VAAC Report December 2017

DECEMBER 6, 2017

REPORT TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Airmen release balloons at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 20, 2017, during an event honoring prisoners of war and missing in action military personnel. The balloons carried names of POW/ MIA personnel, and airmen read them aloud as the balloons floated away. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado

ADVISORY COMMITTEE December 6, 2017 ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tony García, Chair .............................................................................................Portland Kim Douthit, Vice Chair ....................................................................................Portland Mike Jones, Secretary ....................................................................................... Ontario Dennis Guthrie ................................................................................................ Redmond John F. Howard ................................................................................................ Medford Reyn Leno ................................................................................................. Grand Ronde Rosy Macias .......................................................................................................... Salem Val Valfre, Jr .……………………………………….....................................................Forest Grove Vacant Position ...............................................................................................................

ODVA STAFF Cameron Smith .................................................................................................. Director Cody Cox ........................................................ Veteran’s Home Loan Program Manager Martha-Estela Garcia ................................................... Special Assistant to the Director John Haytas..................................................................... Information Services Manager Nicole Hoeft ..........................................................................Communications Manager Mary Jaeger.................................................................. Aging Veteran Services Director John Osborn .......................................................... Facilities and Construction Manager Julie Owens ......................................................................... Human Resources Manager Laurie Skillman ...............................................................................Senior Policy Advisor Bruce Shriver ................................................................................ Chief Financial Officer Mitch Sparks.......................................................... Statewide Veteran Services Director

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Quarterly Meeting Agenda Wednesday, December 6, 2017 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM VFW Post #661 / 630 Hood St NE, Salem OR 97301 I. WELCOME AND ADMINISTRATION • Call to Order – Chair Tony García • Pledge of Allegiance – Chair García • Moment of Remembrance for Jon Mangis – Mitch Sparks • Committee Member Introductions • Meeting Rules – Kim Douthit • Audience Introductions • Review and Approval of September 6, 2017 Minutes II. ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Mitch Sparks III. SUBCOMMITTEES UPDATES – ODVA Staff • Statewide Veteran Services – Sheronne Blasi • Home Loans Program – Cody Cox • Aging Veteran Services – Mary Jaeger • Finance – Bruce Shriver • Legislative Affairs and Policy – Laurie Skillman **********************************BREAK************************************* IV. Presentation – Incarcerated Veterans

By Pat McGuffin – Incarcerated Veteran Coordinator, ODVA V. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS • Legislative Sub-Committee to Provide Final Recommendations on SB 129, SB 832, & SB 436 • Vote on a motion to adopt the workgroup recommendations or not VI. NEW BUSINESS • June 2018 – La Grande September 2018 – Roseburg December 2018 - Salem • Open for Committee Members • Next Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting: Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 | Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Corvallis, OR

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VII. PUBLIC COMMENT (Speakers Limited to 3 Minutes) Public comment time is set aside for persons wishing to address the Advisory Committee on agenda matters. Action will not be taken at this meeting on citizen comments. However, the Advisory Committee, after hearing from interested citizens, may place items on a future agenda so proper notice may be given to all interested parties. At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be a Town Hall forum for individuals to bring up broader veteran community issues.

Members of the community may also submit written public comments to the Committee at the following email address: vaac@odva.state.or.us VIII. BUSINESS MEETING ADJOURNED OPEN FORUM

CONNECT WITH ODVA

WEBSITE www.oregon.gov/odva BLOG www.oregondva.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/odvavet TWITTER @oregondva or www.twitter.com/OregonDVA ADVISORY COMMITTEE vaac@odva.state.or.us PUBLIC INFORMATION ODVAinformation@odva.state.or.us SUBMIT AN EVENT www.oregon.gov/odva/INFO/Pages/index.aspx SUBMIT A STORY VetsNews@odva.state.or.us EMAIL SUBSCRIBE www.oregon.gov/odva (Under “Connect with ODVA”) VETS NEWS www.oregon.gov/odva/INFO/Pages/vetsnews.aspx 503-373-2389 LEGISLATIVE BILL DIGEST www.oregon.gov/ODVA/Pages/VetsLeg.aspx

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The Following Pages include the September 6, 2017 Meeting Minutes for Advisory Committee Approval

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Quarterly Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 6, 2017 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Inn at the Commons / 200 N. Riverside Ave, Medford, OR 97501 Dennis Guthrie, Advisory Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Guthrie Swearing in: Chair Guthrie and Director Smith swore in Tony García as the new Chair and Kim Douthit as the new Vice Chair.

