Congress Weighs Giving Military Spouses More Options To Work Remotely For Government
Military spouses could have more opportunities to work remotely for the federal government under legislation advancing through Congress, giving spouses more options for stable employment as they move from duty station to duty station with their partners in uniform.
Advocates Say More Change Is Needed After Pentagon Releases New Exceptional Family Member Plan
A new, and overdue, Pentagon policy update to a key program that provides necessary support for military families with special needs is a crucial step but ultimately falls short, according to some advocates.
White House $3.1 Billion Homeless Program Includes Help For Vets
White House officials are pairing new legal support and job training programs for veterans with a $3.1 billion investment in general community support grants in an effort to further reduce the number of veterans facing homelessness.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Florida's Twelfth Congressional District received the 2022 L. Mendel Rivers Award on Friday morning from AFSA's Chief Executive Director Keith Reed, Policy Advisor Johnathan Nutman, and Myself.
From Left To Right: AFSA's Policy Advisor Johnathan Nutman, AFSA's Chief Executive Director Keith Reed, Representative Gus Bilirakis, and AFSA's Legislative Communications Vanessa Lee.
The Air Force Sergeants Association recognizes an extraordinary public servant with its most prestigious legislative award: the L. Mendel River Award of Excellence.
This award is named after the late Congressman L. Mendel Rivers, who served as chairman of the house committee on the armed services. Throughout his career in congress, he championed the cause of servicemembers from all the armed services.
This award is presented annually to a legislator the association believes is most deserving of recognition based on their active participation in military and veterans' issues……paying particular attention to those related to improving the well-being and quality of life of air force enlisted members, veterans and their families.
Representative Bilirakis was first elected to Congress on November 7, 2006, and he currently represents Florida's 12th congressional district. Representative Bilikakis has shown an unwavering dedication to advocating for servicemembers, both past and present, and their families, from day one.
The "FOREVER GI BILL," the expansion of the VA's specially adapted housing grant program, the elimination of service-earned benefits between components, and the Mission Act were all directly influenced by his work.
Representative Bilirakis championed 15 bills supported by AFSA in the 117th Congress alone. These bills, if codified in public law (and properly implemented), would provide millions of veterans with relief from toxic exposure, lower rising TRICARE costs for mental health appointments and young adults, and strengthen the financial preparedness of surviving spouses.
· HEALTH CARE FOR BURN PIT VETERANS ACT
· RESTORE VETERANS’ COMPENSATION ACT
· STUDENT VETERAN COVID-19 PROTECTION ACT
· MARK O’BRIEN VA CLOTHING ALLOWANCE IMPROVEMENT ACT
· TEAM ACT
· PAWS FOR VETERANS THERAPY ACT
· K2 VETERANS CARE ACT
· RETIRED PAY RESTORATION ACT
· MAJOR RICHARD STAR ACT
· PACT ACT
· STOP COPAY OVERPAY ACT
· REDUCING EXPOSURE TO BURN PITS ACT
· DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BURN PITS HEALTH PROVIDER TRAINING ACT
· MILITARY RETIREE SURVIVOR COMFORT ACT
· HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES ACT
Representative Bilirakis has been the undisputed leader for cherished concurrent receipt legislation, the retired pay restoration act, and the Major Richard Star Act, maybe most importantly to AFSA. Since the early 2000s, when congress first took action on concurrent reception, AFSA has actively and persistently pressured congress to complete the task.
Representative Bilirakis has been the only ally that has been more effective in this fierce battle. We would not be as close to providing concurrent receipt to more than 50,300 combat-injured veterans without his staunch support in the face of what seemed to be overwhelming opposition.
The Major Richard Star Act in the 117th congress received more attention, prominence, and support than any concurrent receipt bill had in the previous ten years. In the previous ten years, AFSA has never been better prepared to guarantee that service members get retirement income, disability benefits, and funding for professional growth.
We believe that Congressman Gus Bilirakis is the right candidate to receive the L. Mendel Rivers award in 2022 because of his unwavering support and admiration for our country's service people, both past and current, as well as their families.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Allowsthe 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!
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.
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.
AFSA Professional Education, Personal Development Symposium Registration isLIVE!!!
THE SUMMIT23/AFSA International Convention Registration is LIVE!!! This year’s Summit/AFSA International Convention will convene Friday, August 4, through Wednesday, August 9,2023,(Departures: Thursday, August 10, 2023) in Dallas, Texas, at the Hilton Anatole Resort, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas. For more details, please click on the link below:
THEME:The Theme for THE SUMMIT 23/AFSA International Convention is“Back to Basics and Beyond.”
