An update on the bills that went to President Biden a couple of weeks ago that affect veterans and others in our community.   

The bill that requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an online clearinghouse of resources and other information for individuals with an intellectual disability (and their caregivers and families) that is searchable by zip code (HR 670) became law. In particular, the clearinghouse must include information about (1) community-based services and long-term support services available through Medicaid; and (2) how to obtain health care, mental health care, and other relevant services. 

Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act (HR 7365) became law.  This law makes veterans with certain disabilities eligible for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck Program at no cost if they meet the program's background check and security requirements.   

The Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) became law.  It eliminates the government pension offset, which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own. It also eliminates the windfall elimination provision, which in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. 

The Maine State 132 Legislature is now in session. As a refresher, Maine's legislature runs for two years. For the 132rd Legislature, it started Dec. 4, 2024 and ends June 18, 2025. The second session runs from Jan. 14 2026 to April 15, 2026. In the State, bills are introduced in committee where public hearings will be held on them. The public can attend these hearings either in person or via livestream, another positive that came out of the COVID pandemic.  If you want to provide an input to the committee, you can do that as well. If you want to influence the process, attending these committee meetings are important. Also important is to use our Senate and House representatives. We are really fortunate that both our Senator, Cameron Reny, and our Representative, Holly Stover, are on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs committee. Often good pieces of legislation make it through the House and the Senate, only to be disapproved in Appropriations due to “lack of funding.” My goal is to keep you informed of the legislation being proposed so you can be proactive both by attending the hearings and communicating with Cameron and Holly.  

It is my intent to follow both the state and federal legislative processes and bring to you all bills affecting veterans that are being proposed and have some traction towards becoming law. Many, dare I say most, proposed legislation, both state and federal, that are introduced never make it to the floor but die in committee. Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, MOAA, etc.) are important in this process. They are our lobbyist in Congress and the State Legislature. Make sure they know what issues are important to you.