Ocean County American Legion Legislative Notes 2/26/24 Update
FEDERAL
GRASSROOTS ACTION UPDATES
This week, The American Legion is urging Congress to pass the Love Lives On Act (S. 1266 / H.R. 3651). Currently, Gold Star Spouses under the age of 55 are forced to choose between remarriage and their survivor benefits. To ensure that surviving spouses can be married without repercussions, you contact your representatives in support of S. 1266 or H.R. 3651 by clicking here. Last session, three critical bills passed the House of Representatives: The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 (H.R. 542), the HOME Act of 2023 (H.R. 3848), and the COPE Act (H.R. 3581) bill. If the Senate agrees to pass this Legion-backed legislation, Congress has an opportunity to provide indispensable support for our Nation’s veterans and their family caregivers. The American Legion is also proud to support S. 3546, the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act. S. 3546 aims to evaluate the quality of mental health services at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and non-Department providers. If you would like to contact your representatives in support of this bill, H.R. 542, H.R. 3848, or H.R. 3581, you can visit our Grassroots Action Center to identify and email your elected official. The American Legion has released its legislative agenda for the 2nd Session of the 118th Congress. To review our priorities, you can check out our Advocacy Toolkit.
KEY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL FOR INVESTMENT IN MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE
In 1973, the Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced the end of conscription and the beginning of America’s all-volunteer force. Despite initial hesitancy from some Department of Defense (DOD) officials at the time, the all-volunteer force proved its effectiveness during the Gulf War and War on Terror. Despite its tactical success, the ability to recruit men and women to join the Armed Forces began to steadily decline in the 1990s. While a myriad of cultural and macroeconomic trends correlated with the military’s recruitment and retention problem, many reports note that military pay and housing were considered subpar by many servicemembers. Unfortunately, these problems have persisted well into the 21st century. In 2023, 50 years after conscription ended in the United States, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), created the Quality-of-Life Panel to address these long-standing issues. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-2) was chosen as the Chairman and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) serves as the ranking member. The panel focuses on “issues that impact U.S. service members and their families, including compensation, childcare, housing, support programs for spouses of service members, and health care.” The panel will then provide a written report to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel and “include recommended proposals for the FY2025 NDAA.” Since its creation in June of 2023, the panel has held multiple hearings and meetings with DOD officials and military families. The hearings, which covered topics from unaccompanied housing conditions and pay to childcare and spouse employment, gave Congress the necessary insight to support our servicemembers and increase the attractiveness of the Armed Forces to potential recruits. On February 16, 2024, Chairman Bacon, and Ranking Member Houlahan, in conjunction with HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL-3) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA-9), published their proposals for FY2025 to President Joe Biden. The letter, which can be read here, emphasizes the following as key impediments to a higher quality of life for service members and their families. (1) poorly maintained barracks, dormitories, and single-family housing forcing service members. (2) insufficient pay, particularly junior enlisted members (3) difficulty accessing medical care (4) childcare shortages for military families, especially in high-cost areas (5) uncertainty in military spouse employment
The Chairmen and Ranking Members encourage President Biden to keep these problems and potential solutions in mind as makes his budgetary requests for Fiscal Year 2025. As acknowledged by the Congressmen in this letter, work across branches of government and across party lines will be critical to ensuring that military quality of life is not overshadowed.
