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Congressman Cook voted for H.R. 294 and H.R. 280. Both bills enhance choice and accountability within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).
The first bill, H.R. 294, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act, gives veterans a choice between a certified medical foster home and a nursing home. Eligible veterans are defined as those who are eligible for VA-paid nursing home care and agree to receive VA home health services. This bill is fully paid for by limiting the amount of awards and bonuses paid out every year to VA executives at a cap of $300 million dollars, resulting in a cost savings of $248 million.
Cook said, “I talk to veterans all the time who want more choices in their health care options through the VA. This bill expands healthcare choices for those veterans, giving them more freedom with their healthcare decisions, while saving the taxpayers millions of dollars.”
The second bill, H.R. 280, authorizes the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Under current law, the VA has no authority to recoup bonuses for its employees, even if it is later discovered that bonuses were awarded based on false pretenses or bad performance data. This bill ensures that any bonuses collected under false pretenses are paid back in full.
Cook said, “In recent years, a systemic lack of accountability has plagued the VA. This bill gives the VA secretary another tool to ensure corrupt officials are punished. This is an anti-corruption bill that protects innocent veterans who have fallen victim to mistreatment at the VA.”
District Update
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The Congressional Art Competition
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The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 700,000 high school students have been involved with this nationwide competition.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 8th District. Students will work through the art teachers at their high school to submit works to the competition. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year. In addition, second place will be displayed in Congressman Cook’s Capitol Office, and the third place selection will be on display in the Apple Valley District Office.
All artwork must be submitted by April 10, 2015. Art work entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth.
The submission may be:
Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
Collage
Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
Mixed Media
Computer Generated Art
Photography
All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution.
If you would like more information on the annual Congressional District Art Competition, please contact Cameron Wessel in Congressman Cook’s District Office at 760-247-1815.
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Congratulations to Ms. Christine Purcell, Teachers “R” Heroes Award Winner
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Students and teachers packed West Creek Elementary School in Victorville last week to celebrate their teacher, Ms. Christine Purcell, the winner of the Teachers “R” Heroes award.
This award is made possible by Victor Valley College, El Dorado Broadcasters, and San Bernardino County Schools.
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Health and Wellness Resource Fair in Victorville
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The 4th annual Health and Wellness Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 10 AM to 2 PM at VCCS-Victorville Campus, 15400 Cholame Road, Victorville, CA 92392.
This event is sponsored by the Family Resource Center, Community Wholeness and Enrichment, and Transitional Age Youth organizations.
For more information, please contact (760) 780-4505.
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Victorville Community Cleanup Day
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The City of Victorville is organizing a city-wide Community Cleanup day on April 11, 2015. All High Desert residents are welcome to attend. Volunteers interested in cleaning up their community and receiving a free t-shirt should fill out a volunteer registration/waiver form and return it to the City of Victorville Solid Waste Division by March 19.
Registration information is provided online at www.victorvilleca.gov or in person at City Hall, 14343 Civic Drive, City Hall open Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Sponsors interested in donating to the event should call the City of Victorville Community Services Department at (760) 955-4817
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Veterans’ Corner
My office is here to help you. If you or someone you know needs help with the Veterans' Administration please call my Apple Valley District Office at (760) 247-1815.
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Disabled American Veteran’s Mobile Service Office in Twentynine Palms
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Service Officers from the Disabled American Veterans office will advise and assist veterans with any and all questions about rights, benefits, and claims. This service is free of charge, even without a membership to DAV.
The DAV Mobile Service Office program will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 8 AM to 4 PM at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge, 67330 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.
DAV asks that veterans bring claim number, Social Security number, and any other pertinent documentation so that they can best assist you.
For more information, please call Thomas Wendel, DAV NSO, (310) 477-2530.
Veteran Town Hall
The VA Loma Linda Medical Center will be hosting a veterans’ town hall Thursday, March 12, from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. The event will take place at the Desert Hot Springs VFW. Their address is 1 Clubhouse Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241.
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