This Week In Congress: NDAA, Defense Budget Drafts On The Horizon 

Congress returns to Capitol Hill from a two-week break with a rush of posture hearings ahead of expected budget proposals from the House and Senate at the start of the summer. To read more, please click here.

Pay Troops At Least $15 Per Hour? A GOP Lawmaker Wants to Raise the Military's Minimum Wage 

A Republican lawmaker is renewing an effort to boost the salary of the lowest-paid service members. To read more, please click here.

New Basic Needs Allowance Could Become Tax-Free 

Military households receiving the new Basic Needs Allowance aimed at reducing food insecurity may not have to pay taxes on the cash payments if a bipartisan bill makes it through Congress. To read more, please click here.

VA Secretary Worries Mistrust, Awareness Holding Back Benefits Claims

By: Leo Shane III | MilitaryTimes.com

Veterans’ mistrust or misunderstanding of federal assistance programs may be cheating them out of tens of millions of dollars in benefits, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough warned on Thursday.

In remarks during the War Horse Symposium on military and veteran reporting issues, McDonough said only a small fraction — about 10% — of individuals potentially eligible for new benefits under toxic exposure legislation approved last year have filed claims.

He said he hopes to see that number increase significantly in coming months, but knows there are obstacles in the way.

“There’s just a general lack of trust issue in VA,” he said. “It’s not everybody, and the trust numbers are getting better. … But we have to get through the trust issue.”

McDonough and other top VA officials have repeatedly advocated for veterans to screen for potential military toxic exposure injuries and inquire about potential financial benefits in response to last summer’s passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, better known as the PACT Act.

The legislation provides for presumptive benefit status for 12 types of cancer and 12 other respiratory illnesses linked to burn pit exposure in the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq; hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who served in Vietnam; and radiation-related illnesses for veterans who served in several new locations in the 1960s and early 1970s.More than 400,000 individuals have applied for disability benefits through the legislation in recent months. But VA officials said as many as 5 million individuals may eligible under the legislation.

McDonough said that discrepancy points to the need for even more outreach and advocacy by his department.

“There are still a lot of vets who are unaware, and that means we have to get out there more aggressively,” he said.

“There are 19 million vets in the country. We want to reach all of them.”

Information on PACT Act benefits is available through the VA web site. In addition, veterans who visit VA health care facilities are being screened for potential toxic exposure issues during routine health care visits and can receive information from local staff on how to apply for benefits.

AFSA's Summit Registration 

Greetings AFSA Members,

We are incredibly excited to let you know that Registration is now OPEN for The SUMMIT23: AFSA International Convention and Professional Education & Development Conferences. We are anticipating a full house with AFSA members, families, and guests, along with other Active Duty, Retired and Veteran military personnel.

DATES: You have TWO CHOICES when registering for the AFSA-International Conference (AFSA-IC):

1. AFSA-IC Only: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Mon., Aug 7) Cost $275. Includes all AFSA special event meal functions.

1. AFSA-IC PLUS the PEDS and the Air & Space Force Honors Banquet:  Friday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 9. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Thurs., Aug 10) Cost: $325 Includes all AFSA special event meal functions, plus the Air & Space Honors Banquet.

REGISTER ONLINE

Important: Your confirmation/receipt will be sent to the email that you use here to register today.

• Go online to: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAInternationalConvention
• Review the page, scroll down to learn about your 2 choices, events, schedules and more.
• Click on the “REGISTER NOW” Button
• Enter Promotional Code: AFSAEarly to SAVE $25 now! (Expires April 15)
• Choose the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC) 2-Day Only –OR -- the AFSA-IC plus PEDS/Air & Space Honors Banquet Registration.
• Select the quantities (-/+) to register with spouses, family, etc.
• Hit “CONTINUE”
• Complete the registration form (Name, Email, Mobile, Rank, AFSA Member ID, Division, Chapter, Seating request, etc.)
• Hit “CONTINUE”
• Complete payment info (credit card number, Exp date, CVV code
• Hit “PAY”
• You can print a copy/screen shot for your records if preferred.
• Watch your email for the Confirmation/Receipt from ZOHO Checkout/AFSA Summit