Committee Members Present - Introductions: Dennis Guthrie – Redmond, US Army Veteran (medic) Kim Douthit – Portland, USCG, Student Veteran Advocate at Portland Community College, Navy spouse Tony García - Portland, US Army Veteran and ORARNG John Howard – Medford, US Navy Veteran, former legislative assistant to Congressman Walden Rosy Macías – Salem, US Marine Corps, Val Valfre – Forest Grove, US Air Force, Vietnam Veteran, Housing Director for Washington County Cameron Smith – Director ODVA, US Marine Corps Martha Garcia – Special Assist to the Director, ODVA, US Army/ORARNG Members Absent: Reyn Leno – Grande Ronde, US Marine Corps, Vietnam Veteran, Tribal Council Chair Jon Mangis – Salem, US Air Force Veteran, former director ODVA Mike Jones – Ontario, US Army, Vietnam Veteran Meeting Rules: Kim Douthit, Secretary, reviewed the rules of Advisory Committee public meetings for those in attendance.

Audience Introductions: Mike Whitfield – US Army, Rogue Valley Veterans & Community Outreach Michelle Beech – US Air Force, Easter Seals OR Veteran Employment Shannon Compton – US Army & ORARNG, Transition Assistance Advisor Meloni Beauchamp – US Army & ORARNG, Military One Source Andy Smith – US Navy, Association of Oregon Counties Laurie Skillman – ODVA, Policy & Legislative Affairs Mary Jaeger – ODVA, Director Aging Veterans Services 5

Martin Ornelas – US Navy, ODVA, Portland Claims Unda Chase – Easter Seals OR HVRP Gail Bashans – Easer Seals OR HVRP Chuck Hanger – US Army, Work Source Oregon Rogue Valley Tamara Brickman – DAS Chris Vorgang – US Army, Congressman’s Walden’s Office Terry M. Haines – US Navy, NCO Association (NCOA) & Southern Oregon Veterans Benefit (SOVB) James A. Herndon – US Navy, NCOA, VFW, and SOVB David Haines – US Air Force, NCOA & SOVB Ron Kohl – US Air Force/ US Army, NCOA & SOVB Perry Prince – American Red Cross Ron Sticka – US Air Force, MOAA & Kim Sticka PTSD Music and Arts Foundation Amanda Beitel - Legislative Fiscal Office Bob Huff – US Army, American Legion & Jackson County Allied Veterans Council Sione Filimoehala – Legislative Policy and Research Office Matt Havniear – US Marine Corps, Team Overland & Columbia Care Dave Fulton – US Army, Rogue Valley Transportation District, Veterans Transportation Debbie McCuin – DHS/APD Russ McBride – US Marine Corps, SOVB Ike Eisenhauer – US Army, SOVB Rick Chirrick – US Army, VA SORCC Van Moore – VCCO/Westcare Review and Approval of September 6, 2017 Meeting Minutes : Edits were submitted by Val Valfre. A motion was made to accept the minutes with submitted edits, motion seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Director’s Report – Cameron Smith, Director ODVA Director Smith began by thanking all the local community, veterans’ organizations and state partners there in Southern Oregon. He gave a special thanks to John Howard for his work on bringing the Advisory Committee down to Southern Oregon.

He highlighted the two-page legislative summary that gave the details of the new investments of Measure 96 Lottery Funds and the Veteran Policy Bills (attached). Director Smith then moved on to speak on how half of ODVA’s funds have always historically flowed down to the county level, that this year Polk County came on line with a Veteran Service Office and now Marion County would also be coming on line with a Veteran Service Office.

A request was made to hear more about the grant funds.

A large piece of Measure 96 money is not only for state and county or government programs, but how to model some pilot efforts to better support community efforts through the service organizations, non-profits, or campus veterans. It is a very broad grant. Ideally, it is for the main gaps where we don’t have or haven’t had flexible funds. With the range of projects, it will also have great challenges with measuring the results from those projects.

