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VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY - February 8, 2008

Posted at 11:23 AM on Friday, February 8, 2008 by LA VFW

In This Issue:
1. Economic Stimulus Packaged Passed
2. FY 2009 Budget Released
3. House Hearing on VA Budget
4. VFW Wants Dole/Shalala Recommendation Blocked
5. Senate Holds Hearing on VA Rehabilitation Programs
6. FY 2009 Defense Budget

1. Economic Stimulus Package Passed: Congress passed a $168 billion Economic Stimulus package late last night (HR 5140) which included certain disabled veterans and senior citizens who had not been included in the first versions of the bill. The changes were made to the Senate version of the bill, and expand eligibility for the rebates to include low-income senior citizens as well as disabled veterans and survivors of veterans whose sole or primary income consists of VA compensation. On a 91-6 vote, the Senate added a provision to grant $300 payments to disabled veterans and veterans' widows who could show $3,000 in veterans' disability and/or Social Security benefits last year. The President is expected to sign the package, and rebate checks could be arriving as early as May. The VFW and its grassroots network came out in force in support of including veterans in the bill.

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