Bill Overview
Title: To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located in Canton, Michigan, as the "Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Clinic".
Description: This act designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Clinic.
Sponsors: Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Target Audience
Population: US military veterans and their families using the VA clinic in Canton, Michigan
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill involves the renaming of a VA clinic in Canton, Michigan.
- Renaming the clinic honors Major General Oliver W. Dillard.
- The primary users of VA clinics are US military veterans.
- VA clinics also impact the clinic employees, local community members, and family members of veterans who use the clinic.
- The bill is not creating a new clinic or changing services, but simply renaming it.
- Veterans from the surrounding area of Canton, Michigan are the ones who physically visit this clinic.
Reasoning
- The policy's primary impact is symbolic, as it involves renaming a VA clinic and does not entail changes to services or infrastructure. Therefore, the direct impact on wellbeing would likely be low for most people, with the possibility of a positive symbolic value for those who knew or esteemed Major General Dillard.
- The majority of the impact will likely be felt by veterans who use the clinic, their families, and community members in Canton, Michigan. Veterans and their families may feel increased pride or renewed respect depending on their perspectives on Major General Dillard and the importance of such symbolic gestures.
- The budget constraint of $5,000 reflects the minimal financial alteration involved in a renaming activity, as no large-scale services or new infrastructure are being added or altered.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Canton, Michigan)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great to honor someone like Major General Dillard.
- The name change doesn't affect the services, but it's nice to feel recognized.
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 |
Nurse (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a respectful gesture, but I don't think it impacts my day-to-day work here.
- Patients won't receive different care because of a name change.
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 |
Graduate Student (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring a figure through a clinic name can be meaningful for some people.
- I hope more can be done to improve services beyond just renaming.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Canton, Michigan)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Major General Dillard is a respected figure and it's a good move.
- Names matter for legacy and connection in the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Teacher (Ypsilanti, Michigan)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate efforts to honor military figures, but I am more interested in service improvements.
- Recognition doesn't change our insurance battles or improve appointment wait times.
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 |
Store Manager (Canton, Michigan)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It reflects well on Canton to honor someone distinguished.
- Fostering respect and community pride can be a pay-off.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Nurse (Canton, Michigan)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's always good to see historical figures recognized.
- I'm more concerned about budgeting for healthcare services.
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 |
Software Developer (Canton, Michigan)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Naming doesn't affect technical services or the quality of care.
- It's more a matter of historical recognition than personal 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 |
Veterans Affairs Coordinator (Canton, Michigan)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see it as a nice tribute, but the real work is in policy change for veteran benefits.
- It's important to maintain community symbols and morale.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Veteran Services Officer (Farmington Hills, Michigan)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming the clinic adds to its prestige and honors military dedication.
- The real issues lie in expanding and improving services, which this doesn't address directly.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000 (Low: $4000, High: $6000)
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
- This is primarily a symbolic act with minimal financial implications.
- Affects only administrative aspects such as signage and updating legal documents.