Zanesville Times Recorder - Regulation Increases Veterans Mileage Rate

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Zanesville Times Recorder - Regulation Increases Veterans Mileage Rate

Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) announced that veterans will now receive 45 percent more in reimbursements when they drive to Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities for care.
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"This mileage reimbursement change is particularly important because rural veterans must travel much longer distances to receive services," said Space, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. "There are few people more impacted during these tough economic times than veterans who frequently have no other choice but to drive an hour or more to receive the medical care they deserve. While this increase will not eliminate the burden that travel places on our veterans, it is a step in the right direction."

Space has also co-sponsored legislation that would further improve the mileage reimbursement program. This legislation would permanently set the veterans mileage reimbursement to the federal employee rate, ensuring that veterans will enjoy the same benefits as federal employees on official travel. This bill would also remove income, pension, and service-connection restrictions on eligibility so that more veterans will be able to take advantage of this reimbursement program. Finally, it would eliminate the deductible tied to veterans' travel.

"Our veterans deserve every consideration and helping hand we can provide. We made a promise to them when they made a selfless commitment to fight for our country," Space said. "I intend to make sure we keep that promise. I believe we can always do more for those who have sacrificed so much for our country."

Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007.

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