Capitol Hill Happenings

We’ve Been Busy!

2ND SESSION (2008):

Military pay raise of 3.9%, 0.5% over what the President asked

Civilian pay raise tied to military

New Post-9/11 GI Bill with better financial benefits

Tuition assistance for spouses for portable career schooling

Increased full time support positions

Recalculation & lowering (29-42%) of TRS premiums

No TRICARE fee or pharmacy increases (3rd year in a row)

Legislative Accomplishments110th Congress (January 2007 – October 2008)

Legislative Accomplishments110th Congress (January 2007 – October 2008)

MORE OF 2ND SESSION:

Copayment waiver for preventive health services for under 65

Expanded medical & dental readiness

Health risk management demonstration project

Smoking cessation programs -- Rx at no cost and 24 hr quit line

Presumption of service connection for retirement eligibility

Increased Medicare/TRICARE provider payment rates 10.5%

Began $500 per month payments for stop lossed soldiers

Capitol Hill Happenings

We Have New FriendsOn the Hill!

New Faces on the Hill:

54 New Representatives (12 with military service)2 New Delegates9 New Senators (Minnesota Race still undecided)4 Senators to be replaced due to appointments

New Spaces on the Hill:

Reapportionment due to population moving

Gaining House Seats:TX (+3); AZ, FL, GA, NV, UT (+1)

Losing House Seats:IA, LA, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA (-1)

Capitol Hill Happenings

We’ve Got Work To Do!

Legislative Initiatives111th Congress (beginning January 2009)

Retroactivity of the early retirement provisions of the 2008 NDAA

TRICARE access beginning at alert order and not 90 days prior to mob

Gray area retirees purchase TRICARE standard at full premium rate

Authorize transferability of Montgomery GI Bill benefits to spouse

Restore value MGIB to historic 47-50% of active duty level

Legislative Initiatives111th Congress (beginning January 2009)

Expand travel allowances for those traveling IDT, including tax deductibility

of expenses above the line

Elimination of BAH-II

Pilot program for certification for caregiver personal care attendants

Issuing a DD Form 214 for any length of active duty

Military technicians treated as an exempted class of employee (retire at 25

years service, or age 50 + 20 years svc)

Legislative Initiatives111th Congress (beginning January 2009)

Allow AGRs to receive bonuses in any combat zone

Surviving spouses of military members to travel space a

Expand tax deductibility, decreasing distance requirement to 50 miles

Amend definition of “veteran” for gray area NG - Res retirees

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