Veterans
Growing up on military bases, Scott Kleeb is acutely aware of the important and honorable service our military men and women provide for this country. That’s why he is personally committed to ensuring that these brave soldiers - and their families - are respected and treated fairly by a grateful nation.
TOP NOTCH HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA’S HEROES
Scott Kleeb believes that our Veterans have earned the right to receive top notch health care benefits. What our Veterans do not deserve is a crumbling system focused on limiting costs, and mired in red tape and delay. Scott will work to improve our Veterans’ health system so it is efficient, accessible, and comprehensive. To do that, Scott advocates:
Fully funding the VA. While $12 billion per month is spent in Iraq, it is unconscionable for Washington to cut corners by underfunding the Veterans’ Administration and critical Veterans’ health programs. It’s time to make good on our promise to our Vets.
Increasing funding for long-term care facilities. As more of our combat soldiers are returning home with life-altering injuries requiring long-term care, Scott Kleeb believes we must invest more in the facilities that care for and support these Veterans and their families.
Enrolling middle-income Veterans in health care plans. In a shortsighted and unfair cost-saving effort, this Administration blocked thousands of middle-income Veterans from receiving much-needed health benefits through the VA. Scott will work to reverse that ban.
Increasing research and development for prosthetics. Losing a limb is an all too common reality for soldiers. We owe it to these heroes to invest in developing better and more affordable prosthetics.
Increasing research and screening for TBIs. Thousands of servicemen and women are returning from theater with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), a devastating and life-altering condition that requires intensive rehabilitation. Scott applauded Congress for reauthorizing the TBI Act - the only federal law that specifically addresses the needs of those affected by TBIs - but believes more must be done.
Increasing coverage and screening for mental health. The most common diagnosis for combat soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Scott believes we must honor these heroes by:
- Acknowledging the problem and properly diagnosing patients.
- Improving mental health screening and treatment for combat-related psychological injuries.
- Implementing better peer outreach and readjustment counseling for returning combat soldiers and their families.
- Recruiting more mental and other health professionals, such as substance abuse counselors, to treat Veterans.
- Providing grants to states to serve the mental health and other health care needs of its rural Veterans.
EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETURNING VETS
When Veterans returned from WWII, the federal government made a commitment to help them pay for an education and gain employment. Scott Kleeb believes we owe no less of a commitment to those Veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s why Scott will pursue:
Measures like the landmark G.I. bill. The son of military educators and a teacher himself, Scott knows the power of quality education. Scott fully supported the letter and spirit of the G.I. bill and applauded the Senate’s bipartisan efforts - under the leadership of Senators Hagel and Webb - that made sure this bill became law. Now, our returning Veterans and their families have the promise of a brighter future.
Establishing a transition navigator. When returning to civilian life, Veterans struggle to determine what their benefits are. To ensure that our brave Veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned, Scott Kleeb supports establishing transition navigators trained to assist Veterans and their families with their benefits.
Rooting out inefficiency in the VA system. No number of programs or amount of money can help our Veterans if the system is overly complex and inefficient. Scott will work to cut the red tape at the VA, so Veterans have a clearer path to benefits.
Ending job discrimination against America’s heroes. It is unacceptable - and illegal - for businesses to discriminate against Veterans in the hiring process. Scott will support legislation that makes sure that these bad corporate citizens face repercussions.
Making sure that returning soldiers have the option of returning to their old jobs. Too often, Veterans returning from service who want their old job back face a closed door. Scott will be a voice for these Veterans in the Senate, cracking down on those who turn their backs on America’s heroes.
Making sure businesses accommodate disabled vets. Businesses are required by law to accommodate disabled employees. And America’s Veterans are no different. Scott will be an advocate for our disabled Vets’ right to work.
Combating homelessness. An astonishing 26 percent of homeless people in the United States are Veterans. The cycle of homelessness among our Veterans is both a reality and a tragedy. Scott Kleeb is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness by doing more to support improved access to health care services, housing, and job opportunities.
