Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Caring For Our Veterans

President John F. Kennedy once said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers. On Veterans Day, we honor the women and men who have protected our country’s freedoms. It’s important to fight for those who have fought for us.  I’m committed to taking care of our veterans.

When I was Governor, I signed a bill fully exempting military retirement benefits from state income tax.  We launched a state program to ease the transition from military service to civilian employment.  We increased pay for Nebraska Veterans Affairs’ care technicians by 20%.  We celebrated Purple Heart Day at the Nebraska Capitol.  We also merged the Nebraska VA Department and the Division of Veterans’ Homes to create a one-stop shop for veterans’ services.

In the Senate, I’m ensuring Nebraska veterans have access to quality healthcare.  That’s why I introduced the bipartisan CARING for Our Veterans Health Act.  This bill will improve information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers.  Nearly 75% of veterans return to VA medical centers for continued care after receiving services from community providers.  However, the VA currently lacks capabilities to track medical documentation from community care providers.  This jeopardizes oversight and clinical coordination.  I am also introducing The MIND Our Veterans Act.  It will ensure that servicemembers receive effective, evidence-based mental health screenings prior to separation from active duty.  These bills would help the VA provide veterans with the care they deserve.

I introduced the bipartisan Tax Cuts for Veterans Act to eliminate the federal tax on military retirement benefits.  I voted to pass the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act. This provides better information and opportunities for veterans seeking home loans and housing.  I support the Major Richard Star Act. This provides full benefits for combat-injured veterans with less than 20 years of military service.  In addition, my office works to help veterans navigate the federal bureaucracy and get the benefits they earned.

I’m also working to improve servicemembers’ quality of life.  The Working Families Tax Cut Act prevented a $2,443 tax hike for the average Nebraska family.  That’s money veterans and their families can spend on groceries, bills, and their future plans.  Senior veterans will also receive a $6,000 tax deduction.  This ensures that their benefits stay in their pockets.  The One Big Beautiful Bill dedicates $7.5 billion for military personnel services.  That includes $3 billion for housing and $2 billion for health programs.

This week we also ended the longest government shutdown in history.  After more than 40 senseless days, Americans are seeing relief.  The bipartisan package I voted for delivers wins for all Nebraskans, including our veterans.  Our veterans fought for us. I will keep fighting for them. We all must keep fighting for them.

My team and I are here to serve you.  Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also view my website at http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.