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Question was then asked about a timeline on the grant. The goal to have the request for proposals out is late fall to early winter in order to begin awarding at the end of this year and be able to have a year’s worth to track.

Next question was on what the expectations are for the $1.5 million for veterans housing and homeless prevention. New initiatives will go through Oregon Housing and Community Services. $350,000 will go to homeless prevention through community action agencies across the state to be used in combination with local, state or federal resources to help homeless veterans either stay in their homes or get into shelter. This $1.5 mil augments the existing resources from the docking fees. ODVA will be working collaboratively with Oregon Housing and Community Services to figure out what the gaps are wherein we can leverage the rest of the $1.5 million.

ODVA Staff Updates: Statewide Veterans Services – Martin Ornelas, Manager Portland Statewide Veterans Services Office, ODVA Martin reviewed the report submitted by Mitch Sparks, Director of Statewide Veterans Services. He gave a special emphasis to the work the Portland office does as a direct liaison between ODVA and the Federal VA. Martin shared that there would be two judges coming from Washington D.C. in October to conduct hearings. He also informed the audience about the new Decision Ready Claims (DRC), a claims model that will provide the VA with every piece of evidence to include medical evidence and a DBQ (questionnaire completed by the veteran) needed to complete the claim in minimal time.

Question: What is the timeline for Decision Ready Claims?

Answer: The timeline is around 3 months.

Martin also gave an update on Appeals Modernization. He stated that it used to be that each regional office had their own appeals staff, but now the model is that the appeals staff at the regional office answers directly to the Appeals Management office in Washington D.C. What this does is allow the staff from the regional offices to continue working on appeals, rather than being pulled off to work on other projects.

Question: Is the biggest backlog the appeals or the original claims?

Answer: Original claims are actually moving fairly quickly. Appeals are still the longest delay.

Question: Are the 3,000 claims filed new ones?

Answer: Yes, they are.

Home Loans – Cody Cox, Home Loans Manager, ODVA Cody went over the highlights of the Home Loans report. He stated that the 2nd Quarter for 2017 was the largest quarter for production since he had been with the agency, which is 2013.

For the end of the fiscal year the Home Loan Program closed with 281 units for $72,282,026 making it the 3rd highest unit and dollar volume going back to FY 1998. Cody shared the big

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news that they had just exceeded $300 million in the servicing portfolio. The reason for that is that the new loans have increased in amount and that the old loans have continued to pay off.

Home Loans will be adding two new positions. One will be filled by a current staff member and another will be a new hire.

Question: What is the difference between Oregon’s Home Loan Program and the Federal Home Loan Program? What other states have a Home Loan Program?

Answer: The Federal VA guarantees the loan and the lender makes the loan. A Federal VA loan can be transferred from servicer to servicer to servicer. With ODVA loans, once ODVA closes and takes ownership of the loan, ODVA retains it. Also, Federal VA has hoops they have to jump through and ODVA does not. ODVA requires a down payment, while Federal VA does not.

The other states that have programs are Alaska, California, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Aging Veteran Services – Mary Jaeger, Director Aging Veteran Services Mary shared that statistically well over half of Oregon’s vets are over the age of 65. In our two veteran homes we can serve about 300 veterans. In our Conservatorship program we serve about 150 -175 veterans, both as conservatorships and rep payees. She then proceeded to share that the rest of the vets are at home, in civilian nursing homes, etc. and because of that ODVA is extremely grateful for the Vet Volunteer Coordinator position.

This year the Lebanon home turned 3 years old and The Dalles home turned 20 years old. Mary also shared that Oregon is known across the states for how well it takes care of its elders.

Oregon is really trying to change how people look at aging – just because you are old does not mean you are going to a state veteran’s home.

