2022-2023 LEGISLATIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM Legislative action is a core pillar of the VFW that provides life changing support for its members and the veterans community at large. Further, as the VFW leads on issues that help our veterans, our leadership can inspire others to join us as Comrades in our organization. Over the course of the next 12 months the VFW Department of Michigan will be working relentlessly, fighting on issues at the state and national levels that are of dire importance to the health and safety of our community. We will be tackling the issues of toxic exposure and the need for presumption of benefits; VA drug over-prescribing and the suicides of veterans under VA care. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment(HBOT) for TBI and PTSD. Additionally, we will be working on a variety of issues that are part of the VFW National Legislative Agenda, which are needed for the betterment of our community. To that end, we will only be successful if our District Level Advocates engage with their elected officials, fighting for the welfare and benefits of our veterans and their families. As such, we ask that District Level Advocate will work directly with the Department Legislative Director Cameron Zbikowski to stay abreast of active legislation, and to help identify a volunteer "District Level Advocate” within their respective districts. The only requirement is that they be passionate about advocating for veterans and their families, and that they are organized and communicate with the District and Department Legislative Chairs regularly. There will be an award presented at the State Convention to the District Level Advocate with the most contact with state and federal representatives. District Level Advocates Duties and Responsibilities: ● Professionalism and Bipartisan support for legislation is vital to the success of the VFW. The District Level Advocates represent the VFW and its members and will be in direct contact with state and federal legislators and their staff, to maintain long-term relationships with these offices. ● Provide updates on communications with elected officials to the District and Department Legislative Chairs, ● These individuals should adhere to the talking points provided from VFW National and Department Headquarters ● All District Level Advocates, at a minimum quarterly, to Department Activities Director Bob Lutz in order to qualify for All State. ● District Level Advocates should also be encouraging all new and existing members to enroll for the VFW Action Corps weekly, and to inspire others to become active in fighting for veterans and their families. Email the legislative team: legislative@vfwmi.vet Michigan Senators, Representatives and
Bills: www.michiganlegislature.org U.S.
Senators: www.senate.gov U.S.
Representatives: www.house.gov 2023 Commander's Group Legislative Priorities