they return home.

"As a parent of military children the recent events at various VA health centers across the nation have been deeply disturbing to me. I believe that the VA must do everything in their power to rectify this situation and I will work to ensure they have the resources they need to prevent anything further from harming our veterans. But let me be clear, after the investigation has been concluded, if there is any evidence of wrongdoing, heads need to roll and people at the top must be held accountable." - Congressman Dave Loebsack

Loebsack's Work on Behalf of Veterans

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Dave has worked to improve care and benefits for our service members and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans. He also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for service members wounded in combat.

Congressmen: 'Heads have to roll' if VA charges proven (Des Moines Register- May 23)

Tony Leys

Two Iowa congressmen expressed confidence in the state's two VA hospitals Friday, but said they're concerned about reports that veterans are still waiting weeks or months for appointments.

"When you talk to a lot of veterans, you find that while ... initially getting in the system can be difficult and delayed, once they get into the system, they are very, very pleased," said Rep. Tom Latham, a Republican.

Latham and a Democratic colleague, Rep. Dave Loebsack, toured the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital on Des Moines' north side.

Both congressmen expressed anger about national reports that officials at some VA hospitals falsified reports to camouflage how long veterans were waiting to obtain medical appointments. In the most prominent example, about 40 patients reportedly died while waiting to get into the Phoenix VA hospital, where staff members allegedly faked documents to hide the problem.

"It's an absolute outrage," Latham said of the allegations. "Somebody should go to jail, as far as I'm concerned, if that's the case."

Loebsack agreed. "If these allegations prove to be correct ... heads have to roll, there's no doubt about it," he said.

However, neither congressman favors immediate dismissal of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, which some critics have demanded.

President Barack Obama defended Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki Wednesday and said if there has been misconduct at the VA, it will be punished. Obama spoke after an Oval Office meeting with Shinseki and top aide Rob Nabors. (May 21) AP

"I don't know if that's going to change anything," Latham said. "If you want to have some kind of a trophy, I guess that sounds good, but I don't think it changes anything internally."

The congressmen noted that waiting lists have dogged the VA for years, despite Congress' willingness to pump billions of extra dollars into the system. "This is not a surprise, this is not a new story," Latham said. "I think the idea of secret waiting lists is new to the whole debate, but to me it's just a failure of the system."

Shinseki has ordered a review of all VA hospitals. VA officials have said 26 hospitals are being subject to especially intense investigations. They haven't identified most of the 26, although Latham told reporters that neither of the Iowa VA hospitals is among them.

Latham noted that he has sponsored legislation that would grant insurance cards to veterans, which they could use for medical care at hometown hospitals instead of at VA facilities. He said he believes such an approach, which would be voluntary, would make it easier for many veterans to gain care. But he noted that some national veterans groups have resisted the idea out of fear that it would weaken the VA.

Loebsack said he would be open to such a plan if it would help veterans.

Loebsack's district includes the Iowa City VA, which he said he has visited repeatedly. He said he asked to tour the Des Moines hospital with Latham so they could show bipartisan concerns about the situation. "I think if there's any silver lining to this, it is that we're refocusing attention on our veterans and what our veterans have done for us," he said.

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28 May 2014

Braley Statement on Announcement that Nearly 10,000 Troops Could Remain in Afghanistan Beyond this Year

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after an announcement that the Obama administration will support a plan to keep 9,800 troops stationed in Afghanistan beyond the end of the year.

"Thousands of our brave severicemembers have sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan, and tens of thousands more have sustained serious injury. We should be bringing all of our troops home, not continuing to put nearly 10,000 of them in harm's way halfway around the world. It's long-past time the Afghan people were in control of their own future."

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27 May 2014

Gov. Branstad submits transmittal letters for Home Base Iowa, Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - After signing the Home Base Iowa Act yesterday at Camp Dodge, and the Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act today at Facebook in Altoona, Iowa, Gov. Terry E. Branstad today formally sent the transmittal letters to the Iowa Secretary of State.