Mary introduced Jerry Walker who spoke about the opportunity that Oregon has been given with the $10 million for a 3rd veterans home and what this type of home may look like. The nursing homes in Southern Oregon are less than half full. There is a significant need in Southern Oregon for assisted living. Step number one was to see if there was a need for assisted living; there is. Step number 2 was to talk to the VA in Roseburg and say, instead of a nursing home, could we build an assisted living and memory care campus on your grounds. The answer was “we think you can”. Now we have a place and an idea. Now how do we pay for it? We asked the legislature leadership if we could use the $10 million to build a nursing home lite, and the answer was yes and that they may be able to get us some more funding. Then Douglas County was asked if they were going to be able to put money into the project and the answer was yes.

At this time it looks like collaborations with the State, County and City may allow us to raise about $20 million and build a 150 – 175 bed assisted living and memory care facility on the Roseburg VA campus.

Legislative Affairs and Policy – Laurie Skillman, Legislative and Policy Advisor, ODVA Laurie went over her report which is an overview of the 2017 Legislative session in which 87 veterans’ bills were tracked. She went to speak about the ODVA Grants Bills. Laurie spoke to how the program is being set up, the rules and process. She then shared that when legislators meet during these next legislative days in September and December that what they would be doing is meeting in committees to talk about possibilities for the next session.

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Laurie spent some time going over SB 129, SB 832, and SB 436 as to how they relate to the Advisory Committee. Oregon Legislature enacted these 3 bills to have their merits reviewed by the ODVA Advisory Committee and report back to the Senate and House veterans’ policy committee. She let the Advisory Committee know that she had prepared white papers for them on each Senate Bill so that they could then make a good informed recommendation.

Question: How common is this type of request from the legislature for Advisory Committees?

Answer: It is most unusual to ask an advisory board to make this kind of recommendation. *****Break was called***** Presentation: Jackson County Veterans’ Advisory Committee Update by John Howard John shared how they in the Rogue Valley are very lucky to have government agencies (federal, state, county, and municipal) that have some sort of sentence in their mission statement that says “help veterans”. At the federal level there are all 3 pieces of the VA in the Rogue Valley. He also shared that some of their legislators are veterans. He went over the different organizations that they partner with and just how deeply the local community is involved with the local veteran community as well. Not only are the veterans’ organizations the ones reaching out and doing good work there in the community for veterans, but also non-veteran organizations – who are reaching out with programs for veterans also.

John went on to say that there are about 4 to 5 different veteran coordination groups there in the valley who all work very well together to make sure that they aren’t stepping over each other. He also shared that Jackson County is one of two Community Veteran Engagement Boards (CVEB) in the state with the other being in Portland. John then shared that the National Veterans Intermediary, a subgroup of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, had awarded the Jackson County Veterans Advisory Committee $2,000 to continue their partnerships and collaborations, but since they are a CVEB, they are not set up to accept money, but are working on a way to accept the money and put it to good use.

As John spoke he shared just how important veterans are to the community there in the Rogue Valley, telling all that they even have a two buzz phrases that are used, which are “No Wrong Door” and “Warm Hand Offs”. These phrases mean that at any time a veteran can knock on their door and get assistance and that if someone asks for help from you and you are not the right person to help, that instead you actually lead them to the agency or person can help with their issue.

Old Business: • Annual Report was reviewed by Director Smith • Work Groups for Legislative Review / New Sub-Committees - Motion was made to restructure sub-committees in the by-laws to Legislative and Housing, Motion was seconded, motion passed - Legislative Sub-Committee Members: Tony García, Dennis Guthrie, John Howard, Val Valfre - Housing Sub-Committee Members: Val Valfre, Kim Douthit, Mike Jones, Rosy Macias 9

New Business: • Open for Committee Members: Tony shared that he had an attorney reach out to him who wanted to talk about Incarcerated Veterans and address the Advisory Committee. What Tony thought would be a better idea was to have a presentation from ODVA staff on the Incarcerated Veterans program and invited the attorney so that he could learn about it. He also shared that he is working on a project with the legal community where they look at programs that they can provide for veterans. There is an opportunity to help veterans with preventative legal measures, landlord issues, or even forming a business. There is a military and veteran division of the bar and they have formed a committee; these are some of the ideas that we have on what we could do.

Question: How do we get legal assistance at Stand Downs?

Answer: John Howard shared that William Haberlach, an attorney in Medford, has gathered a team of lawyers who provide free assistance during their Stand Down and would be a great point of contact to help with getting set up.

