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VA Plans 3,000 Units of Housing for Veterans at 25 Locations Nationwide

November 10, 2011

VA Plans 3,000 Units of Housing for Veterans

at 25 Locations Nationwide

Continues Ongoing Efforts to Provide Housing to Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has entered agreements to provide more than 3,000 units of permanent and transitional housing for Veterans at 25 VA medical center campuses nationwide. Additionally, agreements are pending on an additional 1,000 units, which we anticipate completing in the coming weeks. Proposed opportunities include housing for homeless Veterans, senior Veterans, disabled Veterans, other at-risk Veteran populations, and their families.

“As we approach Veterans Day, it is important that we never forget the sacrifices made by our Veterans to ensure the freedom and independence all Americans cherish,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These efforts to ensure the well-being of our Veterans and their families demonstrate our Nation’s gratitude for their service and commitment to honoring their dedication.”

The agreements are part of VA’s Building Utilization Review and Repurposing (BURR) initiative. BURR is a VA strategic effort to identify and repurpose unused VA land and buildings in support of VA’s goal to end Veteran homelessness. VA is using its enhanced-use lease authority to permit third-party providers to finance, design, develop, maintain and operate housing with on-site supportive services, on a priority basis, for Veterans and their families.

The co-location of these projects on VAMC campuses ensures that Veterans have ready access to care and treatment designed to help them attain long-term independence and self-sufficiency.

An estimated total of 5,300 units of affordable and supportive housing will be provided to Veterans. This number includes projects already in operation or underway.

VA is proceeding with agreements with third-party providers at 25 sites nationwide. These sites and proposed developments include:

· Canandaigua, N.Y. – 48 transitional and permanent housing units

· Fort Howard, Md. – 1,437 housing units

· Lyons, N.J. – 62 permanent housing units

· Newington, Conn. – 74 permanent housing units

· Alexandria, La. – 70 transitional housing units

· Kerrville, Texas – 100 units of assisted living/extended care housing

· Knoxville, Iowa – 75 units of permanent housing

· Newington, Conn. – 100 units of assisted living/extended care housing

· Northampton, Mass. – 48 permanent housing units

· Roseburg, Ore. – 44 permanent and 10 transitional housing units

· Bath, N.Y. – 40 permanent and transitional housing units

· Battle Creek, Mich. – 100 permanent housing units

· Bedford, Mass. – 70 permanent housing units

· Brockton, Mass. – 14 permanent housing units

· Fort Harrison, Mont. – 100 permanent housing units

· Hines, Ill. – 120 permanent housing units

· Menlo Park, Calif. – 60 permanent housing units

· Minneapolis, Minn. – 58 permanent housing units

· Northport, N.Y. – 110 permanent housing units

· Sacramento, Calif. – 99 bed nursing care facility

· Spokane, Wash. – 60 units of assisted living

· St. Cloud, Minn. – 35 permanent housing units

· Togus, Maine – 50 permanent housing units

· Tuscaloosa, Ala. – 26 permanent housing units

· Vancouver, Wash. – 42 permanent housing units

For additional information regarding the BURR initiative, please visit http://www.va.gov/ASSETMANAGEMENT/index.asp.

For all other questions regarding the BURR initiative please contact VA_BURR@va.gov.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Working on Thanksgiving …Change.org

11/15/2011 Nativegrl77

While most of America will be sleeping off a belly full of turkey, stuffing, and pie next Thursday night, 29-year-old Anthony Hardwick will be waking up for a long night of work. That’s because Anthony has to report for his shift at a Target store in Omaha, Nebraska on Thanksgiving night.

For the first time on “Black Friday” — the biggest shopping day of the year — Target stores will be opening at midnight. That means retail employees like Anthony have to miss Thanksgiving celebrations with their families in order to work for big stores’ “Black Friday” midnight sales — or risk losing their jobs.

“All Americans should be able to break bread with loved ones on Thanksgiving,” Anthony says.

So Anthony decided to push back. He started a petition on Change.org asking Target to open stores at 5am instead of midnight on Black Friday. Click here to add your name to his petition. http://www.change.org/petitions/target-corporation-push-back-the-opening-of-target-retail-stores-on-black-friday-to-5am?