NOTE:Main arrival and registration is on Friday, August 4, 2023.
THEME PARTY/ICE BREAKER:THE SUMMIT23/AFSA International Convention Theme Party/Ice Breaker is on Saturday, August 5, 2023.The Theme for the Theme Party/Ice Breaker is “Super Heroes & Sheroes.” The Dress Code for the Theme Party/Ice Breaker is:
Dust off your Cape!
WELCOMING CEREMONY: The Welcoming Ceremony is on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The Dress Code for the Welcoming Ceremony is:
Business Casual, Military Personnel on Funded TDY orders: OCPs.
AFSA PRESIDENT’S DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY. The AFSA President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony is on Sunday, August 6, 2023. The Dress Code for the President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony is:
AFSA Members: Gentlemen: Tuxedo or Dark Suit, Ladies: Dress evening wear (long or short);
Military Personnel on Funded TDY Orders: Mess Dress or Semi-Formal Uniform;
Top Performer Club members (Formerly TwinFLIER, SKYHIGHER and/or HighFLIER Club members): Wear the AFSA blue blazer. If they are active-duty military members, they may wear the AFSA blue blazer, but are highly encouraged to wear their service dress uniform.
AIR & SPACE HONORS BANQUET AND CMSAF AWARDS CEREMONY. The Air & Space Honors Banquet and CMSAF Awards Ceremony is on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The Dress Code for the Air & Space Honors Banquet and CMSAF Awards Ceremony is:
Gentlemen: Tuxedo or Dark Suit,
Ladies: Dress evening wear (long or short);
Military Personnel on Funded TDY Orders: Mess Dress or Semi-Formal Uniform
THE SUMMIT23/AFSA International Convention
REGISTRATION FEE: The registration fees are as follows:
AFSA International Convention
Complete Early Registration (1 April - 31 May)$275.00
Use Promo Code: AFSAEarly to save. Expires April 30, 2023
Complete Registration (1 June - 31 July)$300.00
Complete Late Registration (1 August - 4 August) $325.00
AFSA International Convention Plus PEDs and Air & Space Honor’s Banquet
Complete Early Registration (1 April - 31 May)$325.00
Use Promo Code: AFSAEarly to save. Expires April 30, 2023
Complete Registration (1 June - 31 July)$350.00
Complete Late Registration (1 August - 4 August) $375.00
On Monday, August 7-9, there will be a full day of Professional Development. All Professional Development Forums are open to all military members on Active Duty and DoD civilian personal at no cost.
BEAUTIFUL EVENT LOCATION- Book your rooms now!The Summit 23/AFSA International Conventionis held at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Dallas, Texas where you'll find an entertainment complex designed to relax and delight you and your family. We've partnered with the Hilton Anatole to offer special AFSA/SUMMIT ROOM RATES at $154+ tax a night.
NOTE: Please identify that you are with the Air Force Sergeants Association group.
(This special rate includes the outdoor Jade Water Pool Complex with slides and a lazy river, the Verandah Fitness Club & V-Spa, dining options, and much more.)
NOTE:The last date to make hotel reservations at the AFSA contracted room rate is July 14, 2023.
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 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:
Call Member & Field Relations team directly at 800-638-0594 x 288 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Email to: msvcs@hqafsa.org
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, last week, a change was made to the National Defense Authorization Act in the House that would allow government agencies to hire military spouses for remote work through a special hiring procedure. In a voice vote last week, the Senate adopted the same measure as a stand-alone bill.
While there are some opportunities for military spouses to work remotely for the government and President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order to increase those opportunities, military spouses contend that legislation is required to address the community's persistently high unemployment rate.
In addition, when military families are stationed at a new base, the Exceptional Family Member Program connects them with the essential services for children and adults with special needs. However, the program differs greatly from service to service and base to base. The Department of Defense announced its own program late last week in an effort to create more consistent standards across all branches.
A nonprofit organization called Partners in PROMISE, which focuses on special education challenges for military families, stated on its website that "the update is underwhelming" and that military families needed more information.
And lastly, the plans were presented by administration representatives on Thursday, who referred to them as "the single largest investment in communities' homelessness response systems in history." Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the change as they claimed they are on schedule to house 38,000 at-risk veterans permanently this year.
In a press conference announcing the new efforts, White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden remarked, "Homelessness is a challenge we face as a nation, but importantly, it is also a solvable one."
The most recent federal figures indicate that 33,000 veterans nationwide do not have stable, permanent housing on any given day. This number has decreased by nearly 11% since 2020 and by roughly 55% since 2010.
And that's the way it is for Thursday, June 29, 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!
