THE COUNCIL’S LEGISLATIVE PLAN OF ACTION

MOAA National from time to time has issued legislative alerts and we have often been quick to forward them to members by e-mail and/or post them to the web log. The intent was and continues to be to encourage members to contact legislators and urge appropriate action.

The Council’s state legislative effort is made through the California State Commander’s Veterans Council (CSCVC) and in turn the lobbying/legislative advocate firm of Pete Conaty & Associates. CAL-MOAA’s state legislative platform essentially is the same as the one developed by CSCVC. By attending quarterly meetings, two (2) in Fresno since the beginning of 2008, we have every right an opportunity to present and recommend what we’d like to see in the way of state legislation.

In the recent past, CAL-MOAA has paid its $100 CSCVC dues, made a $1,000 donation toward Pete Conaty’s retainer, and made an additional $350 donation toward funding of a legislative event in Sacramento.

Since a major benefactor passed away recently, the CSCVC has been having difficulty raising the $6,000 Pete Conaty annual retainer; most of the affiliated veterans organizations are small, apparently having severe financial problems, and either can’t or won’t pay their annual dues or contribute to the retainer. This is a serious issue that continues unresolved.

We do not know the extent to which members are in fact contacting legislators and presenting a position on bills. After repeated efforts we are still unable to get affiliated chapter presidents to recommend needed or wanted legislation.

More than fifty (50) items about federal and state legislation were posted to the web log during the period December 5, 2007 and May 18, 2008—legislative updates, alerts, and general information about specific bills. The best way to access the posts is to go to the web log page, then the Archives, and click on the “California Legislative Matters” link.

In early April 2008 we participated in MOAA’s annual “Storming the Hill” event, sending four (4) teams to Capitol Hill in an effort to visit an average of eight (8) legislators per team during one full day. Three (3) specific issues were called to the attention of either the legislator or key staff person. An after-action report was posted to the web log.

In May 2008 a “Storming the Hill” event took place in Sacramento in conjunction with the scheduled Veterans Recognition Luncheon. An after-action report was posted to the web log.

It’s important to recognize the efforts of Palm Springs Chapter members who launched a major effort in California and Washington, D.C. to help solve the Medicare/Tricare physician reimbursement issue. The effort is on-going.

In addition, Bill Manes, a past TROA national director and currently the legislative officer for CSCVC, periodically publishes a detailed report on state legislation and we appreciate his efforts to do that. His reports are promptly posted to the web log.

Finally, we have attended two (2) special meetings called by Secretary Tom Johnson, California Department of Veterans Affairs, and heard briefings on what is happening with veterans legislation. After-action reports were posted to the web log.

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