Assembly Resolution No. 1129

BY: M. of A. Espinal

URGING the New York State Congressional delegation
to pass the Military Veterans Caregiver Service
Improvement Act of 2017, H.R. 1472

WHEREAS, The federal legislation, the Military Veteran Caregiver
Services Improvement Act of 2017, expands eligibility for the family
caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include
members of the Armed Forces or veterans who are seriously injured or who
became ill on active duty prior to September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, Under this proposal services to caregivers of veterans are
expanded to include child care services, financial planning, and legal
services; and

WHEREAS, The support program would be terminated on October 1, 2022,
except any caregiver activities carried out on September 30, 2022, shall
be continued on and after October 1, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The legislation authorizes the transfer to post 9/11
veterans education assistance to family members of veterans who are
retired for a physical disability or who are seriously injured veterans
in need of family caregiver services, without regard to
length-of-service requirements; and

WHEREAS, An interagency working group would be established to review
and report on policies relating to the caregivers of veterans and
members of the Armed Forces under this Act; and

WHEREAS, Military caregivers consistently experience worse health,
greater strains in family relationships, and more workplace problems
than non-caregivers, and it is worst for post 9/11 caregivers; and

WHEREAS, Military caregivers also face an elevated risk for
depression. Caregivers who spend more time caregiving and those who
help care recipients cope with behavioral problems are most likely to
exhibit symptoms of depression; and

WHEREAS, This federal legislation is endorsed by the Vietnam
Veterans of America; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the New York State Congressional delegation be and
hereby is respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to pass
legislation to help caregivers of veterans and seriously injured service
members, H.R. 1472; and be it further

RESOLVED, The copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to each member of the Congressional delegation from the
State of New York; John Rowan, President, Vietnam Veterans of America,
and Ned D. Foote, President, Vietnam Veterans of America New York State
Council.