senate resolution no.22
Senators Klinefelt, Polehanki, McMorrow, Bayer, Shink, Outman, Wojno, Huizenga, Santana, Chang, Cavanagh and Geiss offered the following resolution:
A resolution to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA).
Whereas, The MVAA serves as the state’s central coordinating agency for Michigan’s 550,000-plus veterans and their families; and
Whereas, On January 18, 2013, the MVAA was created by an executive order; and
Whereas, The MVAA embraces the belief that those who serve our state and nation in the armed forces are members for life; and
Whereas, The agency provides support, care, advocacy, and service to veterans of all eras and backgrounds; and
Whereas, Veterans and their families are assisted by the MVAA by connecting them to federal and state resources and benefits they earned for their service; and
Whereas, The commitment to these brave men and women begins the day they take their oath, and provides comprehensive support after their service, ensuring that their long-term care needs are met with dignity, and their loved ones are supported in times of need; and
Whereas, The MVAA's goal is to reach and serve all Michigan veterans, a strategic approach that calls for connecting with underserved veteran populations including female veterans, tribal veterans, and incarcerated veterans; and
Whereas, They work to remove the barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care, and quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home; and
Whereas, The MVAA works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, various state departments and agencies, and hundreds of community-based veteran programs to create a no wrong door access to benefits and services; and
Whereas, The agency is responsible for the operation of the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center, a 24/7/365 call center (1-800-MICH-VET) in partnership with Michigan 211; and
Whereas, The MVAA is responsible for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, which provides short-term emergency relief to eligible veterans. Additionally, the agency is accountable for the state’s grant to chartered veterans service organizations and the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the 10th anniversary of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA); and be it further
Resolved, That we honor the agency’s dedication to serving Michigan veterans and their families as they work to improve the quality of life.