2019-2020 Legislative ProgramA few things ~ First, you will receive points for All-State only.
One (1) point will be awarded each month a Post submits a legislative
report or response letter with your monthly Community Activity report. Please send to both Comrade Director Bob Lutz via activity@vfwmi.org. and please send a copy of your legislative activity only via leg@vfwmi.org.
Second,
please be certain to sign-up for the VFW
Action Corps Weekly for timely and informative email updates on current
federal legislation. The Action Corps link as well as several others are
provided below.
Last, much thanks for your efforts to serve others!
RECENT -- Per VFW Action Corps Weekly (2 August 2019):
Fight to End Widow’s Tax in Jeopardy: "The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) includes several VFW-supported provisions. One such provision would eliminate the Widow’s Tax, which is a dollar for dollar offset of earned benefits for the surviving spouses of about 65,000 service members and veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In the coming weeks, Senate leadership will meet in conference to resolve the differences between the Senate and House versions and debate final passage. Since the provision to end the Widow Tax is not in the Senate version of the NDAA, it is in jeopardy of being left out of the final conference agreement." Contact your Senators and urge them to #AxeWidowsTax this year.
2020 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship Application is Open: "The 2020 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship is now accepting applications! The program, which is in its sixth year, is for VFW members who attend an accredited institute of higher learning. Ten student veterans will be selected for the semester-long program that focuses on real policy issues faced by veterans, service members, and their families. The highlight of the program is participation in the VFW Legislative Conference, which in the past has included meetings at the White House and with senior officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress. Those selected also spend time with their VFW Department members on Capitol Hill pushing the VFW’s legislative priorities. Alumni of the program have become more active in all levels of the VFW and changing laws to improve care and benefits for veterans." Learn more and apply for the fellowship.
Helpful Links:
VFW Legislative Priorities (including VFW Priority Goals):
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service
VFW Action Corps Weekly: https://www.vfw.org/actioncorpsweekly
State
of Michigan Senators, Representatives, and Bills: www.michiganlegislature.org
House Clerk Phone: 517-373-0135
Secretary of the Senate Phone: 517-373-2400
Federal Bills: https://www.congress.gov//
U.S. Senators: www.senate.gov
U.S. Representatives: www.house.gov
Jennifer L. Smith, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Dept. of MI Legislative Director
420 W. Kilborn Street
Email: