Bill Overview
Title: To designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego, California, as the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and to support the designation of a component of such medical center in honor of Kathleen Bruyere.
Description: This bill designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in San Diego, California, as the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the VA should designate a prominent physical space within the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to honor Kathleen Mae Bruyere.
Sponsors: Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans in California
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The bill concerns the designation of a medical center within the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating that it primarily involves veterans and possibly their families.
- The number of veterans in the United States is concentrated in several states, including California, which alone has approximately 1.5 million veterans.
- San Diego is home to a significant population of veterans due to its proximity to military bases and a strong military presence.
- The bill also suggests honoring a physical space within the facility, indicating that this is a symbolic act rather than one affecting services or operations.
Reasoning
- The designated medical center is in San Diego, focusing on veterans there and in wider California.
- Given the symbolic nature of the policy, it's unlikely to significantly impact measurable aspects of wellbeing directly related to healthcare service access.
- Since the policy involves renaming and designation, it might affect pride, community recognition, and similar intangible benefits for veterans, particularly those with connections to the honorees.
- The financial constraints suggest minimal spatial modifications, relying on existing structures to house memorials.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Marine Corps Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I frequent the San Diego VA for my appointments and it feels good to see a fellow veteran being honored.
- I appreciate symbolic gestures that acknowledge our sacrifices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Registered Nurse (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring veterans is important, though it doesn't change my daily life.
- I think those who frequent the San Diego VA might feel more pride.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Air Force Pilot (Sacramento, CA)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it’s nice when veterans are recognized in public spaces.
- This doesn’t directly affect me since I visit different VA facilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Military spouse (San Diego, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think honoring Jennifer Moreno can serve as inspiration for female service members.
- This creates a connection to those who served.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Navy Corpsman (San Diego, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition means a lot as I feel closer to my comrades.
- I'm proud of this focus on honoring service members.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Orange County, CA)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Naming buildings is a noble gesture.
- Doesn't change my situation much but acknowledges others' contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Volunteer at veteran services (Fresno, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such efforts of honoring are appreciated and speak to broader community respect.
- While it doesn't change services, it’s a commendable action.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
LGBTQ Veterans Advocate (San Bernardino, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this is a positive move, I’m more focused on policy changes affecting veteran services.
- Symbolic gestures are meaningful but should be coupled with action.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Security Analyst, Former Navy SEAL (Riverside, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring service members is important for encouraging service.
- I believe these symbolic actions add to morale among veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Therapist specializing in PTSD (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Naming centers and spaces can help by creating a sense of belonging.
- While this impacts morale, more needs to be done in providing mental health services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000 (Low: $25000, High: $75000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The symbolic nature of the bill suggests a very limited fiscal impact.
- Administrative and logistical arrangements, such as changing signage, could incur small costs.
- There is no foreseeable impact on government savings.