SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE AND VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MEMBERS:

Click on a name to send an e-opinion about one of these bills.

In the subject line, enter one Bill Number.

State your opinion of one bill in a 2-3 sentence paragraph.

Respectfully thank the Senator for supporting veteran issues.

Identify yourself and include your phone number and mailing address.

Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, Chair                                   Sen. Jeff Kruse, Vice-Chair

Sen. Alan Bates                              Sen. Bill Morrisette                        Sen. Frank Morse

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MEMBERS:

Click on a name to send an e-opinion about one of these bills.

In the subject line, enter one Bill Number.

State your opinion of one bill in a 2-3 sentence paragraph.

Respectfully thank the Representative for supporting veteran issues.

Identify yourself and include your phone number and mailing address.

Rep. Jean Cowan, Chair

Rep. Tim Freeman, Vice-Chair

Rep. Greg Matthews, Vice-Chair

Rep. Deborah Boone

Rep. Sal Esquivel

Rep. Betty Komp

Rep. Chuck Riley

Rep. Jim Weidner

TASK FORCE LETTER TO PARTICIPANTS

Task Force Participants:

As you recall from previous correspondence, the Governor's Task Force on Veterans' Services developed a list of thirty-nine priorities for action (for an e-copy of the full report visit the Governor’s website: http://governor.oregon.gov/ ). Through legislation sponsored and/or supported by the Governor and swift action by our allies in the Legislature, we are poised to celebrate the most significant Legislative Session for veterans in recent history.

The Oregon Legislature has made advances in veterans' policy over the past several sessions. However, by 2009 much of the "low hanging fruit" had been dealt with; we have spent our efforts on focused pursuit of targeted priorities. Not surprisingly in this economic climate - said to be the greatest challenge since the 1930s - some of our most favored recommendations had to be either amended or paired down. However, we will end up with far more success than any of us could have believed at the beginning of this process.

That success is because of your continued assistance; in ways large and small your support has helped maintain a political climate where action was expected. We are now at the critical point - we need your help over the next month. This packet includes a table of task force bills as well as bills that reflect concepts advanced by our recommendations. As you will see, a lot of work has been accomplished - more must be. Your emails, personal visits, phone calls, and town hall participation has made and will continue to make an impact.

We have also included a list of locations for the ongoing Legislative "Road Show." These events are opportunities for any/all citizens to come forward and share their perspective with members of the powerful Ways & Means budget committee. It is critical that you find time to share your concerns at these events. They don't come often, but our Legislators are serious about seeking out real Oregonians with real problems. These men and women want to learn; please share with them the necessity of a seamless veterans' program - and stress the individual stories behind the statistics.

Your efforts have made a difference: you have made good policy even better. Thank you for everything you are doing for veterans, and thank you for your consideration on this matter. If you have any questions or would like additional information, call me at 503.949.6378 and/or email me at paul.evans@state.or.us.

Sincerely,

//SIGNED//

Paul Evans

Task Force Chair

BILLS AND STATUS UPDATE

TASK FORCE LIST OF "ROAD SHOW VENUES

SB 618 adds military discharge records (DD214) 

PASSED!