THE ONGOING APPROPRIATIONS FIGHT
Once again, the 118th Congress faces the 2024 appropriations packages that have been delayed since the fall of 2023. The previous continuing resolution (CR) gives lawmakers until March 1st to pass four appropriations bills, including the Military Construction-Veterans’ Affairs Bill, and March 8th for the remaining 8 bills, which includes Defense, Homeland Security, and State-Foreign Operations. With Senators returning to THE ONGOING APPROPRIATIONS FIGHT. Once again, the 118th Congress faces the 2024 appropriations packages that have been delayed since the fall of 2023. The previous continuing resolution (CR) gives lawmakers until March 1st to pass four appropriations bills, including the Military Construction-Veterans’ Affairs Bill, and March 8th for the remaining 8 bills, which includes Defense, Homeland Security, and State-Foreign Operations. With Senators returning to Washington, DC on Monday and Congressmen on Wednesday, the likelihood of all 12 bills becoming law seems slim. Despite the clear challenges that lawmakers face, Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN-6) told reporters, “You are not going to get another continuing resolutions out of our conference.” Rep. Emmer’s declaration is supported by bicameral agreement on top-line spending numbers. But, the details of this framework remain highly contested across chamber and party lines. According to an interview Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) did with The Hill, FBI, IRS, and election security funds are among the most divisive issues at the moment. While these issues seem to have our government in a deadlock, many lawmakers are becoming anxious at the thought of more CRs. The House Armed Services Committee in particular is pleading with Speaker Johnson to end the cycle of CRs with impending defense cuts and debt ceiling. The effects of partial governments are profound. The image of a divided and paralyzed government hurts domestic morale and could empower international adversaries, two symptoms that are exacerbated by the economic effects of shutdown. Forbes points out that a shutdown can slow the U.S.’s economic activity and “rattle financial markets” especially if it is unresolved. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that it would have to furlough about half of the employees if a deal is not reached on funding, while the Food and Drug Administration would furlough closer to a quarter of its employees. VA and DOD can also expect furloughs, with VA halting some services like career counseling and transition assistance support. Thankfully, VA has safeguards in place to ensure that disability payments, pensions, and medical care would continue. On the other side of the coin, currently serving members would not be paid during the shutdown despite the continuation of their work.
2023-2024 Bills 118th Congress
Active Bills Since Last Report
H.R.366 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) Korean American VALOR Act Sponsor:Takano, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-39] (Introduced 01/13/2023) Cosponsors: (15) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Report:H. Rept. 118-64Latest Action: 11/13/2023 Became Public Law No: 118-20.
S.30 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act Sponsor:Tester, Jon [Sen.-D-MT] (Introduced 01/24/2023) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: Senate - Veterans' Affairs Latest Action: 07/18/2023 Became Public Law No: 118-8. (PDF)
H.R.502 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes. Sponsor:Banks, Jim [Rep.-R-IN-3] (Introduced 01/25/2023) Cosponsors: (2) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs; Budget Latest Action Passed the House; Senate - 03/21/2023 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
H.R.366 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) Korean American VALOR Act Sponsor:Takano, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-39] (Introduced 01/13/2023) Cosponsors: (15) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee Report:H. Rept. 118-64Latest Action:11/13/2023 Became Public Law No: 118-20.
H.R.542 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 Sponsor:Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26] (Introduced 01/26/2023) Cosponsors: (76) Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs Committee Report:H. Rept. 118-284Latest Action: Passed the House;Senate - 12/06/2023 Received in the Senate.
NEW JERSEY
Active Bills Since Last Report
A3713 Clarifies disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients are not required to own vehicle to be exempt from municipal parking meter fees.Latest Action: 2/22/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
A3822 Requires school districts to observe Veterans Day as a school holiday.Latest Action:2/22/2024Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee. A3915/S1594 Establishes Veterans State Government Fellowship program. Latest Action: None available S2808 Allows honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard to carry handgun. .Latest Action: 2/22/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. A290/S2815 Allows holder of disabled veteran or Purple Heart license plate or placard to park in parking spots for persons with disability.Latest Action:2/22/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee. S2755 Requires NJTA and SJTA to waive E-Z Pass tolls for disabled veteran owned businesses. Latest Action: None available. A2110/S2767 Exempts 100 percent disabled veterans from payment of motor vehicle registration fees; requires notification of eligible motorists.Latest Action: 2/15/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee. A730/S2774 Requires local government units to provide opportunities for military- or veteran- owned businesses to supply materials and services for projects receiving funding from NJ Infrastructure Bank. Latest Action: 2/15/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee. SCR90 Proposes constitutional amendment to permit Legislature to extend eligibility to receive veterans' property tax deduction to surviving spouse of nonresident veteran in certain circumstances. Latest Action: 2/15/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. ACR86/SCR92 Proposes constitutional amendment permitting certain veterans and their surviving spouses to receive enhanced homestead rebate amounts similar to the homestead rebate amounts allowed for senior and disabled residents. Latest Action: 2/15/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. A3619 Exempts certain veterans from field or live-fire range portion of hunter gun safety course. . Latest