Friday, December 18, 2009

Washington, D. C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold announced today that a provision he authored that will improve veterans care was signed into law by President Barack Obama.  Feingold’s measure authorizes the VA to give state and local entities $5 million to carry out outreach programs to veterans to help them learn about the benefits they have earned.  This Feingold amendment is based on his Veterans Outreach Improvement Act that he first introduced six years ago.

“As we welcome home tens of thousands of service members from Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world, improving our outreach efforts is more important than ever,” Feingold said.  “I am pleased this provision has been signed into law so the brave men and women who have served in uniform are aware of the services and benefits they have earned through their service to our country.”

At Feingold's request, Congress also encouraged the VA to utilize all means at its disposal to ensure that veterans on college campuses get the mental health care they need.   With a growing number of service members utilizing the new GI bill benefits, veteran enrollment at colleges is growing.  Feingold’s measure urges the VA to work with colleges to train campus professionals and help veterans connect with services at the VA to assist them with post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other related concerns.

“Our nation’s veterans deserve the best support services if they choose to pursue a higher education after returning home from service overseas,” Feingold said.  “I am pleased Congress has encouraged the VA to take all the necessary steps to ensure our student veterans are getting the support they need.”