AMVETS PUBLISHES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR FY2010

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2009—This morning AMVETS published its 2010 legislative agenda. The new book—AMVETS Legislative Priorities for the 111th Congress—is AMVETS’ first in-depth publication explaining each of AMVETS’ top legislative priorities for the coming year and the resolutions that helped to guide the agenda.

“This is a first-of-its-kind publication for AMVETS, offering Congressional leaders, AMVETS members, and concerned veterans a comprehensive explanation of how AMVETS plans to advocate for our nation’s heroes,” said AMVETS National Legislative Director Raymond C. Kelley, who helped to compile the book. “AMVETS members play a critical role in molding our legislative agenda each year, which is why this book will be an important tool for all of us, as we work to improve the lives of American veterans.”

In 2010, AMVETS top legislative priorities are the daunting VA claims backlog, inequity in veterans’ education benefits, military transition assistance, rural and remote veterans’ access to care, and issues facing today’s female veterans.

At each year’s national convention, AMVETS from around the country gather to tend to the business of the organization. The resolutions voted on by each convention delegation serve as the driving force behind the next year’s legislative agenda, providing all AMVETS members with a critical voice on the issues affecting their lives.

At the 65th annual AMVETS National Convention in New Orleans, AMVETS voted on more than 25 national resolutions to guide the 2010 legislative agenda. All of these resolutions have been included verbatim in the new legislative priorities book.

Some other issues AMVETS hopes to pursue in the coming year include flag protection, improved veterans’ preference in federal and public hiring, increased veterans’ burial benefits, and continued recovery and identification of POW/MIA service members.

To Download your copy of AMVETS Legislative Priorities for the 111th Congress, visit www.amvets.org.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.