Bills signed Monday, May 26, 2014

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Senate File 303 an Act relating to veterans, military service members, and certain survivor beneficiaries and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

Bill signed today, Tuesday, May 27, 2014

House File 2460: an Act relating to and making appropriations to the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Economic Development Authority, the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Finance Authority, the Public Employment Relations Board, and the State Board of Regents and Regents Institutions, and providing for other properly related matters, and including effective date provisions.

Gov. Branstad exercised his item veto authority on House File 2460 in accordance with Amendment IV of the Amendments of 1968 to the Constitution of the State of Iowa. The item veto message can be found here. The full message is pasted below.

May 27, 2014

The Honorable Matt Schultz

Secretary of State of Iowa

State Capitol

Des Moines, Iowa 50319 

   

Dear Mr. Secretary:  

   

I hereby transmit House File 2460, an Act relating to and making appropriations to the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Economic Development Authority, the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Finance Authority, the Public Employment Relations Board, and the State Board of Regents and regents institutions, and providing for other properly related matters, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.  

   

House File 2460 is approved on this date with the following exceptions, which I hereby disapprove.   

 

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 3, amending 2013 Iowa Acts, chapter 137, Section 21 inserting subsection 2.  This item makes changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 16, in its entirety.  This item makes changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

I am unable to approve the designated portion of the item designated as Section 20, subsection 5.  This item places restrictions on the funding formula for the apprenticeship program.  Requiring all stakeholders who are recipients of funds from the apprenticeship program to comply with the same statutory funding formula is fair and transparent.

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 21, in its entirety.  This item creates an apprenticeship training program advisory board.  Such board is unnecessary to administer the financial assistance for the apprenticeship programs because the assistance is provided by statutory formula rather than board approval.  Further, the purpose of the apprenticeship program is to create jobs and grow the private sector, not government.  This advisory board makes government bigger without serving any purpose. 

I am unable to approve the items designated as Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32, in their entirety.  These items make changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

I am unable to approve the items designated as Sections 35, 36, 37 and 38, in their entirety.  These items make changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

For the above reasons, I respectfully disapprove the designated items in accordance with Amendment IV of the Amendments of 1968 to the Constitution of the State of Iowa.  All other items in House File 2460 are hereby approved as of this date.

Sincerely,

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

Governor

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27 May 2014

Gov. Branstad signs Home Base Iowa Act into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Plan will attract veterans to Iowa and match them with quality, high-paying jobs

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, joined by Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, today signed the Home Base Iowa Act into law at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. In addition, Branstad signedSenate File 2352 providing an additional homestead credit for disabled veterans.

"Our bipartisan Home Base Iowa plan will work to match veterans with high-paying careers in Iowa," said Branstad. "These men and women have fought for our country, and acquired unique skillsets and training in the military. Now, with the Home Base Iowa plan signed into law, Iowa stands ready to welcome them to our communities and match them with the quality jobs across the state."

The Home Base Iowa Act is one part of the overall Home Base Iowa initiative, a first-of-its-kind program developed to honor our country's veterans by recruiting them, and active duty service members, for private-sector job opportunities in Iowa.  Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers, both veterans, serve as the co-chairs of the initiative.

"As Governor Branstad and I travel across Iowa, we talk with Iowa businesses that are in need of qualified workers, "Reynolds said. "Our veterans possess the skills necessary to fill integral roles in important industries and we look forward to when they call Iowa home."

Photos of the bill signing and a video of the gun salute can be found below by clicking on the title. The photos and video can be attributed to the Iowa Governor's Office.

VIDEO: Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Maj. Gen. Tim Orr administer gun salute at Camp Dodge.

The Home Base Iowa Act does the following:

  •  ·          Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax, putting Iowa on more equal footing with states such as Florida and Texas, and our Midwestern neighbors such as Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, the bill fully exempts military survivor benefits from state income tax.  
  •  ·         Iowa's licensing boards will adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
  • ·         Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
  • ·         Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
    • ·      Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOME BASE IOWA ACT

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

In January, Gov. Branstad made Home Base Iowa the centerpiece of his legislative plan by stating at his Condition of the State address, "This session, the centerpiece of my agenda is Home Base Iowa. It is a bipartisan jobs plan focusing on recruiting service members to Iowa and matching them with good, high paying careers. [...] Our veterans have risked their lives defending our freedom.  To show our gratitude, let's make Iowa the leader in respect, support and opportunity for veterans."

