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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE April 18, 2007 |
Contacts: Cody
Wertz (Salazar) – 303-350-0032 |
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“Across Colorado, I have heard stories of veterans braving three and four hour drives on winding mountain roads to reach the VA hospital in Grand Junction, or traveling 500 miles roundtrip for a simple blood test. I wish I could say these are just isolated circumstances, but they are not: Every day, veterans from rural communities across Colorado are forced to put off crucial treatment because they live too far from VA facilities and can’t get the care they need. That is just not acceptable,” said Senator Salazar. “Rural veterans fought just as hard for our country as those in more urban areas, and they should have direct access to the same quality care. This proposal will help the VA take another step down the path to improved care for rural veterans.” “As Americans, it is our duty to ensure our veterans are getting the best in benefits and care. After all of the sacrifices veterans have made for our safety, freedom and well-being, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether or not they’ll be able to get the important health care they need,” Thune said. “For decades, rural veterans have suffered a major disadvantage when it comes to health care, due to the long distances and travel expenses associated with their doctor and hospital visits. As a sequel to the successful effort Senator Salazar and I made last year to create the first-ever Office of Rural Health in the VA, this legislation will further improve access to quality health care for rural veterans across the country.” “Our veterans deserve access to the quality, affordable health care they were promised when they signed up to defend our country. This legislation paves the way to better accessibility for our vets, and I’m proud to stand behind it,” said Senator Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. “One out of every ten folks in Montana served in our Armed Forces. We need to guarantee them the same access to health care that vets in bigger cities have.” Building on last year’s successful creation the Office of Rural Health in the VA, the Salazar-Thune-Tester Rural Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act of 2007 would increase rural veterans’ access to health care through:
The Salazar-Thune-Tester Rural Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act of 2007 will now go to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for consideration. The bill has 14 additional cosponsors, including Senators Baucus (D-MT), Bingaman (D-NM), Burr (R-NC), Collins (R-ME), Dorgan (D-ND), Enzi (R-WY), Grassley (R-IA), Kerry (D-MA), Lincoln (D-AR), Murray (D-WA), Pryor (D-AR), Snowe (R-ME), Smith (R-OR), and Wyden (D-OR). # # # |
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