Febraury 20, 2009
SUMMARY
Having passed a new GI Education bill and $16.3 billion in new funding in 2007 and 2008 for veterans, the 2009 stimulus bill adds $1.4 billion in additional funding to modernize our VA hospitals and $2.98 billion to modernize DOD hospitals, barracks and day care centers.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SPENDING PROVISIONS
Medical Facilities: $1 billion for non-recurring maintenance, including energy projects, to address deficiencies and avoid serious maintenance problems at the 153 VA hospitals.
National Cemetery Administration: $50 million for memorial maintenance, including those identified in the 2002 Millennium Act report to Congress, for the National Cemetery Administration. These funds will enable the National Cemetery Administration to work toward an established set of cemetery standards of appearance throughout the system.
Claims Processors: $150 million for a temporary increase in claims processing staff.
Information Technology Systems: $50 million to improve automation of benefits processing.
State Extended Care Facilities: $150 million for grants to States for extended care facilities.
Tax Relief: $250 for disabled veterans.
SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE RELATED TO VETERAN TAX AND SPENDING PROVISIONS (in millions)
Improvements to Veterans Affairs benefits administration, IT and claims processing $200 For information: Department of Veterans' Affairs: (http://www.va.gov/) 1-1-800-827-1000. No definite timetable provided on when new spending provisons will be executed to improve VA facilities and services, or when training and hiring of "Claims Surge" personnel will begin. Within 30 days of enactment, Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds provided. http://www.va.gov
Renovations and energy efficiency improvements to veterans medical facilities $1,000
Grants for construction of state extended care facilities for veterans $150
National Cemetery renovations and repairs $50
Oversight of Veterans Affairs and military spending $1
Media Contact:
Jonathon Dworkin
Jonathon.Dworkin@mail.house.gov
610-892-8623