legislative
Legislative Alert
Contact your Representative and Senator Today!
Ask for Support for HF 1000
Legislative Call to Action – HF 1000
Every Legion Family Member in Iowa needs to contact your Representative and Senator in the Iowa Legislature and ask for support of House File (HF) 1000 [formerly HF 909, formerly House Study Bill (HSB) 243].
HF 1000 addresses The American Legion of Iowa’s top legislative priority, Funding for Veterans Service Organization Service Offices.
The bill has passed the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. It will soon go up for a full vote in the House. If it passes the House, it will then go to the Senate, where it will start in the Senate Appropriations Committee and hopefully advance for a full vote in the Senate.
Overview
HF 1000 would provide funding in the form of matching grants to Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) to expand the number of employees directly working claims for VA benefits in the Department Service Offices. The appropriation we are requesting is $250,000 per year for a minimum of three years. We propose that the grants be administered by the Iowa Department of Veterans affairs.
For example, if salary and benefits to add an employee amounts to $80,000, the organization would be responsible for $40,000 and the grant would provide $40,000. The grant would not be for existing employees, but only for adding additional employees.
As Legionnaires, we know the impact the Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) have on Iowa’s veterans. Last fiscal year, veterans and their families represented by The American Legion of Iowa received $402M in VA benefits. This is compensation for injuries and illnesses they suffer because of their military service.
These benefits are not a windfall for the veterans. It is compensation for the hardships they endure because of military service. They would eagerly trade that compensation for a return to health.
The assistance we provide, in cooperation with the county veterans’ service offices, comes at no cost to the veteran. Legislators are asked to not view this as an expense for the state of Iowa. Instead, view it as an investment in the services provided to Iowa veterans. The veterans we are investing in made a much bigger investment in the safety, security, and freedom we all enjoy.
The Role of VSOs, County Veterans Service Organization and the VA
The VA serves as the decision maker and has the responsibility of adjudicating claims. The role that The American Legion and the other Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) play is the preparation of claims and advocating on behalf of the veteran to the VA.
Claims in Iowa typically start with the county. The County Veterans Service Officer provides the initial development of the claim, after which they either submit it directly to the VA or through one of the VSOs. The County VSOs also play a critical role in tracking the claim on behalf of the veteran and providing additional documentation and evidence when necessary.
Where the Veterans Service Offices (VSOs), such as The American Legion, enter the picture is when that claim is submitted to the VA. One of the VSOs is typically designated by the veteran to have Power of Attorney (POA) for that claim. The VSO then serves as an advocate for the veteran with the VA.
The VSOs will further develop the claim, if necessary, and represent the veteran through the adjudication process. The VSOs will also represent the veteran in higher level reviews of the claim or in the case of an appeal if the VA denies the claim.
Last fiscal year, veterans with The American Legion as POA received 2,078 new awards for a total of $2,262,105 in new award benefits for FY24.
Why the Grant Program is Necessary
Currently, the VSOs receive no state or federal funding for the services we provide to Iowa veterans. That service is funded entirely through membership dues and donations to our organizations. Furthermore, we provide this service to all veterans, not just those who are members of our organizations.
The challenge that the VSOs face is that our revenue is declining, because of reduced membership and increased competition for donations. Yet, the number of VA claims we represent is increasing. Our military members are surviving injuries that were not survivable in earlier war eras. The number of environmental exposures is increasing due to burn pits and other hazardous conditions. VA claims are becoming more complex, and require more time to professionally develop, so that the VA decision makers can make the right determination the first time.
The VSOs all need more staff, so that we can better represent the veterans of Iowa and get them the benefits to which they are entitled.
The American Legion of Iowa Legislative Priorities (PDF)
Legislative Forums
Below is a link to legislative forums happening over the next week. Attending a forum is a great way to express your opinion on any proposed legislation.
Veterans Day at the Capitol – January 22, 2025
9:00 American Legion Briefing – Department Headquarters
- Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from capitol
10:00 Visit vendor tables – Capitol Rotunda – First Floor
11:00 Veterans Day Program – Capitol Rotunda – First Floor
11:30 Locate your elected officials to discuss legislative initiatives
The American Legion of Iowa Legislative Priorities (PDF)
View the event live online at the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook page.
Please note that you do not need a Facebook account to view the event at the link above.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives to discuss our priorities. Contact information for your legislator can be found at: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators
The American Legion’s Legislative Program
The American Legion maintains a fully staffed office in Washington, DC to represent veterans in Congress on all legislation concerning veterans and their families. Additionally, the Department of Iowa has a Legislative Commission to serve as a “watchdog” on all legislation, Federal and State, that affects veterans or The American Legion mandates and programs.
National Legislation
Visit the Grassroots Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home
- Sign up for legislative alerts
- Find legislation
- Find & contact your elected officials
State of Iowa Legislation
For Contact Information for your elected representatives: http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/find.aspx
Track Legislation in the Iowa General Assembly: http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislation/BillTracking/billTrackingTools.aspx
For more detailed information on The American Legion of Iowa Commissions and Committees, visit the links below: