posted on May 2, 2005 10:16:46 AM new
This is how the Repugs support the troops.
From the Disabled Veterans website:
Access to priority health care for our nation’s service-connected disabled veterans has been seriously eroded over the years due to insufficient health care funding. The current discretionary funding method used to appropriate resources for VA, coupled with continued inadequate and always late budgets, has created a crisis in the system that jeopardizes quality of care for America’s sick and disabled veterans.
Based on the shortfall in the fiscal year 2005 budget, some VA medical center directors already say they are making cutbacks in patient care services, specialty appointments, and delaying or canceling facility improvements. Others indicate they are instituting hiring freezes of medical personnel and foregoing purchasing new medical equipment. Due to increased demand, most facility directors are experiencing great stress in managing their current patients and cannot easily absorb new enrollees, at a time when thousands of soldiers and Marines are returning from two overseas wars. Most disturbing to DAV are reports of severely disabled veterans waiting months, and, in some cases, a year, for basic health care and specialized services from the VA.
Reforming the funding mechanism for VA health care will help to guarantee timely access to quality health care for our nation’s service-connected disabled veterans. It would ensure funding for VA medical care is available at the start of the fiscal year, and would eliminate the year-to-year uncertainty about funding levels that has prevented VA from being able to plan for and meet the growing needs of veterans seeking treatment. To reform and address the uncertainties of the annual appropriations process, we are pressing for a funding policy for veterans health care to be mandated in permanent law, rather than continue to languish given the foibles of the political process.
posted on May 2, 2005 02:27:53 PM new
Administration Seeks $70.8 Billion for VA in 2006
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson announced today that President Bush will seek a record $70.8 billion in the fiscal year 2006 budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with the overwhelming majority of these resources targeted for health care and disability compensation.
“This budget demonstrates the President’s ongoing commitment to provide the very best health care and benefits to those veterans who count on VA the most,” Nicholson said. (more....)
Highlights of President's FY '06 Budget Proposal
Word Format
"This budget proposal guarantees that the department will
be able to care for those veterans who count on VA the most."
-- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson
With this budget proposal, the President, working in partnership with Congress, will have increased health care funding for veterans by 47 percent since FY ‘01.
The budget ensures continuation of the Presidential priority where VA is working closely with the Department of Defense to ensure that service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families are provided timely, high-quality services.
VA will be able to care for more than 5.2 million patients. With this budget, the department will be able to care for a record number of our high-priority patients, those veterans counting on us the most, including veterans of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
The FY ‘06 budget proposal includes $750 million for the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program, bringing the total department investment to date to $2.15 billion. The FY ‘06 proposal includes 28 new outpatient clinics, funding for design work for two new medical facilities in Biloxi, Miss., and Fayetteville, Ark., as well as additional funding for five other major construction projects in Las Vegas, Nev.; Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Gainesville, Fla., and Anchorage, Alaska.
The FY ‘06 budget request calls for a total investment of $2.2 billion in enhanced mental health services, which is $100 million above this year's funding level. This budget proposal ensures a full continuum of care for veterans with mental health issues, to include comprehensive treatment for those veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The FY ‘06 budget calls for $1.2 billion for prosthetics and sensory aids, a $100 million increase over FY ‘05.
Funding for non-institutional long-term care would increase by more than 18 percent over FY ‘05, with a total investment of $400 million in the President's proposed budget.
Continuing the largest expansion of the national cemetery system since the Civil War, the FY ‘06 budget proposal includes $90 million for construction projects, including funds for the purchase of land for six new national cemeteries in Bakersfield, Calif.; Birmingham,Ala.; Columbia-Greenville, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Sarasota, Fla.; and southeastern Pennsylvania; and expansion of the Fort Rosecrans Annex in Miramar, Calif. The budget also includes $32 million for new state cemetery grants.
posted on May 2, 2005 02:39:10 PM new
Libra63, Nice try but a shameful effort on your part. If you want the truth just talk to a few vets about their care. Did you mention that Bush is making the Vets pay a fee for health care? People like Libra63 like to throw around confusing numbers that only tell part of the story about the Vets health care issue.
