Bill Overview
Title: Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System Act of 2022
Description: This act designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Anchorage, Alaska, as the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System.
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans using VA Healthcare System
Estimated Size: 69000
- The bill affects the naming of a VA medical center in Anchorage, Alaska.
- The VA medical center primarily serves veterans, so the target population includes those who utilize this facility.
- As this is a naming bill, it does not directly change services or benefits, but affects veterans who identify with the center culturally or emotionally.
- Approximately 19 million veterans reside in the US, and many in Alaska rely on VA healthcare facilities.
- This facility serves veterans in Alaska who need access to healthcare services.
Reasoning
- The policy is a naming act, which means it does not directly alter services or benefits provided by the VA medical center, but it may have cultural or emotional significance for some veterans.
- The budget is quite limited, indicating the policy primarily covers ceremonial and administrative costs related to the renaming.
- Since emotional and cultural impact can vary widely, the range of impact from this policy can be from none to low for the majority of veterans, unless they have a personal connection to Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson.
- Given the large population of veterans using VA services nationwide, but with a focus on those in Alaska, the cultural impact is likely most significant among veterans in Anchorage or those residing in Alaska.
- We considered including interviews with veterans from various demographics to capture any potential variation in the policy's perceived value.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Army Officer (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The renaming honors a person with significant contributions to the military.
- This change makes me feel more connected to the facility.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Disabled veteran (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to honor military figures like Colonel Rasmuson.
- The name change doesn't change my interactions with the VA.
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 |
VA Healthcare Worker (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am neutral about the renaming as it doesn't affect my job.
- It's positive for those who value historical contributions.
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 |
Navy veteran (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I didn't know who Colonel Rasmuson was before the renaming.
- It doesn't affect my day-to-day life.
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 (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good thing for Alaskan veterans, but it doesn't affect me in Arizona.
- I'm happy if it boosts morale for some 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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Marine Corps veteran (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This naming makes me feel recognized as part of a larger veteran community.
- It won't change my well-being immediately, but I appreciate the history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Army veteran, business owner (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming a center far away doesn't really impact me.
- I care more about tangible support services.
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, US Navy (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an honor and reflects well on our local community.
- Not expecting direct changes, but proud of the recognition.
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 | 8 | 7 |
VA nurse (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support recognition of historical figures, though this naming act doesn't directly impact my work.
- It's nice for Alaskan vets, not too relevant to my everyday role.
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 |
Retired teacher, widow of a veteran (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This renaming brings back positive memories from my husband's service days.
- It doesn't change the services we receive, but it's a meaningful gesture.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $250000, High: $350000)
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 cost implication is primarily due to the administrative nature of the facility renaming.
- Potential cultural and sentimental value to veterans isn't quantifiable in economic terms but is notable for the community.
- No long-term budgetary implications beyond the initial year costs are expected.