Joseph E. Hoagbin

This document outlines the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs' 2026 Legislative Initiatives, focusing on ensuring the continuity and financial integrity of programs that support Iowa veterans and their families. Key priorities include advocating for property tax relief for disabled veterans, protecting VA benefits, promoting excellence within the County Veteran Service Officer system, supporting Veteran Service Organizations, and modernizing the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund. Additionally, the initiatives address awareness issues such as improving mental health support, aiding homeless and underserved veterans, establishing Veterans Treatment Courts, implementing a Green Alert system, and aligning POW/MIA flag display regulations.

This document outlines the 2026 County Veterans Services Excellence Program Legislation by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. The plan addresses Iowa's low ranking in per capita veteran compensation by proposing initiatives to enhance the performance, efficiency, and innovation of county veteran service officers (CVSOs). Key components include reallocating existing funds to incentivize high-performing counties and providing statewide VA claims submission software and expanded training to CVSOs. The objective is to increase federal dollars flowing into Iowa through improved veteran benefit receipts.

The meeting included discussions and updates from the VA Regional Office, covering FY25 performance metrics such as 166 positive employment outcomes and processing 34,570 claims, a new regional record. Financial data indicated 60,789 beneficiaries received $113.7 million in compensation and pension. Updates also covered national backlog reduction efforts, expansion of Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) staffing, and renovation plans for the regional office. Updates from the Medical Center Director highlighted significant increases in volunteer transportation miles driven and monetary donations in FY25. Construction projects included the return of the eye clinic to Building 50, opening of a new ambulance bay, and ongoing work on an IR Path lab, expansions to Building 50, and a Burlington outpatient clinic expansion. Mental health updates noted the hiring of a new psychologist to fully staff the PTSD team and progress on implementing the behavioral health interdisciplinary program. Homelessness initiatives focused on increasing rural outreach, including surge events, and successfully transitioning dozens of veterans into permanent housing, exceeding local goals. Furthermore, the Emergency Department received Level 3 geriatric emergency department accreditation, and primary care providers were recognized for improvement in veteran satisfaction scores.

The Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs quarterly meeting included updates from the VA Regional Office, focusing on claims processing and outreach efforts, and the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, highlighting its 5-star rating and various events. Discussions covered the M-IMS Workgroup, neurocognitive disorder policy, Survivor Outreach Services, and the Iowa Balance of State Veterans Homeless Committee. Presentations were given by key leaders from various service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Updates were provided on cemetery and benefits, legislative matters, and the impact of the government shutdown on the IDVA. The meeting also addressed the need for maintaining veterans' graves, significant events and commemorations, and the Iowa Veterans Home, including resident statistics and responses to recent outbreaks.

The House Appropriations Committee meeting discussed the fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key discussion points included the continued investment in electronic healthcare record modernization, addressing the national crisis through potential cuts to contracts and personnel, and ensuring veterans receive the benefits and healthcare they have earned. The committee also addressed the need for reform within the VA, highlighting issues such as benefit backlogs, rising healthcare wait times, and the importance of proper forecasting and allocation of resources to avoid budget shortfalls.