Dennis Guthrie also shared that in October that the Redmond VFW will be having a Stand Down. He asked if anyone knew of any lawyers that would be able come and help during the Stand Down.

• Next meeting December 6, 2017 in Salem Public Comment: Ron Sticka – He informed the committee about the Kim Sticka PTSD Music and Arts Foundation.

He shared that he feels very strongly that there really should be a task force implemented on PTSD. Kathy Pierce – Her comment was about the Roseburg home. She really feels that the idea of Assisted Living for the next home is a great idea.

Meeting adjourned at 1230.

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The Following Pages Includes Today’s Meeting Reports for December 6, 2017

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ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Cameron Smith

First and foremost, we are saddened by the loss of Jon Mangis. Jon served as director of ODVA from 1985 to 2003 – and started at the department even further back in 1970. He was one of the first people I reached out to when appointed as director and a good friend and mentor. Jon was the real deal and a true advocate for veterans and their families. We will miss him, his counsel on the Advisory Committee, and leadership in the veterans’ community.

With all of your help as members of the Advisory Committee this past year, we made a lot of progress to better serve our veterans and their families. We were pleased to submit the Annual Report to the Governor and Legislature to capture our shared efforts over the last fiscal year.

With much accomplished in the 2017 legislative session, we continue to press forward on new initiatives such as the Veteran Service Grant Fund and Student Veteran Success Grant Fund. We already have the student veteran grant out with a Request for Proposals and will launch the veteran services grant in December for proposals from diverse community partners.

We are also excited that Marion County has chosen Mid-Willamette Community Action Agency as their contractor to start up their County Veteran Service Office in January 2018. We continue to work closely with them for hiring, training and office set up. We are aiming to fully transition local veteran services to them by July 2018 which will allow us to align our staff to key areas like veterans housing and health care navigation.

Many other counties are ramping up with the additional funding to hire more VSOs, assistants and expand outreach. Even before the new hires, we had incredible turn out and over one hundred attendees at our VSO training conference in October.

At statewide level, we have also been busy hiring new staff. We look forward to introducing you to new team members for Aging Veterans Outreach Coordinator (Troy Fluke), Veteran Volunteer Coordinator (Jacade Hanson) and Student Veterans Coordinator (Bob Small - who had been a VSO in Statewide Veteran Services - Salem).

We’re also excited to have Sheronne Blasi (share-On Blaze-ee) on board as the Assistant Director of Statewide Veteran Services. She is a 14 year Navy veteran and most recently a Performance Audit Manager for the Oregon Secretary of State where she led a team that is instrumental in helping state agencies better achieve on their mission and core programs. Sheronne will continue to help us improve veteran services and connect us to other agency efforts and community partners.

We also continue great outreach with a recent unveiling of Oregon Women Veterans Memorial in Springfield, the premiere of our film ‘Breaking the Silence’ telling the stories of LGBTQ veterans, our partnership with OPB on public service announcements to connect with Vietnam veterans during the Ken Burns series, and a tele-town hall with AARP – in addition to countless Veterans Day (week) events!

Please take the time to read through the key program updates that follow and we can’t wait to see you all in Salem in December. Thank you again!

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STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Mitch Sparks, Director

During the first quarter, Statewide Veteran Services has been pursuing interagency connectivity with HCS, DOC, OHA, DHS, and Marion County to ensure all Oregon veterans have access to earned benefits and foster partnerships with state, county and non-profit agencies to broaden the outreach efforts to connect with more veterans across the state.

As a result of Measure 96 funding and new legislative initiatives we have created position descriptions and advertised for a Campus Veteran Coordinator and begun work on HB2891 (Veterans Services Grant) and SB143 (Campus Resource Center Grant).

PROGRAMS Statewide Veterans’ Services, Salem Office—Pat McGuffin, Manager Providing direct service to veterans and dependents for Marion County.

The last county in Oregon without a Veteran Service Office, Marion, will start operations of their own county veteran office January 1st, 2018. Marion County issued an RFA and spent time this quarter analyzing submissions. Projected timeline includes an announcement of the winner of the contract in November. The SVS Salem office is readying for the gradual transition.

