Issue Position: Supporting Our Military & Veterans

Issue Position

As the daughter of a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Marilyn understands the challenges facing military families and veterans in our community.

Supporting Federal Investments in the South Sound's Military Community: The South Sound is home to Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), one of the largest and most well-regarded military bases in the world, which has an annual economic impact of $8 billion and is the largest single point employer in Washington State. Marilyn will support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which will bring $50 million in critical infrastructure investment to the South Sound. She will continue Congressman Denny Heck's important work on this measure and aim to bring even more federal investment to our military communities.

Supporting the Transition to Civilian Life, and Access to Education, and Jobs Training: Reintegration from long deployments and the transition to civilian life can be the most challenging times of a service member's life and their family. The skill set and expertise gained in the service may not always easily translate to civilian employers. Marilyn will work with members of both parties to support and improve the programs that ensure veterans have access to the tools and support they need including access to affordable higher education or vocational training. She supports increased funding for the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Programs, and will work to protect and expand the G.I. Bill.

Strengthening and Protecting the Veterans Health Administration: Marilyn will work to improve the Veterans Health Administration so veterans can get the physical and mental health care they need in a timely manner. She will advocate for increased investment in the VHA's program for suicide prevention, and call for action to improve access to mental health resources -- especially for veterans suffering from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fostering Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses: Marilyn will support and work to expand Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to assist military spouses who have lost employment because of relocation of their spouse's duty station.

Supporting Entrepreneurship by Veterans and Military Spouses: Marilyn will work with both parties to help veterans and transitioning service members start and grow businesses. She will support and work to expand the Boots to Business program. Administered through the Office of Veteran Business Development in the Small Business Administration (SBA), it addresses topics including market research, business fundamentals, and revenue readiness. Marilyn supports bipartisan action to improve access to credit, increase outreach and help promote small business programs available to veterans.

Advancing Equity for Women Veterans: There are two million women veterans living in the United States. Women comprise the fastest growing subpopulation of both the military and veteran populations. Currently, women comprise nearly 20% of serving military personnel and 10% of the veteran population. The women veteran population is projected to grow to 18% of the total veteran population by 2040. Marilyn will work to support and honor the two million women who have served in the U.S. military and promote more equitable access to federal resources including comprehensive health care, affordable housing and job training.

Source