A bill to update the membership structure of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) was heard in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee Tuesday.
Senate Bill 5338, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would replace two positions designated for representatives from the state veterans’ homes in Orting and Retsil with at-large positions. The bill also creates opportunities for a Native American tribal veteran and a current or former member of the Washington National Guard to serve on the committee.
“The Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee plays a critical role in ensuring veterans’ needs are represented,” Nobles said. “This bill makes practical updates to strengthen its work and broaden its reach.”
The VAAC advises the governor and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WADVA) on issues affecting the state’s veteran population. Its members include representatives from veterans’ service organizations, at-large members, and liaisons to state veterans’ homes. The committee’s structure is intended to ensure that veterans’ concerns and perspectives are considered in state policies and programs.
Requested by the WADVA, the bill also preserves the VAAC’s liaison roles to veterans’ homes, ensuring their connection to the committee remains intact.
Follow its progress here.
More needs to be done for Vietnam veterans & agent orange especially Navy. It takes forever and being denied on a claim took nearly 3 years for a denial. Then we found a great person to help us on the second attempt!
I would be interested in knowing who you actually got to help you. I’ve been trying to get approved for compensation for Agent Orange exposure since the Pact Act was begun several years ago; resulting in denial each time.
We are currently working with the Fife VFW VSO advocate. He has helped us to submit the forms to the VA ,but it does take time on the VA end but we are making progress please look up the VFW in fife information on their website.
Thank you very much.
“This bill makes practical updates to strengthen its work and broaden its reach.”
How would your proposal accomplish this?
You say: “The committee’s structure is intended to ensure that veterans’ concerns and perspectives are considered in state policies and programs.”
How are the current members NOT meeting the needs of our state’s veterans? How does a “check a box” system of appointments fix it?
If these are paid positions, where does the money come from and how is it sustained?