In January, the Iowa Business Council announced a goal of hiring 2,500 veterans.  In March, Greene County became the first "Home Base Iowa Community." To date, there have been over 50 Home Base Iowa Businesses statewide, with more to come.

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act (Senate File 303), Branstad also signed Senate File 2352.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visitwww.HomeBaseIowa.org.

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27 May 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Memorial Day

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - In honor of Memorial Day, Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement, recognizing all servicemembers across our state and country:  

"This Memorial Day I encourage everyone to pause and honor our nation's servicemembers and those who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our freedom. 

"We owe a debt of gratitude to many brave Illinois men and women who have answered the call to serve. It's important that we take the time to reflect on their sacrifice, which is one we can never repay.

"As Abraham Lincoln believed, we all have a duty to take care of those who have borne the battle. As Americans, we also have a duty to support our countless military families.

"I join the people of our state and country in recognizing and remembering those who stepped forward in the face of danger to defend our democracy. May they stand forever in our hearts."

After marching in the annual Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade, the Governor will bring Challenger - a 26-year-old Bald Eagle - to U.S. Cellular Field. The eagle will be set free to soar over the stadium during the singing of the National Anthem. Over the Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Quinn also unveiled the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit at the O'Hare Oasis and announced the summer exhibit schedule at the Tollway Oases in northern Illinois. The exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the men and women who have died while serving our country since Sept. 11, 2001.

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27 May 2014

Governor Quinn Honors Fallen Servicemembers and Military Families During Memorial Day Weekend

By Katie Hickey

"Portrait of a Soldier" Memorial Exhibit on Display at Illinois Tollway Oases through Independence Day  

SCHILLER PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today commemorated Memorial Day by unveiling the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit at the O'Hare Oasis and announced the summer exhibit schedule at Tollway Oases in northern Illinois. The exhibit features a series of hand-drawn portraits of nearly all of the more than 300 Illinois men and women who have died while serving our country since Sept. 11, 2001.  

"The 'Portrait of a Solider' memorial exhibit helps people across Illinois learn about true heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms," Governor Quinn said. "From Memorial Day to Independence Day, I encourage everyone to take time to visit the display and honor our brave servicemembers who will forever remain in our hearts and minds."  

The exhibit is on display at the O'Hare Oasis until Sunday, June 1, and then will travel to the Hinsdale Oasis, where it will be displayed through Sunday, June 8. The exhibit will be on display at the Chicago Southland Lincoln, DeKalb, Belvidere and Lake Forest oases through theJuly 4 weekend.  

"By displaying the portraits of these dedicated men and women, we hope to honor the sacrifice they made while serving our country," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "We ask our Tollway customers to consider pausing in their travels to view this exhibit and help us commemorate the courage of these brave Americans."  

Governor Quinn established the "Portrait of a Soldier" memorial exhibit in 2004 to honor fallen Illinois servicemembers when artist Cameron Schilling of Mattoon drew the first portrait of Army Spc. Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, after he was killed in Iraq. Schilling, a student at Eastern Illinois University at the time, committed to drawing a portrait of every servicemember who has fallen during the Global War on Terror.  

"This powerful exhibit presented on this solemn day helps us remember the ultimate price these men and women have paid to ensure our safety," Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren said. "It also reminds us of the duty we have to honor the fallen and support their families."  

Governor Quinn has made commitment to veterans, servicemembers and their families a top priority throughout his career. He led the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program that helps veterans transition back to their daily lives and the Welcome Home Heroes program which helps support Illinois service members seeking homeownership. As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components, who are called to active duty. These grants help servicemembers and their families with the costs of food, housing, utilities and other expenses when the wage-earner has left civilian employment for active military duty. The fund has distributed more than $15.1 million to 29,625 Illinois military families to assist with the financial burden at home.