Action:2/12/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee A3679/S2402Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. .Latest Action:2/12/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A3688/S1076 Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and requires State to reimburse municipalities for cost of exemption. .Latest Action:2/12/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A3705 Requires State reimbursement to municipalities of cost of disabled veterans' total property tax exemption.Latest Action 2/12/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. ACR112 Proposes constitutional amendment to provide that disabled veterans may have served at any time in order to receive benefits provided by Constitution or by law. Latest Action: 2/12/2024Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. AR107 Urges U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers. .Latest Action: 2/12/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. AR108 Urges United States Department of Veterans Affairs to establish inpatient hospital facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. . Latest Action:2/12/2024 2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. S2661 Provides gross income tax credit to certain totally and permanently disabled veterans for rent constituting property taxes.Latest Action:2/12/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee S2675 Establishes program in New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing for support of residency programs at State veterans' memorial homes in New Jersey; appropriates $500,000. 2/12/2024Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee AJR29/SJR78 Designates neon yellow as official color to raise awareness of suicide among veterans. .Latest Action:2/12/2024Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee S789 Extends affordable housing preference to certain allied South Korean veterans. .Latest Action:1/9/2024Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.2/8/2024 Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading A518/S1069 Establishes county veteran transportation grant program; removes certain restrictions to the current veterans transportation assistance program; appropriates $2 million. Latest Action:1/9/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee 2/8/2024 Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading; 2/8/2024 Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee A2188/S1286 Establishes New Jersey Veteran Gravesite Maintenance Grant Program in DMVA. Latest Action: 1/9/2024Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee; 2/8/2024 Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading; 2/8/2024 Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee A1213/S2533 Makes supplemental appropriation of $15 million to DMVA for New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation for facilities expansion. Latest Action:2/8/ A506/S2537 Exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from payment of municipal parking meter fees when vehicle bears veteran's or recipient's special license plate or placard issued by MVC. Latest Action:2/8/2024Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee A547/S2547 Requires public agency receiving State funds to post on website use of State funds for public work contracts with minority, women, and veteran owned businesses. Latest Action: Latest Action: 2/8/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
S2550 "Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education.Latest Action:2/8/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee S2559 Requires State reimbursement to municipalities of cost of disabled veterans' total property tax exemption.Latest Action:2/8/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A2745/S2573 Directs DCA to end veteran homelessness within three years. Latest Action:2/8/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. A2410/S2630 Establishes hiring preference for veterans for teaching positions. Latest Action:2/8/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. A547/S2547 Requires public agency receiving State funds to post on website use of State funds for public work contracts with minority, women, and veteran owned businesses. Latest Action: 2/8/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee. A3459 Creates Military and Veterans Affairs Oversight Board. Latest Action:1/9/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee 2/5/2024 Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading. A3465/S990 The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act; provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for qualified wages of certain veterans. Latest Action:2/5/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A3468 Requires DMVA conduct outcomes and efficacy study of veteran to veteran peer support helpline. Latest Action:2/5/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A3470/S2661 Provides gross income tax credit to certain totally and permanently disabled veterans for rent constituting property taxes. Latest Action: 2/5/2024 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A3485/S1582 Eliminates requirement under veterans' gross income tax exemption that taxpayer serve in active duty status or federal active duty status to qualify for exemption. Latest Action:2/5/2024Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. S2361 Requires DMVA notify certain veteran organizations and county officers and municipal registers of names of persons buried or cremated in State veteran cemeteries. Latest Action:1/29/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. S2363 Permits DMVA to receive voluntary contributions for veteran suicide prevention public service announcements. Latest Action:1/29/2024Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. S2366 Expands eligibility for veterans' civil service preference; creates additional preference benefits. Latest Action:1/29/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A2161/S2377 Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of the military. Latest Action:1/29/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee S2402 Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. Latest Action: 1/29/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee. SCR81 Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. Latest Action: 1/29/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. A 118/S2301 Provides credits under corporation business tax and gross income tax for qualified wages of certain disabled veterans. Latest Action: 1/29/2024 Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. .