Legislature(2007 - 2008)CAPITOL 106
03/11/2008 03:00 PM House HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR11 | |
| SB241 | |
| SB119 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SJR 11 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 119 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 241 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SJR 11-SUPPORTING U.S. VETERANS' HEALTH CARE 3:08:31 PM CHAIR WILSON announced that the first order of business would be SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11, Supporting federal funding for veterans' health care and urging the United States Congress to ensure adequate funding for veterans' health care. 3:08:53 PM SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, Alaska State Legislature, introduced SJR 11, as the sponsor. Senator Wielechowski informed the committee that SJR 11 urges the U. S. Congress to ensure adequate funding for veteran's health care. He noted that at least twenty states have passed similar resolutions, and that SJR 11 passed the Alaska State Senate unanimously. The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) provides medical care for veterans who have risked their lives to protect the nation. Veteran's medical care includes treatment for spinal cord injury, blindness, traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, and other injuries. In addition, the VA provides training for health care personnel, conducts research, and forms an additional line of defense during times of crisis. The Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) reports the agency has been underfunded and lags behind inflation and the increased demand for services. In fact, veteran's enrollment for health care increased by 134 percent between FY 1996 and FY 2004, yet funding only increased by 34 percent, adjusted for 1996 dollars. The resolution professes the gratitude of the state for the sacrifices made by veterans who are suffering from medical and mental problems resulting from injuries sustained during their service. Most importantly, it urges Congress to ensure adequate funding for veteran's health care. 3:10:45 PM CHAIR WILSON opined that SJR 11 is very important to the state due to the number of veterans living in Alaska. 3:10:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked the sponsor for the percentage of veterans living in Alaska, compared to other states. 3:11:22 PM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that Alaska has the highest percentage of veterans of any state. The resolution has the unanimous support of the veteran's organizations in the state and he said that the sponsors would not object to the addition of this statistic to the language of the bill. 3:12:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA further asked whether Alaska is home for many veterans returning with serious injuries from the present conflict. 3:12:37 PM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI indicated yes. He pointed out that some of the veteran's injuries are listed on page 1, line 14, of the bill. 3:13:16 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA anticipated support for the resolution when it reaches the floor. 3:13:30 PM RUSSELL KELL, Member, Vietnam Veterans of America, stated that adequate funding will assure that veterans are healthy enough to pursue the educational programs available to them. The result of the past inadequate funding by Congress is denied and delayed medical treatment for entitled veterans, thus veterans have been unable to pursue education and productive employment. Also, without treatment, medical symptoms increase later in life. Assured funding is a benefit to all Alaskans as veterans' medical care will be paid by Medicaid if not paid by the VA. Mr. Kell confirmed that Alaska has the highest population of veterans per capita; in fact, this population is expected to increase. 3:15:49 PM TIM WHEELER, Secretary, Alaska Veterans Business Alliance, urged the committee to advocate for adequate funding for all veterans, especially the many wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He requested the immediate passage of SJR 11. 3:16:24 PM KEVIN MCGEE, Member, American Federation of Government Employees Local 3028, informed the committee that politics continue to inhibit funding at the VA. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3028 renewed its call for assured funding of the VA health care system for the veteran's health administration, and to hire new claims processors for the benefits office. In addition, Local 3028 supports: increased oversight to assure that funds are spent on veteran's needs; improved Vietnam Veterans of America employee training; restored bargaining rights for VA health care professionals; and the passage of SJR 11. Mr. McGee opined that there is a morale obligation to insist that all veterans are provided the best medical care possible, without worry about the funding. He concluded that AFGE Local 3028 would seek federal and state action to assure mandatory funding, a stronger health care work force through the restoration of bargaining rights, a reduction in the claims backlog, greater oversight, and expanded veteran's employment opportunities. 3:19:18 PM JOHN YOUMANS, Member, Alaska Veteran's Business Alliance, stated his agreement with the previous testimony and added that his experience in the last 24 years supports the need for this bill to pass. 3:19:50 PM CHAIR WILSON closed public testimony. 3:20:12 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER asked for further information about the Priority 8 veterans who were temporarily barred from entering the health care system five years ago. She understood that all veterans are promised health care. 3:21:03 PM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI explained that veterans have said that promises of health care were made at the time of their enlistment; however, for many the promise has been broken. In fact, the government has recently increased the amount of co-pay for medical services. He pointed out that SJR 11 expresses appreciation for the sacrifice of veterans and asks for adequate funding for veteran's health care. 3:22:11 PM MR. MCGEE further explained that [Priority 8] veterans have incomes of $30,000. 3:22:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER opined that the promise for health care was without limitations. 3:23:11 PM CHAIR WILSON stressed the obligation of the government to support veterans. 3:23:21 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH moved to report SJR 11 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, SJR 11 was reported out of House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.
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