Shea-Porter Applauds Increase in Veterans Mileage Reimbursements

Statement

Shea-Porter Applauds Increase in Veterans Mileage Reimbursements

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter applauded the announcement that mileage reimbursement rates for over one million eligible veterans will more than double beginning on February 1st, 2008. When Congress passed the largest funding increase in the 77 year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the bill provided funds to increase the reimbursement rate from $0.11 per mile to $0.29 per mile for eligible veterans traveling to VA medical facilities.

"Last year, Congress passed the largest funding increase in the history of the VA, and I'm pleased that Secretary Peake has acted quickly to put these funds to use helping our veterans," said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. "This was long overdue. When the old mileage reimbursement rate was set, thirty years ago, gasoline cost $0.67 per gallon. Today, it costs more than four times as much."

"Rising gas prices have been an especially serious problem in New Hampshire because we don't have a full-service VA facility, and our veterans often need to travel as far away as Boston for treatment. The mileage increase will be a huge help to New Hampshire's veterans, and I hope Secretary Peake will also consider restoring the Manchester VA Medical Center to full service."

A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Shea-Porter has been an outspoken advocate for improving health care for military personnel, veterans, and their families. She is also working to restore full service to the Manchester VA Medical Center and recently wrote a second letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs, requesting their help to address the problem.

Source