Hey people don't believe people like Libra63 or me. Look the issue about Vets health care and find out for yourself what Bush is doing.
[ edited by bigpeepa on May 2, 2005 02:44 PM ]
posted on May 2, 2005 05:01:16 PM newAdministration Seeks $70.8 Billion for VA in 2006
The key word in that sentence is seeks. Bush asked for it but it does not mean he will get it.
Why does he have to ask for so much money? Because the vets have been neglected for so long. They are not getting the compensation from the government they deserve.
Bush also realizes he better ask for that much money because of all the troops that are coming back from Iraq seriously wounded, if they are lucky to come back at all.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
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President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on May 2, 2005 06:20:36 PM new
Won't fly, libra, like you admitted...you're never right and this is one of those times.........bush has voted against increased funding for veterans health care ...it's a fact and googling neocon sites won't help.
posted on May 2, 2005 07:20:25 PM new
What crowfarm so you think you are right. Look in the mirror and say that 100 times and then you will convenience yourself of that, but you won't convenience others.
Who made you board monitor to say who is right or wrong. You have your opinion, which I think is wrong, I have my opinion, which you think is wrong. So get over yourself, you are one conceited ______, fill in the blank. You will never be right in my book. JMHO
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posted on May 2, 2005 07:28:05 PM newPresident Bush will seek a record $70.8 billion in the fiscal year 2006 budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with
Well if he doesn't get it we can blame it on congress right? Of course the democrats will oppose it and probably try a filibuster but in the end it will come through.
What I don't understand is why my husband should get free medical care. He is a veteran but can afford their low prices. He pays a copay of $7.00 when he goes. His perscriptions are $7.00 and gets everything else free, and he is a level 7. Even if he had to pay more it still would be cheaper than a regular physician and hospital.
Before everyone complains, they need to research instead of taking crowfarms C&P. Now remember she didn't post the URL so we couldn't read the rest of it.
The only people complaining, if you notice, are the liberals and the reason is that they want everything for nothing.
posted on May 2, 2005 08:29:19 PM new
Libra63, you're talking about your husband........ did you have to bring your family into this discussion? <snicker>
posted on May 2, 2005 10:07:18 PM new
I couldn't help but make the observation because of your previous comments here and I'm glad that I finally made you laugh. Now I hope you don't tattle on me to Vendio.
posted on May 2, 2005 10:38:31 PM new
Why would I do that. You didn't do it like someone else and furthur more the round table is a little different that the EO, you have to admit that. I honestly don't care what people say about me down here but I do up there.
posted on May 2, 2005 11:46:00 PM new
Libra, I think tomorrow I'll go down to the CONVENIENCE store and get some milk....it's so CONVENIENT since it's right on my way to work. Don't you like CONVENIENT things? Well, maybe no one will ever be able to CONVINCE you of that.
bush is Not supporting the troops when he cuts funding and raises co-pays. It doesn't matter if the vets are rich or poor ....they should all have the best care and not all do despite libra's expertise on the subject by knowing her husband..
Libra, quit draggingg YOUR family into everything. I have shocking news for you....the whole world isn't YOU.
The liberals do NOT want something for nothing...they want to support the troops in a real way...with good care and benefits when they come home....Republican leaders do not.
posted on May 3, 2005 02:28:47 AM new
Just another democratic LIE. Like so many before about all the cuts made to our vets and military. Nothing new here....the dems have said this before only to be proven WRONG by the FACTS. Not getting the funding, nor the amount of funding they would like to have, does not constitute a CUT. But manyu of the dems here aren't capable of understanding the difference...so they harp on and on and on about cuts.
And, you're correct, Libra, if our Congress doesn't approve the INCREASES President Bush would like to see, and has requested THEY fund....then of course, the uninformed will continue with blaming him for it anyway.
They have no problem solving solutions so they have to stay with critizing everything the Republicans offer or suggest. Most likely one of the reasons THEY keep losing Senate and House seats. Americans DO notice who's doing what....and who's voting against what. And the President HASN'T VOTED against anything as another uninformed lefties states here.
oh brother.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on May 3, 2005 06:18:34 AM new
Yes Linda it is hard to reason with someone as ignorant as Crowfarm. When you show her proof then she starts ranting and raving.
