Bill Overview
Title: To designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Memphis, Tennessee, as the "Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center".
Description: This act designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Memphis, Tennessee, as the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center.
Sponsors: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans using the Memphis VA Medical Center
Estimated Size: 750000
- The primary population impacted are veterans who utilize the VA medical center in Memphis, Tennessee.
- The renaming of the medical center could have symbolic significance and impact for those who are familiar with Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr., particularly veterans.
- The VA system serves millions of veterans across the United States, although this change specifically pertains to the Memphis facility.
- This change might affect the identification of the facility in official documents and signage, impacting staff and visitors.
Reasoning
- Given the nature of the policy, its primary impact is symbolic and emotional, affecting mainly veterans who are familiar with Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr.'s legacy. The budgetary allocation of $50,000 USD suggests a focus on renaming costs, such as signage and marketing materials, rather than substantial structural changes.
- The population impacted includes staff, visitors, and primarily the veterans using the Memphis VA Medical Center. Hence, we'll include a diverse set of perspectives ranging from veterans to staff members and relatives of veterans.
- Wellbeing changes might be minimal due to the symbolic nature of the policy. However, those who feel a strong connection to Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr.’s legacy might experience a boost in morale or pride, which could reflect in slightly elevated wellbeing scores.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Veteran (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's an honor to rename the center after someone who served bravely.
- It adds a sense of pride knowing the place is named after a hero.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nurse at VA Medical Center (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to recognize veterans in any form possible.
- I think the name change is a nice gesture, but it won't change my daily life much.
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 |
Veteran Affairs Case Worker (Jackson, Mississippi)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changing the name doesn't directly affect my work.
- I believe honoring veterans is crucial and this renaming supports that.
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 |
Retired Air Force Pilot (Nashville, Tennessee)
Age: 74 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is rewarding to see a fellow airman honored this way.
- Memphis VA holds a special place for many veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Caregiver (Southaven, Mississippi)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The renaming shows appreciation, but it doesn't influence our visits much.
- My focus is on the quality of care provided.
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 |
Maintenance Worker (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's interesting to see new signs going up and learn about their history.
- The change makes no difference to my tasks beyond initial installation.
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 |
Veterans Advocate (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring veterans through naming is positive.
- It's more about symbolic representation than tangible change.
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 |
Receptionist at VA Medical Center (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A name change is mostly paperwork for me.
- It's great for morale among some veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see it as a step towards more prominent veteran recognition.
- Memphis can benefit from more such initiatives.
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 |
Retired Navy Officer (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This name change is a reminder of the sacrifices made.
- It makes me proud to visit knowing it's honoring a fellow service member.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
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 name change has cultural and symbolic significance, especially honoring Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr.
- The administrative costs are relatively low and are primarily one-time expenses.
- The change has localized impacts largely limited to the veterans and staff associated with the Memphis VA Medical Center.