An Act To Provide Funds for Access for Veterans Seeking Health Care

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  Maine driver's licenses are no longer acceptable proof for admission to federal facilities outside the State; and

Whereas,  veterans who are Maine residents are unable to access needed health care at New Hampshire veterans' medical facilities; and

Whereas,  for those Maine resident veterans who reside near the border of New Hampshire, this restriction results in those veterans having to drive or be transported many more miles, which could result in their not getting the medical attention they need; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF

Veterans Services 0110

Initiative: Provides one-time funding for passports to allow veterans to access United States Veterans Administration health care facilities located on military installations in New Hampshire.

GENERAL FUND	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19
All Other	$45,000	$0	$0
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$45,000	$0	$0

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill provides a one-time General Fund appropriation of $45,000 in fiscal year 2016-17 to the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management for passports to allow veterans to access United States Veterans Administration health care facilities located on military installations in New Hampshire.