Portrait of a Soldier Memorial Exhibit Schedule

Saturday, May 24 - Sunday, June 1              O'Hare Oasis (Schiller Park), Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 2 - Sunday, June 8                 Hinsdale Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-294)

Monday, June 9 - Sunday, June 15               Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis (South Holland) Tri-State Tollway (I-294/80)

Monday, June 16 - Sunday, June 22             DeKalb Oasis, Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)

Monday, June 23 - Sunday, June 29             Belvidere Oasis, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)

Monday, June 30 - Sunday, July 6                 Lake Forest Oasis, Tri-State Tollway (I-94)

NOTE: Beginning June 2, the exhibit will open at noon on Mondays at each oasis and for the rest of the week during the dates listed above, will remain open 24/7.

For more information on the "Portrait of a Solder" exhibit or to view the portraits online, please visit www.OperationHomefront.org.

Governor Quinn Honors Military Families with Welcome Home Heroes Program

Visits Cities Across Illinois to Promote Program and Continues Push to Protect Critical Veterans Services from Budget Cuts

WINNEBAGO - As part of his agenda to support our veterans in honor of Memorial Day, Governor Pat Quinn today will visit cities across Illinois to discuss his Welcome Home Heroes program. As part of this program, veterans and their families can take advantage of the $10,000 in cash down-payment assistance that is available. Visiting Rockford, Chicago, Rock Island and Decatur, the Governor is continuing his push for a responsible budget that adequately funds critical veterans services.  

"It is Job One on the homefront to take care of our veterans and military families for all of the sacrifices they make," Governor Quinn said. "With programs like Welcome Homes Heroes, Illinois leads the nation in serving those who have served us. I will continue to fight to ensure we protect our essential veterans services for those who have sacrificed so much."

In addition to the down-payment assistance, the program provides a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with an affordable interest rate (currently 3.875 percent); and a mortgage tax credit worth up to $20,000 over the life of the loan to reduce federal income tax liability. Since the program's launch three years ago, 1,300 Illinois veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members have accessed more than $165 million to buy their homes.

The Governor today will visit several veterans and their families today who have achieved their goal of homeownership through the Welcome Home Heroes program:

  • ·         Dr. Eric Luke, and his wife, Andrea, had been renting in the Rockford area since 2009 while taking care of Dr. Luke's father who was sick. Luke served four years in Korea and reached Staff Sergeant in the Iraq War and now is currently a chiropractor. They're excited to be in the new house and Welcome Home Heroes made it possible. "We did save our dollars. We're savers by nature," Dr. Luke said. "However, when you factor in student loans from medical school and things we might potentially need to fix up in our new house, we realized that the assistance from Welcome Home Heroes would be just the product to put us over the top. We really appreciate the assistance."
  • ·         Billy Lynn served in the Marines from 2000-2004 and achieved the rank of Sergeant. After becoming a Marine he and his unit were deployed in Australia. He was only there for six months when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan and was one of the very first units to arrive there. He purchased his home in Evergreen Park in October of 2012. "I wouldn't have been able to buy my house without Welcome Home Heroes," Sgt. Lynn said. "The program is great. The assistance ($10,000) really made my home purchase a possibility for me."
  • ·         Joshua Thompson is an IT Tech with the Rock Island Arsenal and is also currently in the Army National Guard as an Active Reserve Soldier. He served in Afghanistan from 2010 - 2011 as a Specialist. After coming home from service overseas in 2011, Josh rented in the Quad Cities area as that is where he is from. He purchased his home in October of 2013 after he learned of the Welcome Home Heroesprogram from co-workers who are other military personnel at the Rock Island Arsenal. "I had high standards for the home I wanted to buy. There were a lot of things I was looking for and if it weren't for the assistance by the Welcome Home Heroes program, I would not have been able to purchase this home," Thompson said. "Mary at U.S. Bank explained the program to me and helped me through the process. Overall it's been fantastic!"
  • ·         Paul Joliff served in the U.S. Army from 1986 - 1990, where he achieved the rank of an E4 Specialist and worked as a mechanic and crew chief on cobra helicopters. He then served in the National Guard from 1990 - 1994. Paul and his two children recently closed on their home on May 14th in Forsyth. "Welcome Home Heroes was huge for us," Joliff said. "The assistance allowed me not only to get a bigger house, it also allowed me to stay in Forsyth. My kids are in the school there and I love the school district. Getting a bigger home in a great school district was what I really wanted and Welcome Home Heroeshelped make that happen."

