Bill Overview
Title: Veterans Marriage Recognition Act of 2022
Description: This bill revises the definition of a spouse and surviving spouse for purposes related to veterans' benefits, health care, and other matters. Specifically, the bill includes persons who are in same sex marriages as spouses and surviving spouses.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: People in same-sex marriages globally with spouse as a veteran
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill affects the definition of 'spouse' and 'surviving spouse' in relation to veterans' benefits and healthcare.
- Previously, same-sex marriages might not have been recognized for these purposes, so individuals in same-sex marriages could be directly impacted.
- The bill ensures that same-sex spouses are entitled to the same benefits as opposite-sex spouses.
Reasoning
- The policy directly impacts same-sex married veterans and their spouses by recognizing them fully under the law for veteran benefits.
- The target population is relatively small compared to the general population of veterans but significant for those affected.
- Given the funds available, the policy can support a good portion of the estimated target of 50,000 individuals.
- Not everyone will experience a high impact due to differences in their existing benefits, state laws, or other factors impacting their quality of life.
- It is important to represent a range of individuals, from those directly affected to those unaffected to understand broader societal impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy feels like a long-overdue recognition of our marriage.
- I hope it will ease some of our healthcare costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Graphic Designer (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step towards equality, which is encouraging.
- The benefits could significantly help with better healthcare access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Veteran advocate (Austin, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see progress, though it's just one step in broader equity.
- This will help many families like mine with survivor benefits.
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 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (Rural Kansas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy corrects past injustices.
- I've been fighting for recognition which now could provide some financial relief.
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 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm happy for friends who are affected, although my situation remains unchanged.
- It's progress towards equal rights.
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 (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps relieve some concerns I had about the future.
- Knowing my partner will be recognized gives us peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Health Care Administrator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is very necessary and finally recognizes the sacrifices of all families.
- It provides some potential relief on my financial worries.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired Veteran (Chicago, IL)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally we receive some recognition, which is a relief.
- Looking forward to being treated equally under the law.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Freelance Writer (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change should have happened years ago, but I'm glad it's here now.
- I hope it helps us as we plan for the future.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Law Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm not directly affected, I'm pleased for those who are.
- It's an important step for equality and could influence future legal decisions.
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: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 2: $12240000 (Low: $10200000, High: $14380000)
Year 3: $12484800 (Low: $10404000, High: $14767600)
Year 5: $12959139 (Low: $10816362, High: $15367942)
Year 10: $14267988 (Low: $11904689, High: $16970507)
Year 100: $39264615 (Low: $32720554, High: $46714673)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring equal treatment of same-sex and opposite-sex married couples in veterans' benefits.
- Administrative adjustments required to implement the policy effectively.
- Potential for legal disputes or challenges if claims are not processed as per revised definitions.