Posted on May 4, 2015
House Republicans pass VA funding plan for fiscal 2016
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"But it comes in $1.4 billion under what the White House had requested for VA spending in fiscal 2016, money that department officials say will stymie construction efforts and reduce some medical care access."
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/05/01/house-pass-va-budget/26691403/
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/05/01/house-pass-va-budget/26691403/
Posted in these groups: 
Budget
Budget
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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Well, I am thankful that the US House is taking the initiative on many fronts. In these matters I tend to trust the US House's approach over the White Houses. They both have agendas; but, I believe the Houses’ agenda is general closer to the voters of their respective districts.
Unfortunately, the way Federal Budgets are built up tends to have varying amounts of fluff - some important items have projected cots that amount to "POM dust." While the items with well thought out names tend to be very expensive and provide varying amounts of actual benefit to taxpayers or intended recipients.
Unfortunately, the way Federal Budgets are built up tends to have varying amounts of fluff - some important items have projected cots that amount to "POM dust." While the items with well thought out names tend to be very expensive and provide varying amounts of actual benefit to taxpayers or intended recipients.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
Republicans Already Under Fire For Voting To Block Predatory Lending Protections For Troops
WASHINGTON -- Last week, a host of House Republicans voted to block predatory lending protections for American soldiers. This week, the Democratic Party is trying to make them pay a political price.
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LTC Stephen F.
SPC Allbright, I haven't forgot the VA building project scandals that made news over the past couple of years. The Federal construction process is generally slow - 7 years funding cycle which is why new construction occurs on bases that have been targeted to close in the BRAC process. I am not sure why you picked out an issue that is not directly related to VA building project funding.
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Just so you know, $1.4 billion is 0.8% of the requested budget. It is also a 6% increase from what the budget was for the VA last year. Now that I stirred that pot....
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
However, the $1.4 Bil is not spread evenly. And since the in-patent population grows at between 2% to 6% per year and they were already behind the ball and the Veteran Pension numbers are starting to really climb ...
And brother .. the pot needs badly needs a good stir!
And brother .. the pot needs badly needs a good stir!
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SSG Trevor S.
There is a 6% increase which would cover the in-patient numbers you gave. Maybe we should recover the $1.4 billion from the contractors inventing a cost over run in the Colorado construction project.
Pension numbers are climbing, maybe we could take that out of something like forecasted United Nations spending. We have paid well past our fair share in UN operations with little to no return in global security.
It would also be nice to see Operation Clean Sweep in the VA take out some of the excess red tape layers and transfer that savings to the Veterans that deserve fulfillment of promises from the VA.
Pension numbers are climbing, maybe we could take that out of something like forecasted United Nations spending. We have paid well past our fair share in UN operations with little to no return in global security.
It would also be nice to see Operation Clean Sweep in the VA take out some of the excess red tape layers and transfer that savings to the Veterans that deserve fulfillment of promises from the VA.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
There is an underlying assumption that the VA had all the resources needed and are somehow squandering them.
I don't subscribe to this model.
I think having the VA open to all comers (as opposed to only Service Connected) and presumption of Vietnam PTSD and Agent Orange have overcome what meager system was in place. The patent population has doubled since 2001. Has VA facilities doubled in the same time? Check the chart for 2008. Admin is only 5%. Most US companies roll in at 13%. Pensions are bigger than medical and if medical has doubled, what has happened to pensions?
I don't subscribe to this model.
I think having the VA open to all comers (as opposed to only Service Connected) and presumption of Vietnam PTSD and Agent Orange have overcome what meager system was in place. The patent population has doubled since 2001. Has VA facilities doubled in the same time? Check the chart for 2008. Admin is only 5%. Most US companies roll in at 13%. Pensions are bigger than medical and if medical has doubled, what has happened to pensions?
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SSG Trevor S.
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. I think you have a point with the Service Connected only approach. I know there are some circumstances where the VA picks up medical care for a few years after a Veteran separates. It might be time re-evaluate that policy. I am no fan of the AHA but maybe we should start off with:
If the Veteran is in a circumstance to be required to be covered under the AHA, then their non service connected issues should be paid for through using the insurance they have.
I didn't think much of it, but the last time I went to the VA they asked me if I wanted prescriptions for my non-service connected issues, for a reduced co-pay. I declined because I have Tri-Care and insurance through my current employer. Other Vets should have health care through AHA approved means as well. Maybe it is time to cut the discount prescriptions for non-service connected health issues.
If the Veteran is in a circumstance to be required to be covered under the AHA, then their non service connected issues should be paid for through using the insurance they have.
I didn't think much of it, but the last time I went to the VA they asked me if I wanted prescriptions for my non-service connected issues, for a reduced co-pay. I declined because I have Tri-Care and insurance through my current employer. Other Vets should have health care through AHA approved means as well. Maybe it is time to cut the discount prescriptions for non-service connected health issues.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
When has an underfunded system ever improved with less funding?
Money may not be the answer, but less money is never the answer.
I think it is safe to say that no one knows WTF is the problem with the VA, but I do know that decisions made in haste tend to bite one upon the rear.
Money may not be the answer, but less money is never the answer.
I think it is safe to say that no one knows WTF is the problem with the VA, but I do know that decisions made in haste tend to bite one upon the rear.
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