The sad reality is that by starting a petition to his employer on Change.org, he is putting his livelihood at risk. Anthony knows that he could be fired for taking his demand of Target public — but that’s how important it is to him that he spend Thanksgiving with his fiancee and her family.

Anthony isn’t alone in thinking that midnight (or earlier) start times for retail stores on Black Friday is are bad ideas — customers hate it, too. In fact, according to an article in the New York Times that featured Anthony’s petition, more and more consumers are avoiding Black Friday sales that interrupt Thanksgiving meals. And by being the first to petition his employer about this issue, he hopes to inspire workers at other retail stores to also speak out.

Target is one of the most prominent companies forcing its employees to miss Thanksgiving with their families. Anthony hopes that by calling out Target, he can force his employer to push back opening times at Target stores across the country — which will pressure other retail chains to do the same.

Please add your name to Anthony’s petition asking Target to push back its Black Friday opening time so he and other Target employees can spend Thanksgiving with their families:

http://www.change.org/petitions/target-corporation-push-back-the-opening-of-target-retail-stores-on-black-friday-to-5am

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Jess and the Change.org team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Who should we support for Congress?

11/15/2011 Nativegrl77

We’ve been hearing a lot about the race in Washington’s 1st Congressional district from local DFA members, so I wanted to check in to see where you stood.

DFA is committed to electing progressives who share our values of community, security and liberty, and as the country’s only people-powered PAC, we want to hear from our members who we should support in this race.

So, who do you support for Congress? Vote now. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/1317?akid=1497.1480546.fO-0eN&t=1

Thank you for all that you do.

– Nick

Nick Passanante, Deputy Political Director
Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Senator Al Franken …

11/15/2011 Nativegrl77

When you win an election by just 312 votes, you know that small things make a big difference. In retrospect, a single volunteer shift – or a single contribution – could have been the deciding factor.

Our next campaign hasn’t even begun yet. But I think it’s a safe bet that, when we look back on it, we’ll be glad for everything we did to gas up our people-powered grassroots machine in advance.

A contribution of just $5 now would do a lot to help keep our grassroots organization strong – please click here to donate now! http://www.alfranken.com/page/m/6cf7792/715407ea/31f0d526/78164493/1755333154/VEsE/

I know it’s really, really early. But just because I’m not on the ballot right now doesn’t mean I don’t need your help. Even as we’re focusing on today’s fights – putting people back to work, rebuilding the middle class, keeping Wall Street’s hands off of Social Security – the powerful special interests are plotting their attacks.

We’ve been pretty good at taking them on – and getting under their skin. But they’re preparing to spend millions to shut us up once and for all.

That’s why I’m asking for your help now. We have to keep building our grassroots strength if we’re going to be able to withstand the attacks. And waiting until the campaign is officially underway just isn’t an option.

Can you make a contribution of $5 (more if you can afford it) to make sure our grassroots organization is ready for what’s coming?

I know that you’ll have my back when the campaign heats up – but I’m hoping you’ll be willing to do a little bit now to help me get ready for what’s coming.

A few dollars can make a big difference. And if my next campaign is as close as my last one, your decision to get involved now will look pretty good in retrospect.

Please click here to contribute now.

Thanks for helping me get ready,

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate Considers 2 US Dist Judges &HR2354,the Energy and Water appropriations bill

11/15/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET November 15, 2011

Following the prayer and pledge, there will be a period of morning business until 11am, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first half and the Republicans will control the next half.
At 11am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nominations of Sharon Gleason, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Alaska, and Yvonne Rogers, to be U.S. District Judge for the district of Northern California. There will be 1 hour for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. Therefore, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes to begin at noon.
Following the votes, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water appropriations bill.

12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Sharon Gleason, of Alaska, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Alaska. Confirmed: 87-8

12:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California. Confirmed: 89-6

Recess until 3pm for Caucus Mtgs

4:17pm Reid Substitute amendment to Energy and Water appropriations is pending

When the Senate resumed consideration of HR 2354, the Energy and Water appropriations bill, Senator Reid withdrew the committee reported substitute amendment. He then offered a new substitute amendment #956, which included the text of Energy and Water, Financial Services/General Government; and State/Foreign Operations appropriations. Senator Menendez raised a Rule 16 point of order that was well taken and the amendment fell.

Senator Reid then offered a new substitute (Reid amendment #957), which includes the 3 appropriations bills minus the offending Cuba related language.

