Senator King’s July 17th News Letter
| Forward to a Friend July 17, 2023Hi Roger,As you’ll read below, Senator King just returned from the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. In addition to discussing his trip, he covered a range of other topics on CNN and MSNBC (check out the delegation’s stop in Bangor on the way back to D.C). This week: total of four grant/recognition opportunities (no deadlines); six webinars/events and lots coming up. Also: Senator King’s press releases, June e-Newsletter, resources and policy updates. This update will return on July 31. Be well! |
| News from Senator King’s officeYou can find all press releases, other news, social media and podcasts at the newsroom link on Senator King’s website. While there, check out Veterans Services and Answering the Call, Senator King’s interviews with Maine veterans. Also, see the map of the game-changing federal investments coming to Maine communities. |
| ICYMI – ABC: King’s “Bipartisan Legislation Could Help Military Spouses Find Virtual Work”July 17, 2023WASHINGTON, D.C. – ICYMI from ABC News, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed legislation from Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services Committees, to help military spouses access remote federal jobs and secure steady careers. The bill would be an important step to address unemployment and food insecurity among military families. From ABC: The Military Spouse Employment Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, would allow military spouses… Continue Reading »— |
| King Demands VA Comply with Law to Reimburse Maine Veterans’ HomesJuly 12, 2023WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to resume payments for domiciliary care for veterans with dementia as permitted by law. Congress passed legislation in 2021 authorizing the VA to cover the costs of domiciliary care after the Department stopped reimbursements for the long-supported care in 2019. Now, with organizations like Maine Veterans’ Homes (MVH) forced to carry… Continue Reading »— |
| King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Wastewater Testing to Better Protect Public HealthJuly 14, 2023WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would expand the United States’ capacity to track infectious diseases in wastewater. The Public health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated wastewater Community Testing Act (PREDICT) Act, would significantly strengthen the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), by continuing to award grants to state, tribal, and… Continue Reading »— |
| Cyberspace Solarium Co-Chairs Praise “Forward-Thinking” National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation PlanJuly 13, 2023WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), Co-chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today released the following statement on the Biden administration’s newly unveiled National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan illustrates how the administration will carry out the NCS’s objectives, many of which were initially key cybersecurity priorities of the CSC. “The National… Continue Reading »— |
| Hold on Military Promotions is Compromising National Security, King Declares in Armed Services HearingJuly 12, 2023Video of the exchange can be downloaded hereWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today asked General Randy George, current Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and nominee for Chief of Staff of the Army, about the national security impacts of the current hold on military promotions. In the exchange during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the General confirmed to Senator King that the unprecedented blockade is making it more difficult for the nation’s… Continue Reading »— |
| “NATO has never been stronger,” King Proclaims at 2023 NATO SummitJuly 11, 2023VILNIUS, LT – U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Intelligence Committees, participated in a press conference today at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. On the trip, he toured the Pabrade Training Area with US Army leaders, met with key NATO officials, and received updates on Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Senator King’s remarks are below and audio can be found HERE: “History will show that Vladimir Putin did more for NATO than any public… Continue Reading »— |
| Governor Mills and Maine Congressional Delegation Announce President’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration for Severe Spring StormJuly 7, 2023Augusta, MAINE—Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced today that President Joe Biden has approved the State of Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for eight Maine counties impacted by a severe spring storm that brought heavy rain and wind that created flooding, swelling rivers, power outages, tree damage, and more than $2 million in infrastructure damage. Last month, Governor… Continue Reading » |
| Click HERE to read Senator King’s e-Newsletter |
| The Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then Press 1— makes it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the current phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1— through chat, and by text (838255).Starting January 17, 2023, VA will provide, pay for or reimburse emergency care for certain Veterans and individuals – including ambulance transportation costs, follow-on inpatient or residential care related to the event for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work. |