HOTEL/ROOM Reservations are open for your stay at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in Dallas at our special $154 a night rate. Make your reservations here now: https://book.passkey.com/event/50377324/owner/863/home

PLAY GOLF AND SUPPORT MILITARY SPOUSE/S SCHOLARSHIPS

Join us at the Uniformed Services Foundation (AFSA’s 501©3 organization) Charity Golf Scramble, Friday, August 4 at the Irving Golf Club in Irving, Texas. $125 per golfer/$500 Team of 4. Note, you’ll need to arrive a day early as the shotgun start beginning at 9:00 am! Play or sponsor here at: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/USFGolfOuting#/?lang=en

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you own a business or know of a business that supports military families, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities during the AFSA-IC & SUMMIT23. Our goal is to help businesses share, recruit and network with their targeted market. To view and share our Sponsorship levels visit:

https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors#/sponsors?lang=en

Info/EXPO EXHIBITORS

Do you own a business that supports military families, or know of an organization that does? The SUMMIT Info/EXPO is the perfect place to be! Learn about our exhibit booth opportunities by visiting: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors

MAIN WEBSITES

The Master SUMMIT Page has information for ALL planned events including the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC), the AFSA-IC Plus PEDS registration, the Enlisted Leaders Conferences (ELCs – by invitation only), the PEDS, and the USF Golf Scramble. The Master SUMMIT page is located at: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html

Enlisted Leadership Conferences (ELCs): As of today, we are planning to host 11 ELCs. ELCs are by invitation only, and they require an ACCESS CODE (provided by your ELC/POC) to register and attend. You may learn more about them here https://www.thesummitafsa.org/EnlistedLeadersConferences

PEDS: We are also hosting the PEDS Conferences for active duty NOT invited to the ELCs. Learn more here: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAProfessionalEducationDevelopmentConference

Below are the campaigns that are currently located on our Action Center. Please take no more than 5-10 minutes to scan through each of the campaigns and click on the custom links provided below. 

Support the Military Spouse Hiring Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103707/Respond

Legislation Summary

• The Military Spouse Hiring Act would encourage companies to employ military spouses, who frequently face disproportionate impediments in the job market, by extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include them. 
• Intends to help military spouses find better work opportunities. 

Support the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93860/Respond

Legislation Summary

• Authorizes veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation. 
• Makes qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service eligible for concurrent receipt, subject to specified reductions in retired pay.

Support the Major Richard Star Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93862/Respond

Legislation Summary

• Qualify approximately 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries to concurrently receive both military retired pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation. 
• Provide total offset relief to veterans who suffered combat injuries or illnesses who were medically retired with less than twenty years of service.

Support the Retired Pay Restoration Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/92798/Respond

Legislation Summary

• Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability.
• Extends full concurrent receipt eligibility to individuals who were retired or separated after at least 20 years of military service due to a service-connected disability.

Support the Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103672/Respond

Legislation Summary

• The Military Family Nutrition Access Act was created to aid military families with active duty members who are facing food insecurity. 
• By eliminating Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the income calculations used to establish eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bipartisan bill will combat food insecurity. 
• Military personnel risk their life to protect our nation; they shouldn't have to worry about providing for their families. 

Support the Not Just a Number Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103681/Respond

Legislation Summary

• The Not Just a Number Act would oblige the VA to look into how veterans use their benefits in their yearly report on suicide prevention in order to assess the connection between VA benefits and suicide outcomes. 
• In its fight against veteran suicides, the VA evaluates which VA benefits have the best impact on preventing suicide and requires the Department to submit recommendations for an increase in such benefits.

