Bill Overview
Title: Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to states and Indian tribes to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans' benefits and programs. Specifically, the VA may provide grants to states and tribes to (1) implement or enhance outreach activities; (2) increase the number of county or tribal veterans service officers in the state or tribe; or (3) expand, implement, or otherwise enhance existing programs and services of the existing state or tribal organization that is recognized by the VA in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits through representatives who hold positions as county or tribal veterans service officers. The VA must prioritize awarding grants in areas with a critical shortage of county or tribal veterans service officers, areas with high rates of suicide among veterans, and areas with high rates of referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line. The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through February 10, 2031, under the VA's home loan program. During FY2024-FY2028, the VA is authorized to hire two or more additional full-time equivalent employees in the VA's Office of General Counsel to carry out duties under the accreditation, discipline, and fees program.
Sponsors: Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Target Audience
Population: people whose wellbeing will be impacted by the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act
Estimated Size: 23000000
- The legislation focuses on outreach and assistance programs to ensure veterans and their families are informed about benefits and programs available to them.
- The bill targets areas with a critical shortage of veterans service officers and areas with high suicide rates among veterans.
- It allows for hiring additional employees to strengthen the VA Office of General Counsel, implying a reinforcement of administrative support for veterans.
- Veterans in the US number about 19 million, according to estimates by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The families of veterans are also indirectly targeted as they become fully informed of the benefits and programs via the increased outreach efforts.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects veterans and their families by improving access to information and assistance with benefits.
- The target population includes the approximately 19 million veterans and their families in the US.
- Improved access to services and support may lead to increased wellbeing scores for those who were previously underserved or unaware of benefits.
- Areas with high rates of suicide or shortages in service officers are prioritized, indicating a focus on regions with higher needs.
- The budget constraints imply there will be limitations on the number of programs or extent of service expansions possible within the first year and over the next decade.
Simulated Interviews
Retired veteran (Rural Kansas)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard to keep track of all the benefits I'm eligible for, so more outreach sounds good.
- I hope they hire someone nearby because traveling far for VA services isn't feasible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Veterans advocate (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will help us better serve our local veterans, especially those who aren't aware of all the benefits available to them.
- The extra funding could help reduce the suicide rates here.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Active duty military (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad they're focusing on areas with critical shortages.
- I want to make sure my benefits information is clear before transitioning back to civilian life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Healthcare worker (Nashville, Tennessee)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could alleviate some pressures on our system by increasing the support structure surrounding veterans.
- It might actually help lessen burnout on us as healthcare workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
IT specialist (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The more outreach the better, especially if it means more mental health resources and faster help when needed.
- I hope this includes more personal help and less red tape.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 1 |
Retired, (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often feel lost about whom to contact for questions about my benefits.
- It would be helpful if there's more clear communication from the VA.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Veteran services volunteer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional services can help the older veterans who might not seek out help on their own.
- I hope the grants benefit our local programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Public relations (New York City, New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Outreach is crucial in urban areas where veterans might not know where to go for help.
- I'm hopeful the policy will enhance our workshops and improve veteran engagement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Farmer (Rural Maine)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need more local VA resources, and this could help.
- Traveling for services is always a hassle, so news of more outreach is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Social worker (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could help reduce the strain on our resources and improve the lives of many homeless veterans.
- They need all the help they can get regarding understanding and accessing benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $260000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $310000000)
Year 3: $270000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $320000000)
Year 5: $290000000 (Low: $240000000, High: $340000000)
Year 10: $320000000 (Low: $270000000, High: $370000000)
Year 100: $470000000 (Low: $390000000, High: $550000000)
Key Considerations
- Critical need to support areas with high veteran suicide rates and shortages of service officers.
- The responsiveness of states and tribes in utilizing grants efficiently will influence outcomes.
- Long-term impacts on veterans' health needing evaluation for strategic resource allocation.