| Resource Reminders NEW Veterans can now call 1-800-MyVA411 to report sexual assault or sexual harassment at VANEW DoD Skillbridge Program. This program helps service members prepare for their next career, increases the workforce in Maine, and provides benefits to Maine companies to support both their business needs and our Vets. Skillbridge is open to all military personnel and allows them to spend the last six months of their time in the military working as an intern in the private sector. Service members can search ‘Maine’ here to see which companies are already involved and apply by contacting their installation SkillBridge point of contact.The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Where do you start and who can help? In this month’s VA Maine Today, we learn the answers to those questions and more. The VA Maine Today video series aims to keep Maine Veterans up to date on what is happening in their health care system. Resources to help at-risk renters, landlords and homeowners in Maine: VA, MaineHousing, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.If you, or a veteran you know is struggling with a financial emergency please contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-287-7020 or visit their website for more information regarding available resources. MBVS publishes a monthly newsletter with the latest news and happenings regarding veterans issues. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) has a wide range of resources and programs, all working to enable America’s veterans, service members and their spouses to reach their full potential in the workplace.Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS): TRS includes Maine Relay Services, captioned telephone services (CapTel or CTS), and 711. Monthly trainings available. |
| ICYMI(Links to the following news and research items are offered in the spirit of outreach and public education. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Senator or his staff.) |
| USICH Holds First Meeting With White House’s New Domestic Policy Leader, usich.gov, July 12, 2023Neera Tanden, President Biden’s new director of the domestic policy council, attended the latest meeting of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), which was led by Council Chair and Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough. At the quarterly meeting, federal leaders received updates and discussed key implementation dimensions of All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.— |
| Factors Associated with Homelessness Among US Veterans: A Systematic Review, JK Anderson et al., research.va.gov, visited July 12, 2023 Examines individual-level risk factors for homelessness in the U.S. veterans population by reviewing 60 relevant studies. Analyzes factors related to homelessness such as military service, mental health, substance use, and sociodemographic variables, including the impact of living in a rural area.— |
| Webinars and other events |
| Capitol Coffee with Senator King and staffEvery few Wednesdays, Senator King likes to open his office up from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for a “Capitol Coffee” with Maine people in the area. It’s always a fun opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones, and hear about the issues that are on their minds. Along with coffee, we are proud to provide homemade blueberry bread made with real Maine blueberries! Stop by to say hello on one of the upcoming dates: July: 19th, 26thSeptember: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27thOctober 4thThe office is located in 133 Hart Senate Office Building. RSVPs are not required. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-5344. Hope you can visit!— |
| Philanthropic Collaborative for Volunteer TransportationJuly 19th, 20231:00 – 2:30pm EDTCo-Hosted by ITNAmerica and the Consumer Technology Association Foundation In its fourth year, the fast-paced virtual ITNAmerica Philanthropic Collaborative for Volunteer Transportation convenes leaders from philanthropy, businesses, technology and healthcare to discuss the critical importance of mobility for America’s aging population. The inspiration for this year’s event is America’s Volunteer Driver Center and a public information campaign to change the way Americans think about and support mobility for older adults and people with mobility challenges.Registration is free and open to the public through this URL: https://philanthropiccollaborative.org/register/For additional information contact: Nicholas Candela (Nicholas.Candela@ITNAmerica.org, 207-558-1644)— |
| Webinar – Providing Veterans with Whole Health SolutionsWed., July 19th, 2 p.m. Sponsor: Federal News NetworkConnecting employees with the right health care coverage is a challenge for any company, but connecting veterans coming back to the workforce requires unique considerations. During this exclusive webinar, moderator Tom Temin and agency and industry leaders will discuss what opportunities and resources are available for veterans and how employers can better meet the needs of veterans.— |
| Internet For All Webinar Series: Introduction to the BEAD Challenge ProcessWednesday, July 19,3:00-4:00pm ET Sponsor: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42.45 billion in funding to states, territories and the District of Columbia for broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption activities. NTIA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on May 13, 2022 describing the program’s requirements. An important requirement is that each Eligible Entity must submit an Initial Proposal that includes a BEAD “challenge process.” Join NTIA for a webinar that provides an overview and outlines the role that a unit of local government, nonprofit organization, or broadband service provider may participate in the challenge process. This webinar will provide an introduction this BEAD state challenge process, including:The BEAD Initial Proposal’s description, volume approach, and timelineThe BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I NOFO requirementsChallenge submission steps and the roles of NTIA, Eligible Entities, and ChallengersNext steps and additional resources — |
