Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 5, 2024 03:19 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Lisa A. Borowski |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ensuring the Best Care of Our Veterans through DMVA |
| The Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs oversees the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMVA) Bureau of Veterans Programs, Initiatives, Reintegration, and Outreach, as well as the state’s veterans’ homes. DAG-VA makes policy recommendations to the Adjutant General and the Governor with the best interest of veterans in mind. While this role is within the same agency as the Pennsylvania National Guard, it is one that affects the lives and benefits of those who are no longer in uniform. In the state with the nation’s fourth-highest number of veterans, the DMVA is limited in who can serve in this role as they currently must be a commissioned officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard, U.S. armed forces, or reserves for at least 10 years. I will be introducing legislation to remove the requirement that an individual be a commissioned military officer to serve in this role, a change that will expand the pool of eligible candidates for this position and better match the job requirements to the job duties. My legislation will also change the title of Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans’ Affairs to Deputy Secretary for Veterans’ Affairs to align this position with other state departments and allow for effective and productive collaboration. This proposal does not reflect any deficiency in current or past DAG-VA’s, many of whom have rendered outstanding service. However, current statutory limitations restrict the DMVA’s ability to leverage a range of talents, which is necessary for adaptive and effective leadership. By broadening the criteria, we will allow highly qualified, non-commissioned officers and warrant officers to be considered for this pivotal role. This bill is designed to ensure that the leadership of DMVA is dynamic and equipped to handle contemporary challenges efficiently, including by allowing those with backgrounds in health care or other crucial skills to serve in a role that oversees the needs of our aging veterans. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation to allow DMVA to utilize diverse experiences and expertise to enhance the administration and delivery of services to meet the evolving needs of Pennsylvania’s veterans. |
Introduced as HB2417