Congressman Gus Bilirakis, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee’s Task Force on Veterans’ Affairs, is working to honor our veterans and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve and have rightly earned.
INCREASED FUNDING FOR VETERANS’ BENEFITS: Bilirakis supported the largest funding increase for veterans’ health care in history, providing $43.2 billion to the VA to better care for America’s veterans. The legislation provides increased funds for health care and new programs to help those with traumatic brain injuries and other mental health needs. EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE: Bilirakis worked with local and national VA officials to expand the Pasco County VA Outpatient Clinic and establish an outpatient clinic in Brandon to bring additional health care services, such as dental care, to area veterans.
AUTHORED TRICARE MAIL ORDER PHARMACY PILOT PROGRAM: Bilirakis introduced legislation to create a test mail-order pharmacy program with no co-payments for prescriptions to save military retirees both time and money.
INCREASED PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY: Bilirakis has introduced legislation to increase military basic pay for members of the uniformed services. His bill ensures at least a minimum pay increase of 3.5% in FY2008 and 3.9% in FY2009 to further narrow the "pay gap" that exists between the military and private sector pay scales.
SUPPORTED CONCURRENT RECEIPT: Bilirakis-supported legislation to expand the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Program has been incorporated into Public Law 110-181. In addition, Rep. Bilirakis has introduced the Retired Pay Restoration Act, to allow concurrent receipt for our veterans.
IMPROVED SURVIVOR BENEFITS: Bilirakis introduced legislation to allow the widows of veterans to remarry at age 55 and retain their survivor benefits. Click here (PDF) to learn more about Congressman Bilirakis efforts as a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. In addition to these services, Congressman Bilirakis has established a Veterans’ Advisory Board. Comprised of local veterans from all three counties in the 9th Congressional District, the Advisory Board regularly meets with the Congressman and his staff to discuss a multitude of veterans' issues and to provide guidance and ideas for legislative initiatives, events and efforts to assist local veterans. If you need assistance with veterans’ matters or any other federal issue, please contact Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ office by calling:
(727) 773-2871 (Palm Harbor) | (813) 985-8541 (Temple Terrace)
www.va.gov Online Resources: Local Assistance: Contact a VA facility near you.
Education: The GI Bill (the generic term comprising various education assistance programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs) provides benefits to veterans, servicemembers, and some dependents of disabled or deceased veterans wishing to pursue an education. Home Loan Guaranty Services: The VA Loan Guaranty Service is the organization within the Veterans Benefits Administration, charged with the responsibility of administering the home loan program. Veterans' Employment: Learn more about federal programs which provide veterans and transitioning service members with the resources and services necessary to succeed in the 21st century workforce. Life Insurance: VA insurance programs were developed to provide insurance benefits for veterans and service members who may not be able to get insurance from private companies because of the extra risks involved in military service, or a service connected disability. Survivor Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Labor (DOL) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) offer a wide range of benefits and services to the survivors of U.S. military personnel who died during active service to their country. Surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died while in active military service and to the survivors of veterans who died after active service are eligible for benefits. |