NATIONAL & CALIFORNIALEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS Major “MOAA National issues” (website): http://www.moaa.org/Content/Take-Action/Top-Issues/Top-Issues.aspx Continue to CHECK this NEWSLETTER, the CHAPTER WEBSITE, and MOAA WEBSITE for UPDATES on NATIONAL, CALIFORNIA, and LOCAL ISSUES
MOAA For Ready Reference Contact Information, LINKS, Record Retrieval/Replacement, Service Retiree Publications, TRICARE, VA Organizations, Fact Sheets, Benefit Forms, U.S. Senate Directory, Representatives Directory, Committees, Military Lodge Information, Military Base Information, Crisis Lines, Toll Free Numbers for Contacting Information.. Website is listed on Page 1.
CONTINUING NOTE: MOAA continues sponsoring AB46 as submitted by Assembly Member James Ramos to exempt Military Retirement Pay from California Tax. Link is https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=20232024oAB46. Act is to add/repeal Sections 17132.9 & 17132.10 of Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation. Bill, will exclude from gross income retirement pay received by taxpayer from federal government for service performed in uniformed services, as defined during the taxable year. Bill would also exclude from gross income annuity payments received by a qualified taxpayer, as defined, to United States Department of Defense Survivor Benefit Plan during taxable year. The bill would make related findings and declarations. MOAA requests members, contact appropriate California Representatives (Email List below) to support bill, due to California needs to join other states providing tax relief for veterans. Copy of Draft Email, and Sample Letter to Governor Newsom may also be obtained from Editor or Chapter President (AB46 is among current bills in Suspense, but recommend that members keep contacting their representatives to get this bill passed!!!). Sign up on the MOAA Legislative Action site (listed on Page 1).
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION In San Diego County, veterans are encouraged to visit theVA Regional Office (8810 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diegoto complete their application and speak directly with representatives.
If a Veteran needs a ride to their appointment, call 10 days, before their appointment to make an appointment with VA Transportation Department,(858) 552-7506to get the ride. Remember VA requires everyone to wear a mask.
CALVET Veterans Services. For those not receiving information from this organization, please go to their site, stay up to date on services provided. Major information is provided in their newsletters. Check Community Activity/Involvement Page 3 & 3A for additional websites and telephone numbers. CALVET will continue to assist veterans in transition to next stage in lives through education/training opportunities. Veterans Services Division is hosting a Correction Services JOB FAIR at [email protected], Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Readiness & Employment, and CalVet Tuition Fee Waiver. Check CalTAP webpage for training opportunities, previously recorded webinars, and additional information. “Moment that Matters Section Service & Separation Post-Military Life Retirement & aging Getting a Solid Start State & Federal Benefits Health & Well Being Apply for a Disability Rating Education Planning for Retirement Enrollment in VA Healthcare Financial Literacy Aging & End of Life Care Legislative Actions Home Loans Veterans’ Spouses & Their Families
Copy of Letter from California Council of Chapters sent to Major Veterans Organizations including MOAA.
California Council of Chapters Military Officers Association of America
To the California State Veterans Commanders Council
SB 770 was recently signed into law by Governor Newsom (September 2023) and now a proposal, which seeks to eliminate Medicare in California and establish a “state run health care system”, is moving its way through the State Legislature. SB 770 requires that the State of California prepare a proposal to seek a 1332 Waiver from the Health & Human Services Secretary, which would pave the way for a massive health care tax being imposed on California residents and employers. SB 770 has set in motion that a 1332 Waiver proposal be completed by the end of 2024 that will result in the elimination of Medicare and all private health coverage in California, replace it with a costly, $400 billion-dollar untested health care system run by state government, and require the largest tax increase in state history.
