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UPDATE: SERVICE ORGS ROLL OVER FOR VA
STIMULUS
MONEY -- Veterans' service orgs fail to secure
adequate VA
budget, but embrace cheap political trick of
stimulus money.
Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN) pulling the
strings.
I've written a couple of times now about this
idea of giving stimulus package money to the VA. Previous story
(with backlinks) is here...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf0
9/nfjan09/nf011609-8.htm
It's a bad idea. Not because the VA doesn't
need the money, but because it's a political trick. The same
politicians who refuse to properly fund the VA are now trying to be the
"veterans' friend" by pushing for stimulus money for the VA.
And, the leader of the pack is Rep. Steve Buyer
(R-IN), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Buyer has never supported full funding for the VA. More on Buyer
here...
http://www.yourvabenefits.org/sess
earch.php?q=buyer&op=and
But, now, Buyer and friends want to give the VA
big bucks instead of doing their job by passing a proper VA budget.
And, the veterans' service organizations have
bought into this without even one word of protest (see Buyer press release
below). Just like a drunk GI on leave, the service orgs run off with
the first whore who promises them a good time.
The service orgs should be banging heads on
Capitol Hill to make sure the VA is properly funded... not being puppets,
idiotically nodding their head "yes" when offered stimulus money.
The long term consequences:
1. The VA gets more money... that's good
because we all know the agency sure does need it.
2. Politicians like Steve Buyer will be
able to continue to manipulate the service orgs.
3. The service orgs will continue to accept
the crumbs that the politicians brush off the table and veterans lose.
The next time you mail in your dues to your
service org, send them this note and see if you get a response: What
have you done for me lately?
About the above graphic: Do you know who is
laughing the loudest as they look at the picture? Steve Buyer.
Because he knows it's true.
Buyer press release here...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/hc
va09/hcva012309-2.htm
Press release below:
Your comments accepted at bottom of
page.
Share story/email link.
-------------------------
Advocates Agree
Stimulus Should Include Veterans
For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Steve Buyer of Indiana is pleased that his
plan to include veterans’ programs in the economic stimulus package has
received support from prominent veterans’ groups.
As former Chairman and current Ranking Republican Member of the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Steve Buyer has worked to ensure veterans
have the opportunity to succeed in the civilian workforce after their
military service. Ranking Member Buyer, along with Deputy Ranking Member
Cliff Stearns of Florida, sent a letter to President Barack Obama and
congressional leaders in December encouraging them to include over $2
billion for veterans’ initiatives.
“Economic recovery can only occur with sustainable job growth, and the key
elements to this success are small businesses,” Buyer said. “Because
veterans are self-driven and goal oriented, they are perfect candidates
for entrepreneurship. I am pleased that a number of veterans’
organizations share this perspective and support our recommendation to
include $1 billion to help veterans establish and operate small
businesses, and an additional $357 million to increase employment training
and job placement programs for veterans, especially homeless women
veterans.”
 The
Buyer-Stearns plan would also add nearly $1 billion to current funding
levels for construction projects and maintenance at VA medical facilities
and cemeteries. Veterans groups voicing support for some or all of Buyer’s
stimulus package proposals include The American Legion, the Disabled
American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of
America (PVA), the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Association
for Service Disabled Veterans.
“Vietnam Veterans of America has always believed that veterans play an
important role in our economy and job creation,” said Director Rick
Weidman. “Ranking Member Buyer and Congressman Stearns have always been
advocates for veterans’ employment and small business, and the proposals
in their letter prove their commitment.”
“We support the idea of including veterans’ programs in the stimulus
package and commend Ranking Member Buyer and Congressman Stearns for their
leadership on this issue,” said Carl Blake, Legislative Director of PVA.
“The Military Order of the Purple Heart applauds Chairman Buyer’s efforts
to accelerate construction at VA Medical Centers and facilities. This will
improve health care for veterans while stimulating the economy,” said Jeff
Roy, National Commander.
“Successful economic stimulus plans must create employment opportunities
and support for small businesses. Those who defended liberty are deserving
of such focus,” Buyer said. “Veterans have a long history as leaders in
America. They helped rebuild our nation after World War II, and if given
the opportunity, they will again lead us out of today’s tough economic
times. I hope veterans and their fraternal organizations will help me
convince congressional leaders to include economic opportunities for
veterans in the stimulus package.”
-------------------------
posted by Larry Scott
Founder and Editor
VA Watchdog dot Org
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