SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:    Veteran Affairs & Military Installations 

TIME & DATE:  12:30 PM, Thursday, June 12, 2014 

PLACE:        Port of Houston - Pasadena, Texas 
CHAIR:        Senator Leticia Van de Putte 

The hearing will be held at the Bayport Container Terminal, Administration Building, 12619 Port Rd, Pasadena TX 77586

The hearing will address the following Interim Charges:

Charge #1. Investigate the impact of federal actions (including the federal government shutdown, sequestration, military force reductions, and potential base closure or realignment) on active-duty service members, the Texas Military Department, veterans, their families, defense-related contractors, small businesses, local governments, and state agencies.

Charge #3. Provide an update on the State Strike Force teams’ progress and recommendations on any additional steps necessary to ensure that veterans promptly receive all federal disability benefits to which they are entitled.

In addition to the formal Interim Charges, the VAMI Committee will be looking into recent allegations that the VA has denied health and mental health care and manipulated waiting lists for veterans to access care.  VAMI will be hearing from veterans and giving them a chance to voice their concerns and tell their stories about VA health care.  The Committee will also consider whether or not the state has a role in assisting veterans in Texas with VA health care as it did with the Strike Force Teams for VA disability claims.

The VAMI Committee will hear invited and public testimony.