California lawmakers have made several attempts over the past years to create a “single payer health care system, such as AB 1400, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra in 2022. AB 46 placed a $400 billion-dollar cost on a proposed single payer, state run health care system in California. AB 1400 also mentioned a 15% payroll tax and an income based “health care tax” to help fund a single payer health care system in California. California’s disabled veterans, who are entitled to no cost health care from the Veterans Administration, could find themselves paying an imposed “health care tax” based on that disabled veteran’s income or spouse’s income. Disabled veterans who are self-employed or small business owners could find themselves subject to a payroll tax to fund a single payer health care system in California. Veterans who are entitled to Medicare could find themselves paying an additional health care tax based on income, above the dollar amount that Medicare already sets each year. Military retirees who are entitled to Tricare for Life would experience a massive disruption to their Tricare medical benefits, currently provided by the federal government. Our active-duty military families stationed at installations throughout California would have their Tricare medical benefits disrupted and current coverage changed. Military families may find themselves subject to a state health care tax for the federal Tricare benefits earned while serving our country. A self-employed military spouse may find themselves subject to a 15% payroll tax. CALMOAA has raised these concerns to both state and federal legislators and has asked that any 1332 Waiver submitted to the Secretary of Health & Human Services MUST contain language to exempt and protect our disabled veterans, veterans entitled to Medicare, and our nation’s active-duty military families stationed at installations in California from any future imposed taxes to fund a state-run health care system.
A policy advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, Preston Young recently wrote:
“For those who think dismantling our health system is a good idea, here are a few specific concerns to consider: SB 770 / single payer proponents seek to eliminate all private health coverage in California and force all Californians into a new untested health system – with no ability to opt out or choose private coverage instead. Study after study shows Californians like their health coverage and Medicare, and strongly support protecting their right to choose it, and strongly support protecting the Medicare coverage seniors have earned. The waiver sought by SB 770 would redirect roughly $200 billion annually to the new single payer health system. But that system is projected to cost more than $500 billion/year. The missing $300+ billion a year would be raised by new, higher taxes on payroll, employers, and the goods and services Californians purchase.”
I agree that every resident in California should have access to affordable and quality health care. I agree there are changes that can be made to improve the access and cost in California. A state run, single payer health care system, will not only be disruptive and much too costly, but also take away your right to choose your medical provider and impact the quality of medical care available in California. California is already on the road of ensuring health care for all Californians and seeking a 1332 Waiver and establishing a state-run health care system at the cost of over $400 billion dollars is not the answer.
Respectfully,
Jeffrey L Breiten, 3rd Vice-President. Legislative Affairs National MOAA: website: www.moaa.org NEVER STOP SERVING. ®
For Ready Reference Contact Information, LINKS, Record Retrieval/Replacement, Service Retiree Publications, TRICARE, VA Organizations, Fact Sheets, Benefit Forms, U.S. Senate Directory, Representatives Directory, Committees, Military Lodge Information, Military Base Information, Crisis Lines, Toll Free Numbers for Contacting Information..Website is listed on Page 1.
Go to the MOAA National website and check out the Newsletters. (The National MOAA newsletter comes to LIFE Members, but other MOAA members may go to the MOAA National Site {See Page 1 of this newsletter} to access notices, articles, and news of interest).
Other acts under consideration that members should be contacting their Representatives about!!:
Women Veterans TRUST Act H.R. 1282/SB.344 The Major Richard Star Act H.R. 1413 Arlington National Cemetary (ANC) AB-298 Honoring Our Blind Veterans Act H.R. 2537/SB. 1823 BAH Restoration Act H.R 3232/SB . 1588 Respect for Grieving Military Families Act H.R. 1277/SB. S96 Military Spouse Hiring Act H.R. 1045/S.B. 956 TRICARE Young Adylt AB 531 Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act of 2024 AB-1350 Veterans Memorials AB 1361 California 100% rated Veterans Real Estate Exemption Act SB 73 Employment Policy: Voluntary Veteran’s preference SB-82 Property taxes: Disabled Veteran’s exemption; eligibility letters AB 718 VALVET Study of Mental Health among Women Veteran AB 883 Expedite Application in Department of Defense Skill Bridge program AB 988 Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act SB-726 Property taxation: exemption: disabled homeowners, SB-811 Teacher Credentialing: Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact SB-871 Property taxation: homeowners/veterans/disabled veterans’ exemptions, SCA-6 Property taxation: veterans exemption. SJR-4 Veterans Health Care H.R. 1277/SB. 596 Military Spouse Hiring Act H.R. 1045/SB. 956 TRICARE Young Adult Go to MOAA, VFW, DAV, and other Veterans Organization Legislative Sites and remain up-to-date on these and other bills, and contact your Representatives for support.
