Joint Leadership Council announces 2010 legislative objectives

The following legislative objectives were adopted by the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (the JLC) on Aug. 12. The JLC is comprised of representatives from 23 veterans service organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. These organizations have more than 250,000 members in Virginia.
Support the Department of Veterans Services FY11-FY12 Biennial Budget, to include:
o Continued Level Funding for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget that (a) appropriates necessary funds to continue the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program at current funding levels, and (b) expands the staff by one full-time position.
o Continued Level Funding for the Automated Claims Processing System: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget that appropriates necessary funds to continue development of the Automated Claims Processing System for veterans disability claims.
o Provide Funding to open and operate the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget to provide the funds required to open and operate the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery.
Virginia War Memorial Operating Funds and FFE Funds: Support budget items in the Governor’s Budget for (a) one-time funding for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE), and (b) increased on-going operational funding for the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center.
Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: Support legislation to amend the Virginia Constitution to require local governments to grant real estate tax exemptions for 100% service-connected disabled veterans without regards to means testing. Identical legislation passed the 2009 General Assembly and must pass the 2010 General Assembly in the same form.
Burial Vaults for Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries: Support a budget item in the Governor’s Budget that appropriates funds so that burial vaults may be provided for resale at cost at Virginia state veterans cemeteries.
Special Veterans Courts: Support legislation that allows localities, at their discretion, to establish special veterans courts for remedial treatment of veterans and military personnel accused of misdemeanor crimes.
Military Family Relief Fund: Support administrative or legislative initiatives to provide a subtraction when calculating Virginia taxable income for individuals receiving a grant from the Military Family Relief Fund.
For more information about the Joint Leadership Council or the 2010 legislative objectives, contact Steven Combs, Director of Policy and Planning, Virginia Department of Veterans Services,
steven.combs@dvs.virginia.gov.