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Bill > AR107
NJ AR107
NJ AR107Urges U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2024
02/12/2024
In Committee
03/04/2024
03/04/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
03/18/2024
03/18/2024
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/18/2024
03/18/2024
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges the United State Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers. Approximately five million veterans in the United States have a service-connected disability, and about 53,000 of those veterans live in New Jersey. The VA operates two medical centers in New Jersey, with one in East Orange and one in Lyons. Service-connected disabilities can adversely impact veterans' abilities to access necessary medical care at these facilities. Currently, the VA provides transportation service via the Veterans Transportation Service, but this service has limitations that can result in the reduced efficiency of transporting disabled veterans to and from medical appointments. Disabled American Veterans and other veterans' service organizations also provide free van transportation to and from VA medical centers in New Jersey, but these non-profit organizations should not shoulder the responsibility to provide properly coordinated VA-funded patient transport for deserving veterans and qualified family members. It has also been reported by numerous New Jersey veterans that the transportation service provided to these VA facilities is deficient, with veterans being left at facilities for hours, overnight, and in adverse weather conditions. Both New Jersey counties and non-profit social service organizations have existing paratransit transportation for use by senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. These high quality county and non-profit paratransit providers may be able to expand their coverage to meet the transportation needs of veterans traveling to and from VA facilities if provided funding to cover the cost of such an expansion.
AI Summary
This resolution urges the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve transportation services for disabled veterans in New Jersey by ending its current contracts with inadequate transportation providers and instead funding existing county paratransit agencies and non-profit social service organizations. The resolution highlights that approximately 5 million U.S. veterans have service-connected disabilities, with 53,000 of those in New Jersey, and notes that current VA transportation services have been problematic, with veterans experiencing long wait times and being left at medical facilities in adverse conditions. By leveraging existing paratransit networks like county transportation services and organizations such as the ARC of New Jersey and Easterseals New Jersey, the resolution seeks to create a more reliable and efficient transportation system for veterans traveling to the VA medical centers in East Orange and Lyons. The resolution also emphasizes the need to recognize and support veterans who may have sacrificed their health during military service by ensuring they can access necessary medical care.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (9)
Herbert Conaway (D)*,
Tennille McCoy (D)*,
Jessica Ramirez (D)*,
Dawn Fantasia (R),
Garnet Hall (D),
Michael Inganamort (R),
Gabriel Rodriguez (D),
Alex Sauickie (R),
Shanique Speight (D),
Last Action
Filed with Secretary of State (on 03/18/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR107 |
| Analysis - Statement AMV 3/4/24 | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/107_S1.PDF |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/107_I1.HTM |
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