If you have any questions, please reach out to AFSA's Military and Government Relations team at milgov3@hqafsa.org.

READY-SET-GO! The AFSASUMMIT23

AFSA International Convention and PEDS is LIVE! Register to attend now and save $25 with the AFSAEarly promo code. Book your Hilton Anatole Resort rooms, play in the USF Golf Scramble, and reserve your Info/EXPO Booth now! Visit: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html

Have You Read The Latest AFSA Magazine?

This edition features Port Mortuary and America’s Missing Heroes, Living with Bipolar Disorder in the Military, Fly-By Wire Defense and AFSA’s American Award Recipient – Don Ward. Read, download, print and share: https://www.hqafsa.org/fallmagazine.html

Greetings AFSA Division and Chapter Leadership,

We are pleased to share the AFSA Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay procedures and marketing materials to help share the process with our members, your membership and potential new recruits.

The Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay program creates an opportunity to JOIN AFSA or RENEW a membership by making a $36 once-a-year/every-year auto payment, or a $4-each-month/every- month auto payment. The $36 once-a-year option is set at $36, and the $4-a-month option includes a bank processing fee of $1 each month.

Review the two ways to enroll, the benefits to using the auto-pay option, and the marketing materials to help share the details of this program and ensure its success.

For more information, please click here.

For questions, please contact AFSAHQ Member & Field team at 800-638-0594 x 288.

Please Update Your Contact Information Today!

Dear Air Force Sergeants Association Member,

In order for the AFSA to effectively communicate with our members, it is essential to ensure we have your current and / or valid e-mail address. 
 
We are in the process of updating our records and need your help! Please take a moment to ensure that we have your most current mail and email address (no .mil's); and accurate membership listing information.

We've made it easy, as you can update your information in either one of three ways: 

1. Call Member & Field Relations team directly at 800-638-0594 x 288 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
2. Email to: msvcs@hqafsa.org
3. Visit www.hqafsa.org and select the UPDATE button on the right

We thank you in advance for your support and prompt updates.

In sum, nine of the more than 20 budget hearings scheduled this week by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be devoted to discussions of military activities and spending. There are 14 further hearings planned by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, where the secretaries of the Army and Navy will testify.

Although no specific dates have been announced by chamber leaders, the House normally releases its annual defense authorization bill and financing plan in late April or early May.

A budget battle on Capitol Hill, which is already anticipated to be difficult given different viewpoints from Republican leaders and the White House on spending levels and objectives, might become even more complicated if that process continues into the summer.

In addition, Under the Raising Annual Income of Servicemembers by Enhancing, or RAISE, Minimum Base Pay Act, which was reintroduced by Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., late last week, service members would be entitled to a base pay rate of at least $31,200 annually, or the equivalent of $15 per hour for a 40-hour workday.

Military leaders have cited the fact that some entry-level service industry positions offer a more competitive income than the military in the midst of recruiting difficulties.

And lastly, this year saw the start of the Basic Needs Allowance, or BNA. Currently, the benefit is only available to military personnel with dependents whose gross household income is less than 130% of the local and family size federal poverty level. Their annualized income must have been less than the cutoff in both the year prior and the current year for them to be eligible.

The benefit received is the amount necessary to raise a household's income to the 130% threshold. 

The proposed legislation would change the Internal Revenue Code to include the BNA as a "qualified military benefit," making the payments tax-free. The BNA Fairness Act was launched in March by Reps. Steve Womack, R-Ark., and Dan Kildee, D-Mich., who touted it as a bipartisan measure. Reps. from the Republican party. The bill also names Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, Doug Lamborn of Colorado, Rob Wittman of Virginia, and Matt Gaetz of Florida.

And that's the way it is for Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Stay tuned for our next M&G-B, where we will continue to keep you in the loop on all things pertinent to the coronavirus, veterans, active-duty members, guards and reservists, and military family members. Stay happy, and stay healthy!