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Edmonds Military Wire: Veterans’ health care likely to take cuts

By Michael Schindler

There comes a point when one stops reporting the news because it is all the same – last week there were talks of budget cuts; this week there are talks of budget cuts. (Oh, and let us not forget that those making the budget cuts are not usually the recipients of the cuts.)

The last couple of years have presented quite a challenge for those in leadership and this year is shaping up to be no different. Congressional leaders are warning that sequestration of government programs is imminent.

As reported by Military.com, “sequestration” is a congressionally mandated set of cuts that will go into effect later this year because the Joint Select Committee failed to find $1.2 trillion dollars in deficit reductions as required by the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Rep. Miller (R-FL) is concerned that the budget cuts will hurt VA’s ability to pay medical staff and purchase medical supplies needed to treat veterans — essentially blocking veterans’ access to VA healthcare services. Hmmm…not great timing since we are doing a massive draw down.

Rep. Miller introduced the Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012 (H.R. 3895). If passed, the bill will exempt VA from the effects of the sequestration. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that they get this one right – and let your elected officials know how you feel.
Those men and women in uniform have served us well – it is time that we serve them.

Michael Schindler, Navy veteran, and president of Edmonds-based Operation Military Family, is a guest writer for several national publications, author of the book “Operation Military Family” and “The Military Wire” blog. He is also a popular keynote and workshop speaker who reaches thousands of service members and their families every year through workshops and seminars that include  “How to Battle-Ready Your Relationship” or “What Your Mother-in-Law Didn’t Tell You.”  He received the 2010 Outstanding Patriotic Service Award from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.