Schwartz Endorsed by Veterans Group

from the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz receives A+ from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Action Fund for her work to support veterans. Schwartz was one of only 20 Members of Congress to receive this high mark for “exceptional” handling of veterans’ issues from the IAVA.

Schwartz has been committed to addressing the needs of America’s service members, veterans and their families since she introduced her first piece of legislation in 2005. The Veterans Employment and Respect Act, which was signed into law in 2007, provides tax incentives to employers who hire veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our troops make a tremendous sacrifice to serve this country and we should honor that sacrifice by providing them with the support they need and deserve when they return home,” Schwartz said. “I am honored to receive an A+ from the IAVA for my work on this important issue. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, I know how important it is that we continue to support the brave men and women who fight for our country.”

In addition to her work on ensuring veteran’s return home to economic opportunity, Schwartz has supported the New GI bill, more military child care centers, better military family housing, and important investments to strengthen veteran’s health care.

In April 2010, Schwartz voted for legislation that provides support services for families and others who care for disabled, ill or injured veterans; expands counseling and mental health services; enhances services for the 1.8 million veterans; expands health care access for veterans in rural areas; and offers a stipend for those living with severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Schwartz is a Founding Partner of the Veterans History Project and has hosted VHP training sessions and events to honor VHP volunteers and participating veterans in her district. She has helped to submit over 100 oral histories of constituent veterans to the VHP archives at the Library of Congress.

IAVA’s report card is based on lawmakers’ votes and sponsorship of bills in support of the organization’s legislative priorities, which include disability reform, predictable veterans’ affairs budgets and veterans’ employment and education, as well as eliminating veterans’ homelessness, improving healthcare for female veterans and easing the benefit claims process.