Welcome Home Heroes is one of a number of affordable mortgage programs the Governor has launched. In total, Governor Quinn has targeted $20 million total in state capital Illinois Jobs Now! funds to the Welcome Home Heroes program to help increase affordable homeownership opportunities for military veterans and their families.

Additionally, Welcome Home Heroes and other Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) programs help benefit the overall economy. According to the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR), every home sold generates two jobs and $60,000 in ripple effects to the overall economy. This impact has already been realized statewide with other IHDA programs. In 2013, 3,000 families purchased homes through one of IHDA's programs, generating 1,500 jobs and infusing $70 million into Illinois' economy. Projections show that even just a 15 percent increase in 2014 could generate an additional 1,725 jobs and infuse another $10 million into Illinois' economy.

"Under Governor Quinn's leadership, Welcome Home Heroescontinues to eliminate barriers to homeownership that many Illinois military families face by providing a financial package that is one of the most substantial in the nation," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "As the state's housing finance agency, we are proud to offer a program that helps military homeowners and improves local real estate markets across Illinois."

IHDA's mortgages have lower credit score requirements, provide cash for down payment assistance and require homeownership counseling. A list of lenders is available at www.ihda.org.

For more information about the Governor's programs for our veterans, visit OperationHomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at (217) 782-6641 or (312) 814-2460.

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22 May 2014

Loebsack Statement on VA Management Accountability Act

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives voted on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Management Accountability Act of 2014.

"The men and women who volunteered to serve and defend our nation deserve only the best care when they return from service. Like many others, I have been outraged at the reports of alleged preventable deaths and subsequent cover ups at various VA health centers across the country. While the accountability included in the legislation that passed today is important, there are additional steps that the VA should take to address this problem. They include : hiring more medical specialists to better address the increasing influx of veterans entering the VA health system; reauthorizing the Health Professional Scholarship Program; strengthening and increasing partnerships with community hospitals and university hospitals to take advantage of all medical personnel in a community; and broadening telemedicine pilot programs that allow veterans access to care from the comfort of their home.

"As a parent of military children these recent events are deeply disturbing to me. I believe that the VA must do everything in their power to rectify this situation and I will work to ensure they have the resources they need to prevent anything further from harming our veterans."

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22 May 2014

Loebsack Welcomes Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. Loebsack presented the members of the Honor Flight with copies of the Congressional Record statement he submitted in recognition of their service, as well as a pocket Constitution. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight brings World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans to Washington to visit our nation's capital and Memorials built in their honor.

"I look forward to welcoming each Honor Flight to our nation's capital so they can see the memorials that were built in their honor. Being able to welcome these veterans today was especially meaningful," said Loebsack. "We cannot thank these veterans enough for their service to our nation. I was honored to present them with a copy of the statement I made for the official Congressional Record to recognize their service, as well as a pocket Constitution."

The Honor Flights are all fully paid for, and the veterans are typically accompanied by volunteers who donate their time to ensure that the veterans have a safe trip. This group included 84 veterans. The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight left from the Eastern Iowa Airport this morning and will return tonight.

Loebsack is an avid supporter of our veterans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has worked to improve care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans. He also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for servicemembers wounded in combat.
21 May 2014

Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger relieves Vice Adm. John Currier as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

By U.S. Coast Guard HQ Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger relieved Vice Adm. John Currier as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard during a change of watch ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp presided over the ceremony and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson attended.

"It has been my honor to serve our nation as the vice commandant," said Currier. "Thanks to all of my shipmates in this great organization and semper paratus."

The change-of-watch ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization.

