Issues and Campaigns

Issues and Campaigns

Prepare Veterans for Employment by Protecting Education Benefits
Posted by Megan Hemler on May 11

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most significant achievements for veterans in the last 50 years. Through October 2011, almost a million veterans and their family members had used or were using the program to pursue higher or technical education or training in a trade. IAVA led the fight for the Post-9/11 GI Bill from its conception and we continue to fight to maintain its viability and value.

Mayor Newsom and IAVA Action's Sister Organization IAVA Launch 311 for Veterans in San Francisco
Posted by Megan Hemler on October 20

Last week, IAVA joined Mayor Gavin Newsom to launch San Francisco’s Veterans 311 Portal.  This innovative, one-stop shop combines resources provided by the VA, federal, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations specifically for veterans in the Bay Area. The online hub includes information about jobs, economic development programs, educational opportunities and information on the New GI Bill. Click here to learn more about IAVA.

GI Bill Questions Answered
Posted by Jason Hansman on October 16

For the past four months, IAVA Action's sister organization IAVA has had Legislative Counsel Patrick Campbell answering questions on the Post-9/11 GI Bill every Thursday from 10:30 – 11:00 AM EST inside of Community of Veterans.  Ranging from paperwork deadlines and expected pay dates to new VA initiatives, Patrick covers all the bases in his weekly conversation with IAVA members.

Stoploss Pay Deadline Extended until December 3, 2010
Posted by Tom Tarantino on October 14

Less than half of the veterans who are eligible for retroactive stop loss pay have applied. Knowing that there is only a limited time for veterans to apply for the $500 per month benefit, IAVA Action's sister orginzation IAVA has been working to extend the deadline and push the application information to the 180,000 veterans who qualify.  Part of that effort has been to convince Congress to extend the October 21, 2010 deadline for another year.

IAVA Action's Sister Organization IAVA Partners with JCPenney and Joseph Abboud for "Welcome Home Joe - Thanks a Million"
Posted by Megan Hemler on October 12

In partnership with JCPenney and Joseph Abboud, IAVA, IAVA Action's sister organization, has launched “Welcome Home Joe – Thanks a Million.” This national campaign will donate $1 million in certificates to 5,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for JOE Joseph Abboud merchandise, a line of contemporary menswear and accessories available exclusively at JCPenney. Female veterans can request $200 certificates for apparel from Worthington, also redeemable at JCPenney. IAVA member veterans can request their $200 certificates for JOE merchandise starting October 8th.

2008 Congressional Report Card
Posted by Daniel on May 5

Our 2008 Veteran Report Card, based on the key veterans' legislation that came to a vote during the 110th Congress, graded every Senator and Representative on their level of support for our troops.

2006 IAVA Congressional Ratings
Posted by Daniel on October 1

After going through the 107th, 108th and 109th Congressional sessions, tallying more than 300 votes on issues that matter most to our troops, veterans and military families, IAVA formed the 2006 Congressional Ratings. Major legislation included TRICARE for Reservists, Military Death Gratuity, and Funding for TBI Research. The results were astounding with only 97 A’s out of 538 in the house and senate combined. We firmly believe that any grade less than an ‘A’ demonstrates a lack of full commitment to supporting our troops.

Veterans Affairs Budget Shortfall
Posted by Daniel on July 1

Due to a budget based on faulty projections, the VA was allocated roughly $1 billion less than what was needed for 2005. IAVA responded with a paid advertisement on the Federal Page of The Washington Post. Ours was the only ad calling on Congress and the President to keep America’s promise to its troops and veterans. Just days after the advertisement ran, Congress approved emergency funding to close the VA budget gap. Thousands of veterans could have been denied much-needed care if no action was taken.

Storm the Hill 2005
Posted by Daniel on May 1

Six IAVA member veterans spent three days in Washington, D.C. for meetings with prominent lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY). IAVA successfully raised Congressional awareness of the issues facing our troops during and after the war, resulting in new and effective legislation mandating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder testing for returning troops.