If congress doesn't approve the budget then we can blame it on the Democrats as they seem to be a little jealous that they are on the short end of the stick and can't get anything blocked. Poor poor democrats couldn't muster up enough votes to get Kerry elected and now they are crying.
posted on May 3, 2005 08:56:38 AM new
The Bush Administration and GOP members of Congress have recently ballyhooed a 47% increase in the amount of funding added for veterans’ health care during its tenure to date. This leaves us with a distorted idea of the resources available to the health care system for our veterans and allows our Republican colleagues to raise questions about VA’s efficiency. I wanted you to have some additional information in order to challenge this assertion.
FACT 1: The Administration has requested less than half of the new funding made available to veterans during its tenure. Congress has added another 39% of funding and veterans and their insurers have shouldered the additional 13% made available for veterans spending over the Bush Administration’s tenure.
FACT 2: Even with a 47% increase since FY 2001, this is an average annual increase of less than 10% to accommodate 7-8% medical care inflation and about 7% average annual growth in patients. VA has previously testified to the Committee on Veterans Affairs that it requires about 13-14% growth annually to sustain its services.
FACT 3: The FY 2006 House GOP Budget Resolution will not provide sufficient funds to allow VA to provide current services. Even with an amendment that added $229 million, it is still $127 million below the FY 2006 CBO baseline for discretionary budget authority. By 2011, it anticipates cutting budget authority for VA discretionary programs by about $15 billion below the Congressional Budget Office’s baseline.
FACT 4: Per patient resources without collections have increased by about 13% while the number of patients has increased by 25% since FY 2001. That means that the growth in the number of patients is almost twice the amount of growth in resources available per patient.
FACT 5: After a year of decreasing, the number of new enrollees waiting for first appointments is beginning to grow to more than 12,000 veterans as of February 2005. VA was not able to supply its current users who are waiting for follow up care.
FACT 6: VA is projecting decreases in mental health spending in fiscal year 2005. Funding for complex care categories including Long-Term Care Behavioral, Other Psychoses, Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia and Dementia, and Substance Abuse is likely to decrease in fiscal year 2005. VA also anticipates fewer dollars spent for basic mental health care patient classes in the current fiscal year.
FACT 7: VA’s budget submission for fiscal year 2006 already anticipates VA finding $1.8 billion worth of management efficiencies. This is approximately 6% of its appropriation for medical programs excluding collections. VA does not clearly specify how its medical centers will find these efficiencies in fiscal year 2006, nor has it identified for Congress how it has implemented the $1.2 billion in savings carried over from the last two fiscal year budget requests.
FACT 8: Democrats on the House Veterans Affairs Committee recommended a $3.2 billion increase in discretionary appropriations and $800 million in mandatory spending for FY 2006. These important additional funds allow VA to shore up mental health, long-term care and prosthetic services and begin to re-enroll new Priority 8 veterans. In addition, these funds allow additional employees, training and equipment to administer veterans’ claims for benefits. It also supports the National Shrine Commitment.
Join me in just saying “no” to the House GOP Budget Resolution. It is an insult to our Nation’s veterans and the brave men and women who are serving us today.
posted on May 3, 2005 09:12:38 AM new
Sure do....can't CONVINCE libra about the truth....it's not CONVENIENT for her to know it.
I think all posts are a little too "cryptic" for her.
posted on May 3, 2005 09:19:31 AM new
Veterans/Military Retirees Update)
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Edwards Speaks Out Against Cuts in Veterans Budget
Amendments Increasing Funds for Veterans and Troops Blocked by Republicans
(Washington) - U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards said on Wednesday he was deeply disappointed that
the Budget resolution that passed the House Budget Committee cut veterans' health care and benefits.
"Cutting veterans health care services and benefits by $14 billion over the next five years will deny health
care to hundreds of thousands of veterans, including Iraqi war veterans. That is incredibly unfair to our
vets and sends a terrible message to today's service men and women fighting our war on terrorism," said Edwards.