Statewide Veterans’ Services, Portland Office—Martin Ornelas, Manager Support County Veterans Service Officers through quality assurance and appellate representation, as well as direct liaison with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Regional Office.

During the quarter, SVS Portland staff attended 72 Travel Board and Video hearings and 69 DRO hearings. SVS Portland has recruited and hired Patty Stewart as the newest VSO. Patty’s previous position was administrative support at our Portland office and was a perfect choice to promote to VSO. Training Certification and Outreach—Gus Bedwell and Joe Glover, Program Analysts It was an incredibly busy quarter for the training and certification team. From July 1st through September 30th, Joe Glover and Gus Bedwell combined for 31 different outreach training events, in fifteen different counties, covering over 5,000 miles to various sites.

In addition to the work of training and certifying County Veteran Service Officers, this quarter saw outreach initiatives in some new and exciting arenas. A new partnership was created between DPSST, ODVA, and ODE to provide firsthand assistance to veterans who now serve across the state as first responders, and utilize their GI Bill to do so. Monthly, the team will visit to coordinate and train these veterans as to what benefits their military service entitles them. Additionally, a one-day Tribal Veteran outreach training was held to reinforce the week long training earlier in the year, strengthening the relationship between ODVA and the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon to assist the tribal veteran representatives in better serving their veterans. For the first time ever, a one-day workshop was held for the Multnomah County VISTA team, designed to get them engaged with the many veterans not currently receiving benefits in their area. Partnership training events for four different ADRC units for medical and aging community partners were also held this quarter.

Women Veterans Coordinator—Liz Estabrooks, Program Analyst From July to September, Liz conducted four listening sessions, one employment forum, and 11 different events (stand downs, summits, celebrations/honoring) connecting with more than 100 women veterans.

In addition, she also worked with ten veterans to resolve issues related to claims, services, or housing.

She gave seven presentations and trainings to community partners and educational groups connecting with over 400 professionals around Oregon through activities and meetings with 40 community

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STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Mitch Sparks, Director

partners with a focus on increasing awareness on issues, needs, challenges, and barriers of women veterans and how community partners can improve their services through identification of and appropriate outreach to women veterans; gave two media interviews; and worked with the VA, including the PVAMC Director, the Women’s Health Director, the MST coordinator, five women’s program managers, and the Suicide Prevention Coordinator on issues directly related to specific veterans and improving services.

LGBTQ Veteran Coordinator—Nathaniel Boehme, Program Analyst This quarter saw ongoing sustainment and additional expansion of the LGBTQ veteran coordinator work. A highlight was Nathaniel’s invitation to present at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ national convention in Washington D.C. Along with three others who were fundamental in the work to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, he was able to give information on the work the State of Oregon is doing in serving all its veterans to include women and LGBTQ veterans. This quarter also saw the finishing touches put on a year-long project for the film Breaking the Silence, an LGBTQ Veteran Storytelling Project.

Grants Management Emergency Financial Assistance First Quarter 2017-18 (July – September): 32 applications for grants were received, with five of those approved for a total of $11,567. The average grant was $2,313. Most approved grants are for mortgage/rent and utility payments, as well as medical/dental procedures.

Highly Rural Transportation Grant The grant is active. Ten rural counties are receiving assistance transporting veterans to VA and nonVA medical appointments. The grant has been a successful cooperative arrangement between USDVA, ODVA, and rural counties and their transportation entities. This past quarter closed the third year of the grant. ODVA successfully applied for a fourth year. Since inception, over 30,000 hours and 817,000 miles have been driven, making nearly 15,000 separate trips taking remote veterans to medical appointments.

Lines for Life The grant is active. Lines for Life provides 24 hour phone and text services to at-risk veterans and their families. 966 calls from twenty-one identified counties were logged for the period July 1 – September 30, 2017. The calls had an average wait time of 17 seconds, and the average duration of a call was 15.6 minutes. Referrals were given to 34% of the callers for mental health appointments, drug and alcohol treatment, and assistance with the VA.

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Veterans’ Home Loan Program Third Quarter 2017 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

Production Review •

For the 3rd Quarter, 2017, the Home Loan Program closed 66 loans for a gross dollar volume of $18,533,521. For the same period in 2016, the Home Loan Program funded 67 loans for $17,254,432. With a decrease of only one loan from the referenced quarter, this represents an increase of 7.41% in dollar volume for that same period. Our average loan amount has now grown to $266,220.