SECRETARY of DEFENSE (Lloyd J. Austin) with MOAA Assistance/Support will continue to address immediate and long-term actions to help strengthen the economic security and stability of service members and their families.
To help secure affordable basic needs , fully fund commissaries, pay eligible service members BNA,
To strengthen support to families (investments in CDP facilities and infrastructure, minimum discount for children of direct care workers).
Further enhance employment opportunities for military spouses (occupational licensure interstate compacts, increase use of non-competitive, direct hiring authorities and expand remote work and network options).
Launch a new career-accelerator pilot initiative with private-sector fellowships in variety of career paths.
CALMOAA
CALMOAA site is always available to members of MOAA Chapters. Website is listed on Page 1.
Veteran Crisis Line Phone Number-Call 988 and pressing 1: For a Veteran in crisis----whose emotional struggles and health challenges may lead to thoughts of suicide----these conversations can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved. When talking to a Veteran, listen for signs of distress or other clues that might indicate that they need immediate help. Access free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year for Veterans and their loved ones. Use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number----1-800-273-8255 and Press 1----by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).
SAN DIEGO MILITARY ADVISORY COUNCIL (SDMAC) at [email protected]. Mailing Address: San Diego Military Advisory Council 409 Camino Del Rio S, Ste 302 San Diego, CA 92108-3507
SDMAC worked to support several bills, with particularly for SB-1041, AB-1715 and AB-305. For additional information on the following bills go to SDMAC website. SB-837 Drivers licenses: veteran designation. SB-984 Military service: leave of absence: pay and benefits. SB-1041 Sales and use taxes: general exemptions Navy Relief. SB-1237 Licenses: military service. AB-305 Veteran service: notice. AB-1715 Space Force. AB-2509 Vehicles: vehicle license fee and registration fees: exemptions.
The California Association of County Veterans Services Officers (CACVSO) is an organization of Professional Veterans Advocates. The CACVSO is often the initial contact in the community for veterans services. The CACVSO provides vital/efficient system/services/advocacy to veterans/dependents/survivors.
MILITARY CUTS IN OVERALL PERSONNEL are in still in consideration by SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WHITEHOUSE,AND DOD PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT. SO stay in contact with your LOCAL CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES as to concern with PERSONNEL CUTS in a TIME OF INCREASED THREATS by certain COUNTRY THREATS and LOCAL/DOMESTIC THREATS.
IF YOU ARE 100% DISABLED (VA OR MILITARY) YOU may be ELIGIBLE for a PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION up to 30% ANNUALLY. CHECK LOCALLY. THE SAN DIEGO, CA TREASURER continues to ask MILITARY VETERANS that are 100% DISABLED to apply. PROPERTY TAX EMAILS and LETTERS went out WITHIN PAST WEEK from THE SAN DIEGO, CA TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE. If you are RECEIVING a PROPERTY TAX MILITARY DISABILILTY REDUCTION and it has not changed, YOU need not do anything. HOWEVER, it is estimated a MINIMUM of SEVERAL HUNDRED MILITARY & CIVILIAN HOME OWNERS are ELIGIBLE and have not applied. GO to the COUNTY WEBSITE for more INFORMATION.
SURVIVOR BENEFITS CUTS are Possible for 2024. Constantly CHECK MOAA WEBSITE FREQUENTLY for actions being taken.