The ceremony marked the completion of a distinguished military career that began at Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Va., in 1976. He was designated a naval aviator in 1977 and an aeronautical engineer in 1982. Currier served at six Coast Guard Air Stations throughout his career, highlighted by command of Air Stations Detroit and Miami. Subsequently, he was assigned as Pacific Area Chief of Operations then Pacific Area chief of staff. Currier was promoted to flag rank in 2005. He then served as Assistant Commandant for Acquisition at Coast Guard Headquarters, then as commander of the 13th District. He assumed the duties of the Coast Guard's chief of staff in 2009, later transitioning to the service's first Deputy Commandant for Mission Support. Following the ceremony, Currier formally retired from the Coast Guard after nearly 38 years of service.

"Vice Admiral Currier has served our nation with distinction for nearly 38 years and the Coast Guard is safer, more proficient and more capable due to his exceptional leadership," said Neffenger.  "I am truly humbled to follow his impeccable service as vice commandant. I wish him fair winds and following seas."

Neffenger became the 29th vice commandant of the Coast Guard after serving as the Deputy Commandant for Operations, responsible for establishing and providing operational strategy, policy, guidance and resources as needed to meet national priorities for Coast Guard missions, programs and services. He was commissioned in 1982 at Officer Candidate School. Neffenger commanded Sector Los Angeles - Long Beach, Calif.; served as a fellow to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee; as the Coast Guard liaison officer to the Territory of American Samoa; as an engineer on the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin;  and as chief of the Office of Budget and Programs at Coast Guard Headquarters. As a flag officer, Neffenger served as director of the Strategic Management Directorate, was the Deputy National Incident Commander for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the largest and most complex oil spill in the nation's history and as commander of the 9th District, where he oversaw Coast Guard operations throughout the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway region.

For imagery of the ceremony, please go to https://www.dvidshub.net/.

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20 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon-backed military education reform legislation advances

By Ted Nelson

Measure to assist military students next returns to House for approval

SPRINGFIELD - May 19, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Monday applauded the Illinois Senate for passing legislation crafted by her office to ease the transitions of military students moving in and out of Illinois schools. Sponsored by state Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and state Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson (D-East St. Louis), House Bill 3939 will align Illinois with national standards on the treatment of military students, many who transfer schools three times more often than their civilian peers. The legislation now returns to the Illinois House for final consideration.

"This measure has the potential to ease the transition for military students and keep defense jobs in our state,"  said Simon, chairperson of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee. "By better aligning with national standards, we can assist thousands of military students in Illinois and show how much we value their families. I commend Sen. Bush and Rep. Jackson for their work to pass this legislation."

In 2010, Illinois joined the Interstate Compact for Military Children and adopted the state's first-ever law recognizing the unique educational challenges of military students. In the 45 other Compact states, military students enter the same grade level at their new schools, retain previously earned credit and are offered opportunities for extracurricular activities. Illinois' law does not currently offer the same assurances. The Simon-backed legislation brings Illinois into alignment with other Compact states, providing protections military students deserve while also preserving local control. They include :

• Grade Level: Students must be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state at the time of transition; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.

• Course & Program Placement: Schools shall initially honor course and program placement for military students at the time of transition, including Advanced Placement and ESL, provided that the courses are offered and space is available; subsequent evaluation to verify placement is allowed.

• Extracurricular Activities: Schools shall facilitate the opportunity for inclusion in sports and other activities to the extent that children are qualified and space is available as determined by the school principal.

 

The state of Illinois is home to approximately 10,000 military students, most of whom have at least one parent on active duty at major installations in North Chicago, the Quad Cities and Metro East. They may transfer schools up to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation, a rate three times that of their civilian peers.

Simon added that with potential federal defense spending reductions and potential base closures on the horizon, this measure positions our bases for expansions, not drastic cuts.

During a series of listening posts hosted by the Simon-chaired Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) held last year near Scott Air Force Base, Naval Station Great Lakes and the Rock Island Arsenal, families and military leadership consistently raised the issue of improving school transition.

As chair of the IMBSEDC, Simon helps coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois.

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