| The Expansion of Veteran Peer Support: Supporting Recovery through Connection July 20, 2023; August 24, 20232:00–3:30 p.m. ETSponsor: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA)Over the last half a century, the peer support movement has expanded and organized in communities across the nation. Peer supporters are now more than ever valued partners in recovery-oriented systems of care. One of the key goals in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Recovery Agenda is to expand peer-provided services within every community. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peers today support the recovery of service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF) impacted by mental health and substance use issues in numerous ways. This learning community will provide participants with an opportunity to learn in a small-group, interactive setting. The objectives of this learning community are to (1) explore the current picture of SMVF peer support services, (2) demonstrate the role of peers in both suicide prevention and the criminal legal system, and (3) examine SAMHSA’s newly developed national standards for peer certification. The learning community will meet monthly for three sessions beginning in June 2023 via Zoom. Each session will feature an expert presentation with engaging group discussion incorporated throughout.— |
| Political Extremism Among Veterans: Understanding Its Roots, Identifying Those Who Have Caused Harm, and Creating Opportunities for Prevention Thursday, July 20 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT Zoom Webinar, sponsored by the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute. Please register in advance for this webinarPolicymakers, researchers, and the general public have expressed concern that the U.S. veteran community is at increased risk of radicalization and violent extremism, particularly in the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Extremist groups actively target service members and veterans for recruitment, and some hypothesize that the destabilizing period of transitioning out of the military can increase veterans’ susceptibility to these efforts. During this webinar, experts will discuss what the research tells us about the prevalence of support among veterans for extremist groups and ideologies, efforts to identify those who have participated in violent events, and how to focus efforts aimed at preventing veterans’ radicalization.— |
| Veteran Resource Event Tuesday, July 25, 2023 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.Fitzgerald-Cummings American Legion Post #2, 7 Legion Drive, Augusta, MESponsor: The Maine Department of Labor and Fitzgerald-Cummings American Legion Post #2. Auxiliary aids and services are available to people with disabilities upon request. FMI: contact justin.spencer@maine.gov, 207-530-3210— |
| Internet for All Webinar Series: Data Collection Tools to Support the Digital Equity ActWednesday, July 26,2:00-3:00pm ETSponsor: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)NTIA has worked with the Census Bureau to gather and analyze federal data to identify the “covered populations” defined by the Digital Equity Act. The Digital Equity Act Population Viewer enables users to locate and understand where these populations are concentrated, at both the state and local levels. In this webinar, we will demo the latest version of this tool, explain its applicability to the Digital Equity Act programs, and share experiences from users who are using these estimates to help understand needs in their communities.— |
| Webinar on Innovative Volunteer Models to Promote Social ConnectionTuesday, August 1, 2023 12:00-1:00 PM ETJoin Commit to Connect for a webinar about innovative volunteer models that can be used to promote social connection and address social isolation and loneliness. During this webinar:The Give 5 program will highlight how their volunteer model offers retirees civic engagement opportunities that build upon their interests and skills.SAGE will share how they created and sustained volunteer opportunities that help LGBTQ+ older adults remain engaged in their community.The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation will highlight their peer mentoring program matching people with disabilities to spur connection.The webinar will include closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation. For questions, contact info@committoconnect.org.— |
| The 2023 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign begins soon!This annual effort is designed to support our nation’s Veterans, who bring invaluable skills, experience, and dedication to the workforce. Our goal is to help at least 100 Maine employers hire at least 100 Veterans within 100 days. Whether you’re an employer seeking to hire top talent or a veteran resource provider, join us as we honor our Veterans by investing in their future success and building a stronger workforce together.Schedule of events: August 17, 2023 | Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME 10:30 am to 3 pm Public Hiring Event and Resource Fair. Event includes a brief opening ceremony with event immediately following OPEN TO ALL JOB SEEKERSSeptember 21, 2023 | Eastern Maine Community College, Bangor, ME 11 am to 3 pm Public Hiring Event and Resource Fair. Employers to Provide their own Table, Chairs are provided OPEN TO ALL JOB SEEKERSOctober 19, 2023 | The Point, South Portland, ME 11 am to 3 pm Public Hiring Event and Resource Fair. Employer to Provide their own Table and Chairs OPEN TO ALL JOB SEEKERSNovember 9, 2023 | Auburn Mall, Auburn, ME 11 am to 3 pm Public Hiring Event and Resource Fair. Employer to Provide their own Table and Chairs OPEN TO ALL JOB SEEKERSYou can register for one, or all of the events (click above). — |
| Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee (MVCC)Monday, September 18, 20236PM via Zoom Log-in here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84773217133?pwd=dFNhT1dLcHBWOFBVRHNiMXk1cHZLZz09The Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee is established as a nonprofit, nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization for the purpose of serving the State’s congressional delegation, the Legislature, local governments and the general public as a clearinghouse of information and suggested legislation regarding veterans’ issues at local, state and federal levels.— |
