LEGISLATION COMMITTEE   7.          
Meeting Date: 08/07/2014  
Subject: AMEND the 2014 Legislative Platforms to include support for improved funding and care of U.S. military veterans and families
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department: County Administrator
Referral No.: 2014-34  
Referral Name: AMEND the 2014 Federal and State Legislative Platforms to include support for improved funding and care of U.S. military veterans and families
Presenter: L. DeLaney Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-335-1097

Referral History:
At its June 5, 2014 meeting, the Legislation Committee directed staff to draft amendments to the adopted 2014 Federal and State Legislative Platform to address support for a broader range of  veterans' issues. 
Referral Update:
As requested by the Legislation Committee at their meeting in June, the Veterans Service Officer, Nathan D. Johnson, provided suggested amendments to the adopted 2014 Federal and State Legislative Platforms to provide advocacy support for legislation that would increase the availability, accessibility, and utilization of veterans benefits. In addition, the recommended amendments address improving on timeliness of VA benefits claim, providing VA healthcare, and addressing the needs of unique sub-populations of Veterans.  The recommended amendments are included in the attachments to this report.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ADOPT amendments to the 2014 Federal and State Legislative Platforms to include support for improved funding and care of U.S. military veterans and their families.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
No direct impact to Contra Costa County.

Attachments-Y
Veterans amendment to Federal Platform
Veterans amendment to State Platform