(Note: this letter was originally published on 5/27/2007 and is being republished today as a reminder to voters that veterans haven't always received the best representation from their elected officials!)
May 21, 2007
President Courtney
Senator Monnes-Anderson
Senator Carter
Senator Gordly
Senator Kruse
Senator Brown
Senator Schrader
Speaker Merkley
Representative Hunt
Representative Barnhart
Representative Rosenbaum
Representative Read
Veterans are very frustrated with the 2007 legislative session.
Oregon War Veterans Association is the fastest growing veterans assocition in Oregon, with more than 400 new war veteran members since January, and we are NOT happy.
How many times do you think I have heard, "we don't like the war, or the President's policies, but we do support veterans and our troops," from the leaders of this legislative session? Everytime I turn around, I get that comment thrown at me. But your actions do NOT support your words, words that now seem very much like political smoke and mirrors.
In 2003, our directors and members supported 28 legislative bills. 19 of them were passed, and signed by the Governor. Last session, monumental steps were taken to prove the legislature's support of the our vets and deployed National Guard troops.
This year, however, we decided to keep our bills to a minimum, and focus on several key, important bills. Of the 15 bills OWVA supported this session, only a few of them still remain viable. These were good bills. Bills that will help our troops deal with emergencies, when they return home from the war. Bills that help disabled veterans fight for justice. Bills that help veterans buy long term care policies, so they don't become problems for us in the future. Bills that let more girls enter the Oregon Youth Challenge Progam.
This year, I will be surprised if any of our important bills make it to the Governor's desk. What does that say about this session's legislative leadership? What have veterans done to deserve this treatment? How will it look to have this legislature turn on veterans and our returning troops?
A good case in point is HB 3009. This bill has no fiscal impact on the State. People who previously fought against the Oregon Veterans Home are now in support of adding more homes. We have done our work to resolve many of the issues that people in the care industry had with a second veterans home, and now it looks like the Senate is going to kill our chances to build a new one in the near future.
We heard on Friday that Senator Monnes-Anderson is "not inclined to bring this bill back for a work session," essentially killing one of our highest priority bills. It seems to me that there is too much political wrangling around the sponsors of our bills, and not enough concern for the bill's actual merit.
Perhaps I am mistaken. We'll see.
Please carefully consider how disinfranchising Oregon's greatest citizens will have on the future of those citizens who have sacrificed their families, their health, and their carreers so that you folks can actually do the job that you do, and live with the influence and priviledges that you enjoy.
In the great scehme of things, veterans don't ask for even a portion of what they deserve. But when we do ask for something, that means it is very important to us, and we expect our leaders to respect that, and give us at least as much attention as you do for the special interest groups who contantly have your ears and share your kleenex boxes.
Why aren't the ODVA and OMD emergency fund programs going to be funded again this year? They each need $500,000.00 to help needy families. You gave them the money last year, but refuse to give it this year, while 950 troops are returning to Oregon. What kind of message is that?
You still have time to make a real difference for veterans and returning troops.
As a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foriegn Wars and the president of Oregon War Veterans Association, I strongly urge you to not kill anymore of our bills. Please pass HB 3009. Please vote to pass our remaining bills in Revenue and Ways and Means. Please fund the emergency accounts as requested. Please give us the respect we deserve. Let's not let HJM 9 be the best veteran's bills that you have passed this year.
Very sincerely,
Greg Warnock
OWVA
After sending a copy of this letter to our email list, Senator Monnes-Anderson received over 500 phone calls, and 150 emails. (From what we heard last week.) Since the letter was published, she has agreed to do a work session on HB 3009 next Wednesday (May 30, 2007) and move the bill ahead.
OWVA wants to thank all of our contituents who took time to help us let the Senator know that this bill is important to veterans.
After Wednesday's hearing, please feel free to send an email to her, thanking her for moving on the bill.
sen.lauriemonnesanderson@state.or.us
HB 3009 paves the way to allow a second veteran's home to be built in Oregon, and allows spouses to live there as well. No State Funds will be used in the building of the second home.
Posted by: OWVA | May 28, 2007 at 11:16 AM