The Divisions of the Reid substitute amendment #957 are as follows:

Division A: text of the withdrawn committee-reported amendment (Energy and Water appropriations)

Division B: text of Calendar #171, S.1573 with the exception of sections 620 and 624 (Financial Services/General Government appropriations minus the offending Cuba language)

Division C: text of Calendar #179, S.1601 (State/Foreign Operations appropriations)

Senator Reid then asked consent that HR 2434, as reported by the House Appropriations Committee and Division C of amendment #957 be deemed House passed text in HR 2354 for purpose of Rule 16 and that amendment #957 for the purposes of paragraph 1 Rule 16 be considered a committee amendment. In English, that means Senator Reid was seeking consent to use the following bills for defense of germaneness purposes: HR 2354 (Energy and Water), HR 2434 (Financial Services), S.1601 (State/Foreign Operations).

Senator Moran objected to Senator Reid’s request and Senator Vitter also spoke in opposition to the request.

Senator Reid then filled the amendment tree so that we can continue to work on an agreement to consider the Energy and Water appropriations bill.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of Sharon Gleason, of AK, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska; Confirmed: 87-8

2) Confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of CA, to be United States District Judge for the District of Northern California; Confirmed: 89-6

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.241, a resolution expressing support for the designation of November 16, 2011, as National Information and Referral Services Day.

Adopted S.Res.323, recognizing the 75^th Anniversary of the Welfare Program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

———————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:57:07 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:54:35 P.M. -H. Res. 463Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:54:33 P.M. -H. Res. 463On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 271 – 153 (Roll no. 842).2:43:30 P.M. -H. Res. 463Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 463 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 822) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”2:43:29 P.M. -H.R. 2838Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:43:05 P.M. -H.R. 2838On passage Passed by voice vote.2:43:03 P.M. -H.R. 2838On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 – 235 (Roll no. 841).2:25:40 P.M. -H.R. 2838The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:20:00 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Larsen(WA) motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the Coast Guard from awarding a contract to anyone convicted of fraud or other specified criminal offenses. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was removed.2:18:51 P.M. -H.R. 2838Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.2:17:47 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.2:17:37 P.M. -H.R. 2838The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:16:50 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2838.2:16:27 P.M. -H.R. 2838On agreeing to the Pierluisi amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 322 – 100 (Roll no. 840).1:48:12 P.M. -H.R. 2838On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.1:47:05 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 455 and the previous order of the House, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young(AK) amendment.1:47:04 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), pertaining to the the Conveyance of Decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter STORIS.1:46:50 P.M. -H.R. 2838POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on Pierluisi amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Larsen(WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.1:42:27 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 455, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pierluisi amendment.1:42:04 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Pierluisi, numbered 15 printed in House Report 112-267 to clarify the application of the Passenger Vessel Services Act to vessels operating in Puerto Rico that are not otherwise qualified to transport passengers for hire and that are more than 100 gross tons. Would allow such vessels to transport passengers between ports in Puerto Rico–a non-contiguous jurisdiction of multiple islands.1:40:38 P.M. -H.R. 2838By unanimous consent, the Landry amendment was withdrawn.1:40:35 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry, numbered 13 printed in House Report 112-267 to clarify Coast Guard guidance regarding the ability of U.S. flagged offshore supply vessels to carry unlimited amounts of Grade D and Grade E cargo (combustible liquid) when said vessel is operating outside of U.S. waters, provided the vessel meets the safety requirements of the International Maritime Organization.1:32:15 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.1:31:32 P.M. -H.R. 2838Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2838 — “To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2012 through 2015, and for other purposes.”1:31:25 P.M. -H.R. 2838ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent that, during further consideration of H.R. 2838 in the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 455, the amendment by Mr. Young(AK) at the desk be considered as though printed as the last amendment printed in House Report 112-267 and be debatable for 10 minutes. Agreed to without objection.1:30:02 P.M. -H. Res. 463POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 463, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.1:29:31 P.M. -H. Res. 463The previous question was ordered without objection.12:33:17 P.M. -H. Res. 463DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 463.12:32:25 P.M. -H. Res. 463Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 463 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 822) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”12:02:09 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.12:01:48 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Fudge to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:45 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:28 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:15 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.11:10:05 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:53 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.10:00:28 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Allen B. West to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.