House OKs expansion of Solid Start for veterans

On Sept. 29, the U.S. House passed the bipartisan Solid Start Act of 2022, which permanently expands support for veterans during their first year of separation from the military.

“I know how tough the transition out of the military can be, and thanks to this bill, the VA will now proactively reach out to service members so they don’t have to navigate its bureaucracy alone,” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), who co-sponsored the bipartisan bill with U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH).

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bill Sept. 8.

According to the Congress.gov website, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate with the Department of Defense to provide additional outreach programs and help for veterans leaving the service.

The bill requires contact information to be collected during transition counseling or separation classes for members of the Armed Forces who are leaving. Veterans also must receive information on the purpose of the program, and information will be available on the VA website and in booklets. Members of the Armed Forces will be called three times within the first year of their separation.

Women veterans will be provided with health care and benefit information for their needs. Veterans also will be provided information on access to state and local programs, such as veterans centers. Outreach priority will be given to veterans who have accessed mental health resources prior to leaving the military.

The effectiveness of the programs will be analyzed and quality assurance tests will be measured on the calls. The VA is authorized to encourage veterans to provide contact information if they cannot be reached following their separation, and to follow up on missed phone calls.

According to Slotkin, who represents Michigan’s 8th District, “This bill will make a real difference for veterans across Michigan.”

She said the bill was supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and other veterans organization.

The Solid Start Act of 2022 now will be heading to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.