I. Mental Health
II. Homecoming
III. Health Care
IV. Accountability

From these recommendations, we have identified seven IAVA Legislative Priorities: key actions Congress can take this session to show that they really support the men and women who have served and continue to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Success

Partial Success

In Progress

	A new G.I. Bill that covers college tuition, fees and a stipend for living expenses, for anyone completing four years of active-duty service or a combat tour.  As the U.S. plans to expand our military amid continued concern about recruiting, a new G.I. Bill would draw thousands of people to military service.
	A mandatory and confidential counseling session with a mental health professional for all troops within 90 days of finishing a combat tour.  Required counseling would catch PTSD and other mental health issues early, and would help overcome the stigma attached to seeking out mental health care.
	Tax credits for employers who hire new veterans or provide income support to those employees who are called to active duty from the National Guard or Reserves.  Employers showing real support for the troops, and particularly the small businesses that are especially hard-hit by reserves call-ups, should be shown support in return.
	An end to the Widows' and Veterans' Taxes.  It is unjust for veterans to be penalized for their eligibility for both retirement pay and disability compensation, or for their widows and widowers to lose the nest eggs they've earned under the Survivor Benefit Plan[i] because they also receive funds as dependents.
	Reliable, timely and sufficient funding of veterans' health care, with a baseline budget as recommended in the FY 2008 Independent Budget.[ii] The simplest procedure for achieving this would be to make veterans' health care a mandatory funding item, adjusted annually for inflation and demand.
	A "Truman Commission" to investigate the corruption and waste in Defense Department contracting that have resulted in equipment shortages, failed reconstruction, and lower troop morale.
	A commitment to involve new veterans in the upcoming planning process for a Memorial to Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars in Washington, DC.

[i] The Survivor Benefit Plan allows retiring Soldiers to set aside a portion of retired pay for designated beneficiaries. Retirees pay for SBP coverage with a percentage of their retired pay.

[ii]The Independent Budget is a Veterans Affairs budget jointly prepared by AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and endorsed by over 60 other veterans and medical organizations.