| Notices of Funding, Proposals, Recognition(Funding opps listed by due date. Additional resources at bottom of this section.) |
| USDA Announces $45 Million Funding Opportunity to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers, Ranchers, and Foresters Deadline: Tuesday July 25, 2023Learn more in June and July webinars (see events, above).WASHINGTON, April 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $45 million available to organizations that help underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. This program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).— |
| Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural AreasApplication Deadline: July 31, 2023 Sponsor: U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsGrants for new organizations to assist veterans with transportation in highly rural areas. Applicants should provide transportation services to VA medical centers and assist with transportation services in connection with the provision of VA medical care to these veterans.The original deadline of July 30 for this program has been moved back by one day to July 31— |
| Request For Proposals for a Senior/Assisted Living Enhanced Use Lease housing development to be located on 8.9 undeveloped acres of the Togus Campus.Request for Proposals close August 4VA Maine Healthcare System currently maintains over 500 acres on its Togus campus in Augusta that includes both established buildings and natural woodlands. To ensure that we continue to be stewards of Veterans’ resources, VA Maine regularly assesses for underutilized property. The Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) authority is one option available to provide potential opportunities for growth or additional services. The EUL process allows VA Maine to manage underutilized property by leasing land (with or without buildings) for specific development purposes. Lessees may be state or local governments or private sector organizations. During the EUL process, the lessee is responsible to finance, design, develop, construct, demolish or rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the property. The lessee assumes all financial obligations and risks associated with the EUL project during all stages of development, implementation, and operation.VA’s EUL authority was initially enacted in 1991 and codified in 38 U.S.C. § 8161-8169. After its expiration at the end of 2011, it was reauthorized on August 6, 2012. Additional amendments over time clarified and modified VA’s authority. The 2022 PACT Act broadened VA’s existing EUL authority by extending the potential duration of an EUL to 99 years and allowing EUL projects that provide supportive housing or enhance the use of the leased property by providing services that benefit Veterans directly or indirectly.The EUL process is directed by the national Office of Asset Enterprise Management (OAEM), and includes public hearings, Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) that are published on SAM.gov, site visits for potential offerors, and finally, a comprehensive review of submitted proposals. Each proposal must meet all requirements identified in the RFQ, and VA Maine collaborates with OAEM realty specialists to select the highest quality proposal that meets our goals.VA Maine previously utilized the EUL process for the Cabin in the Woods development that was completed in 2018. The EUL project provided 21 cabin units as permanent housing on the Togus campus for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and one administrative/community cabin.In this current EUL project, VA Maine is collaborating with realty specialists at the Office of Asset Enterprise management to request proposals for a Senior/Assisted Living EUL housing development to be located on 8.9 undeveloped acres of the Togus Campus. The proposed goals of the EUL include providing permanent or assisted living supportive housing for senior (55+) Veterans and their families, thereby allowing the residents to age in place.The RFQ was published to SAM.gov on May 4, 2023 and closes on August 4, 2023. VA Maine looks forward to reviewing the proposals submitted.VA Maine Senior/Assisted Living RFQ Link: SAM.gov (See the attachments at the bottom of the page within this link for the appropriately formatted RFQ documents) Additional information on EUL: Investment and Enterprise Development Service (IEDS) – Office of Asset Enterprise Management (OAEM) (va.gov)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Submission Volume 4 of 5 (va.gov) (EUL – page 217 of 540, Ch 4 p.85)Current operational housing EULs: VA 3rd Qtr FY 2023 EUL Overview – 2023-04-11 final— |
| Apply for the Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program Closing Date for Applications: August 31, 2023Sponsors: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Community Planning and Development Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development HUD in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced $6.4 million in grant funding to modify or rehabilitate eligible veterans’ primary residences. Eligible applicants for the Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program (VHRMP) are nonprofit organizations that provide nationwide or statewide programs that primarily serve veterans or low-income individuals. |
| More resourcesOn Senator King’s website, see the Grants page as well as info about Congressionally Directed Spending. The Maine Philanthropy Center assists nonprofit organizations by helping them find funding sources for their organizations. They have a variety of services and resources available.Search GuideStar for the most complete, up-to-date nonprofit data available.— |
| As always, I am eager to hear from you. Please feel free to call or write. Thank you for all that you are doing! |