The Republican backed budget resolution, which passed the House Budget committee Wednesday,
reduces the VA budget when adjusted for inflation, by $14 billion over 5 years and requires a $798 million
cut in the budget for disabled and low income veterans' pensions and for G.I. education benefits.
"If you conservatively estimate that health care inflation will rise 5% this year, this budget still cuts $500 million
from the VA budget in fiscal year 2006 alone, which begins October 1st," said Edwards. "
And that is before taking into account the expected increase of 100,000 veterans in the
VA health care system next year, which will cost an extra $620 million.
Edwards offered two amendments in Budget Committee that were voted down on a party line vote.
The first would have increased veterans health care funding by $1.9 billion above the level in the President's budget.
"I realize it is expensive to keep our health care promises to veterans, but it is morally wrong to break these promises.
We simply cannot ask our servicemen and women to fight our nation's wars and then turn our backs on
them when the fighting is over. On the issue of veterans' cuts, I believe the House Republican leadership
is out of touch with the values of grassroots Republicans, Democrats and Independents in Texas
and across the country, and I will keep working to stop these outrageous and unfair cuts."
posted on May 3, 2005 09:43:28 AM new
lol Helenjw, It's the same with you, crowfarm, bigpeepa, logansdad and Kiara. If I left someone out I am sorry.
No reasoning with you people it is all one in the same doom and gloom. Boy I hate to be you waking up in the morning. In fact I wonder why you do wake up as you figure there is nothing to wake up for.
posted on May 3, 2005 10:31:15 AM new
Don't include me in your doom and gloom list, Libra63 because you don't have a clue.
Seems to me like you're totally confused and assume that if some of us don't agree with all government policies or with YOUR reasoning (hahahaha) that we aren't happy with anything in our lives or that we don't enjoy our days but you couldn't be more wrong. It's still a beautiful world out there!
YOU seem to be the one bitchin' and pissin' and moanin' here daily without any humor at all from your first morning post until you head off to bed.
posted on May 3, 2005 10:36:26 AM new
I'm so glad, libra, that you got a laugh out of bushy's deplorable treatment of the vets.
But don't feel badly , libra, most Repugs always go the "gloom and doom" route when forced to face the truth.....you didn't invent it but you sure know how to use it
posted on May 3, 2005 01:15:06 PM new
Libra,Bear,Linda_K, You people should all be outraged at Bush charging any American Vet anything for health care. Never in American History has an American Vet been charged for health care until your failed leaders came along.
When these men and woman signed up or got drafted to serve our country it was always understood that their health care was part of the bargain at no cost to them.
Now all three of you people try to excuse your presidents actions is just plain sicking.
Remember all the posts the three of you have made defending our troops and the Iraq war now you try to defend Bush. Yes Bush the same guy that has failed our troops in Iraq and now wants to cut funding and start charging our troops for health care. On this issue all three of you act like traitors to the same troops you pretended to support.
So now your failed leader wants to underfund yet another program and for what so he can pay for the Hugh tax cuts for the rich. Its no wonder recruiting for the Armed Forces has not met their goals for 3 months back to back.
posted on May 3, 2005 01:37:15 PM new
Hey Libra63 you said "It's the same with you, crowfarm, bigpeepa, logansdad and Kiara. If I left someone out I am sorry."
LOL your list what you believe are the bad guys is growing and growing and growing.
Sorry Libra, we are not out to get anyone we just expose what Bush and the republican controlled Congress is doing to America. To a lot of us it looks like your side and you are out to get yourselves.
posted on May 3, 2005 02:07:37 PM new
Krafty-are you wearing any panties under that cheer leading skirt?????????
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
posted on May 3, 2005 03:15:02 PM new
CLASSIC you just don't get it. Kraft was not cheering for crow or me personally. Kraft was cheering how easy lies from this White House and republican controlled Congress can be exposed. Nothing more or nothing less.
BTW Classic what are your thoughts about Bush charging and underfunding our Vets health care program?
We now know what shameful hypocrites Libra63,Bear and Linda_K are. I could not believe they tried to defend Bush over our Vets and Troops.