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Calendar year to date production shows at 217 units for $58,403,009. This amount almost exceeds the entire year production for 2016, which ended at 225 units for $53,924,113.

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The chart below shows a 2014 - 2017 YTD monthly production comparison of dollar volume funded for the OrVet Home Loan program. $10,000,000 $9,000,000 $8,000,000 $7,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $-

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2014

2015

2016

2017

At the end of the 3rd Quarter 2017, ODVA has a total of 1,860 loans in portfolio, with a total dollar amount under servicing of $303,435,423. Of these, 1,506 units and $291,317,583 are new loans. Old loans were at 354 units totaling $12,117,840. At the end of the 3rd Quarter 2016, the ODVA had a total of 1,865 for $268,541,214 under servicing, with 1,405 units at $254,263,576 as new loans and 460 units at $14,277,638 were Old Loans. Our loan servicing portfolio had grown in 2017 by $28,628,806 (or 10.42%) while having the same amount of loans at the beginning of the year. 81 loans from the old loan portfolio have paid off year-to-date. Our New Loan portfolio has increase by $30,948,479, or 11.89%.

Loan Delinquency Review • •

For the reporting period of 09/30/2017, there were 2 State Owned Properties/Real Estate Owned (SOP/REO) in inventory, no change from the previous quarter.

There were 3 loans in a Foreclosure status, down 2 from the last report date.

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Veterans’ Home Loan Program Third Quarter 2017 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

• • •

The number of loans in Bankruptcy remained constant at 2 loans.

The total of all loans reporting in the 90-day or greater delinquency position was at 12, expressed as 0.6% unit delinquency on a portfolio of 1,860 loans and at 0.2% per dollar amount under portfolio.

ODVA continues to experience reduced delinquency rates as compared to other Government Residential Loan Programs. The Mortgage Bankers Association publishes a quarterly National Delinquency Survey and the following represents Oregon specific comparative data from the most recently available Third Quarter 2017 report. The delinquency rate expressed as a percentage of total loans (units) past due for the Federal Veterans Affairs home loan program in Oregon was 2.48%, FHA home loans in Oregon were at 5.20% and Conventional Prime home loans Oregon were at 2.01%. For this reporting period, the total delinquency for the ODVA home loan program was 1.3% at 25 units, up 2 from the previous report.

Quarterly Staffing News •

No new hires during the reporting period.

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director AVS New programs Aging Veterans Outreach In the 2017-19 budget the new position of Aging Veteran Outreach Specialist was added. This position will focus on identifying aging veterans who are not currently accessing their VA benefits and to establish and coordinate services directed at aging veterans residing in their homes or in care facilities around the state.

The agency interviewed for this position and on November 8th Troy Fluke joined the ODVA AVS team.

Troy is an Army veteran who served six years as a combat engineer. Troy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a MBA and brings great experience to the team. He has a background of 12 years in law enforcement as well as experience working with veterans in the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) with the state of Utah assisting veterans with employment issues. Troy has also worked with veterans as a community manager for a HUD-VASH housing program in the Portland area and through Volunteers of America assisting with housing and other needs.

Veteran Volunteer Program During the 2017 legislative session HB 2908 was passed. This bill created the Veteran Volunteer Program and allows the agency to hire a coordinator for the program. This position will focus on establishing a volunteer program to serve the needs of veterans statewide as well as recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers.

The agency interviewed for this position and Jacade Hanson to join the ODVA AVS team. Jacade will be starting in this new position on January 2, 2018 and comes to ODVA from his position as a Training and Development Specialist with the Oregon State Hospital. Jacade served in the US Air Force for 12 years. Since his discharge he has obtained his Administrators License for skilled nursing homes, received a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration with an emphasis on the aging population, worked with aging veterans, volunteers, and disabled populations (and he speaks, reads, and writes fluent German).

