Committee: State Administration and Veterans' Affairs Interim Committee
Author: Sheri Scurr
Posted on September 5, 2018
The State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Interim Committee (SAVA) on Sept. 6 will receive informational briefings and take public comment on recently enacted federal legislation replacing the Veterans Choice Program. The federal legislation, which is named the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act (VA Mission Act), contains various reforms aimed at streamlining veteran access to community-based health care providers, improving the VA’s internal healthcare delivery system, and expanding eligibility for benefits supporting in-home caregivers for seriously injured veterans. The committee will hear about the VA Mission Act from Dr. Kathy Berger, director of the Montana VA Health Care System, staff for Montana’s U.S. Congressional Delegation, and the Montana Medical Association. Public comment, including comments from veteran service organizations, is welcomed as scheduled on the agenda.
Additionally, the committee will review laws in other states on who may access voter information files, receive an update on election security activities in Montana and the potential uses of Montana’s $3 million in federal grant money for elections, and consider a study bill for next interim on updating Montana’s laws concerning accessible voting technology for electors with disabilities.
The Sept. 6 meeting starts at 9 a.m. in room 172 of the Capitol in Helena. The complete agenda and meeting materials are available online at the committee’s meeting page. Additionally, the meeting will be streamed live at the Montana Legislature’s website and may be broadcast on Television Montana (TVMT). Please check your local channel listings to find TVMT in your area.
Committee website: https://leg.mt.gov/css/Committees/interim/2017-2018/State-Administration-and-Veterans-Affairs/default-2.html
Committee staff: Sheri Scurr, 406-444-3596 or sscurr@mt.gov
