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Commission discusses possible federal and state veterans benefit reductions and outreach planning
Summary
Commissioners and staff reviewed circulating reports of potential federal and state cuts to veterans programs, discussed community concern, and planned outreach including a July roundtable with Nevada Department of Veterans Services and a VA town hall.
The North Las Vegas Veterans Community Commission discussed reports of potential reductions to veteran programs on May 28 and steps to inform and protect local veterans.
Wilson Ramos, a staff member at the Veterans and Community Resource Center, said there have been conversations with U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford’s and U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto’s offices about possible federal cuts affecting about 28% of some federal dollars the center receives. Ramos emphasized the discussions were preliminary: “These things have not yet hit the table, completely for the reduction, but it is a discussion,” he said.
Commissioners and center staff described community concern generated by media reports and anecdotal reports at the center. Walter O’Connell (commissioner) said the reports have created “fear … as far as what may be cut, what they can continue to depend on.” Marie Holcomb, the commission chair, said the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) recently held regional roundtables and is planning more outreach in July; she said NDVS is considering venues and the department’s director and VA representatives would be invited to answer questions. “The date that they're looking at currently is July 22,” Holcomb said, adding she would confirm the date.
Commissioners asked staff to pursue a local briefing or roundtable so agency representatives can present what they are seeing in Nevada. Ramos said the commission’s goal is to “outline and identify an action plan when these cuts do come into fruition” while noting he hoped cuts would not occur.
The commission also noted other related state legislation to monitor: Holcomb identified AB 145, legislation concerning claim agents (sometimes called “claim sharks”) that would change how those agents charge veterans, and she said she received an email indicating bill language had recently been revised.
No formal action was taken; the item was for discussion only. Commissioners recommended scheduling local information sessions, promoting VA/NDVS town halls and using the resource center to channel accurate information to veterans.
