Stimulus packages

Paraplegia News, April, 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Stimulus Bill") was passed by Congress on February 13 and signed into law by President Obama on February 17.

Major veterans' provisions of the House bill included $1 billion for VA medical facilities for nonrecurring maintenance and $50 million for the National Cemetery Administration, but the final language of the Conference Report eliminated all funding for major and minor construction of VA facilities.

The legislation identifies areas of significant need within the VA system including:

* $50 million for Veterans Benefits Administration IT and claims processing

* $150 million for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities grants

* $150 million for General Operating Expenses

The legislation also Included a provision to provide a one-time $250 Economic Recovery Payment to veterans receiving compensation for a service-connected disability or pension benefits.