Rep. Takai Calls for Hawaii Input on Military Compensation and Retirement Recommendations

Press Release

Congressman Mark Takai today met with veterans groups and other community stakeholders to begin gathering reactions to recommendations issued by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC).

"In order to attract and retain the very best and brightest in the all-volunteer forces that protect our great country, it is crucial that our compensation and retirement system be responsive to what individuals and families need," Takai said.

"Now that the MCRMC has put forth 15 recommendations to update the military compensation and retirement system, and President Obama will begin reviewing those recommendations, it is important now to hear input from stakeholders -- particularly in Hawaii, where the military plays such a pivotal role."

Congress created the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission to conduct an independent, comprehensive review of military compensation and benefit programs and to make recommendations for their modernization.

Takai said today's meeting at Oahu Veterans Center was intended to launch local dialogue on the commission's 15 final recommendations, which were issued Jan. 29, 2015.

Takai encouraged stakeholder organizations to study the recommendations and bring their formal responses to a follow-up meeting at 10 a.m. March 13, 2015, at the Oahu Veterans Center. Takai will include the responses in his communication to the President.

By Apr. 1, 2015, the President will transmit to the Commission and Congress a report containing the approval or disapproval by the President of the recommendations, after which Congress will consider the recommendations for implementation.

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