I 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5226 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 5, 2010 Mr. Wilson of Ohio introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Appalachian Regional Commission to carry out a program of outreach for veterans who reside in Appalachia, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Appalachian Veterans Outreach Improvement Act.

2.

Outreach for veterans who reside in Appalachia

(a)

Program required

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Appalachian Regional Commission shall jointly carry out a program of outreach to veterans who reside in the Appalachian region for the purpose described in subsection (b). (b)

Purpose

The purpose described in this subsection is to increase the following: (1)The access to and use by veterans of Federal, State, and local programs providing compensation and other benefits for service in the Armed Forces. (2)Awareness of such programs, and their eligibility for such programs, by veterans who reside in the Appalachian region. (c)

Projects

(1)

Department of Veterans Affairs

In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with other Federal and State agencies to carry out projects under the jurisdiction of such agencies to further the purpose described in subsection (b). (2)

Appalachian Regional Commission

In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Appalachian Regional Commission may provide technical assistance, award grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide amounts to persons or entities in the Appalachian region for projects and activities that— (A)increase outreach with respect to, awareness of, and use by veterans of programs described in subsection (b)(1); (B)provide incentives for State and local governments and veterans service organizations to assist veterans in utilizing facilities and resources available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs; (C)provide incentives for State and local governments and veterans service organizations to assist veterans in utilizing resources available through government programs and veterans service organizations for veterans; (D)educate communities and State and local governments about the employment rights of veterans, including the employment and reemployment of members of the uniformed services under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code; (E)provide technical assistance to businesses owned by veterans; and (F)encourage and assist nonprofit organizations, businesses, and institutions of higher education to carry out programs of assistance designed for veterans. (d)

Information, advice, and technical assistance

In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Appalachian Regional Commission may provide, or may enter into contracts with public or private organizations to provide, information, advice, and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that provide services to communities in the Appalachian region in order to increase the number of veterans receiving such services in the Appalachian region. (e)

Definitions

In this section: (1)The term Appalachian region has the meaning given the term in section 14102(a) of title 40, United States Code. (2)The term veterans service organization means any organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.