Conservatorship - Helen Ireland, Conservatorship Manager On August 22, 2017, Mariya Williams, who was temporarily running the Representative Payee program, was promoted permanently to the position. We are currently in the process of filling a vacant Office Specialist 2 position. Part of the duties of this position will be to assist with the Representative Payee caseload. We hope to complete the selection process for this position and have the selected candidate on board by the middle of December.

In August 2017, one of the two positions of Trust Officer Assistant was vacated. Interviews were commenced. On November 1, 2017, Holly Kamppi was hired to fill the position to assist Lee Inman, Trust Officer. Ms. Kamppi has a strong background of administrative work history and is a good addition to our agency.

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Conservatorship and Representative Payee Demographics

5 11 5

24

16

14

31

35

15

88 41

53

7 11 16

Nursing Home

Residential Care Facility

Adult Foster Home

Assisted Living Facility

Room & Board Facility

Hospital

Independent Living

Relative Care

Incarcerated

Homeless

128

WWII Korea Vietnam Peace Time Gulf War

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple campaigns of war.)

Oregon Veterans’ Home, Lebanon - Jeremy Woodall, Program Director Three Year Anniversary In September, the OVHL celebrated three years being open and providing honorable care to our veteran residents. The OVHL has consistently operated 95% full for the past year.

Veterans Day The OVHL was again this year involved in the Albany Veterans Day parade, both as a participant in the parade and a spectator. The Recreation Team does a live Facebook feed from the parade and we show it in the Activity Room at the Home so veterans who don’t get to attend the parade can still watch it.

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director OVHL Demographics 2 14

6

23

32

17

34 34

59

72 14 2

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

Air Force

Army

Coast Guard

Peace Time

Gulf War

OIF/OEF

Marine

Navy

Spouse

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple campaigns of war/ branches, veteran of spouse (resident) not included.)

Oregon Veterans’ Home, The Dalles - Michael Springston, Program Director Updates: OVHTD has finished the Delta Wing remodel and the addition for Delta Wing activities center is being framed and roofed. Bravo Wing is nearly finished and we expect to start Charlie before the Thanksgiving.

We have had Zero safety issues with residents during this process.

ODVA has hired a designer to come to OVHTD and update artwork and furniture in the home to compliment the new updates. We have met with the designer and we are very excited about their vision.

VCCO staff has implemented a new innovative meal system, which they are testing on Charlie Wing. This system allows OVH to deliver veteran centered care at one of the hardest areas to do so. The system we are calling “Grab and Go” allows veterans and spouses to eat meals on their schedule instead of conforming to a scheduled meal time. Meals are still being delivered as usual alongside of this new program. Based on recent feedback it does appear we will be implementing this program campus.

OVHTD census reflects 88 men and 33 women with 3 women Veterans. The average age of our residents is 80.38 years old.

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director OVHTD Demographics

17

27

14

27 19

2 12

42

23 9 3

49

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

Air Force

Army

Coast Guard

Peace Time

Gulf War

Spouse

Marine

Navy

Spouse

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple campaigns of war/ branches, veteran of spouse (resident) not included.)

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FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer

Proposed Federal Tax Law Change threatens Future Issuances of Tax-exempt, Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds On November 9th, 2017, the Ways and Means Committee of the United States House of Representatives approved a bill (H.R. 1) which if passed in its present form by both the full House and Senate would eliminate the Department’s ability to issue tax-exempt, Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMBs) after December 31, 2017. QVMBs are the primary funding mechanism by which the Department raises lendable funds for below-market home loan interest rates to qualified veterans in recognition of their service to our State and Nation. The Senate Finance Committee has also released a description of a tax bill it plans to consider which does not appear to preclude future tax-exempt issuance of QVMBs. The Department will be closely monitoring the status of these two bills and how they progress through the federal legislative process. In the meantime, The Department is evaluating whether to proceed with another bond issue consisting of current refunding bonds and “new-money” QVMBs prior to the end of the 2017.

Issuance of $75 million of State of Oregon, General Obligation Veteran Bonds On October 11, 2017, the Department completed a sale of approximately $75 million of State of Oregon, General Obligation Veteran Bonds. Approximately $34 million of the bond proceeds were obtained to originate new veteran home loans and the remaining $41 million was used to refund existing Department bonds to achieve a lower overall cost of funds on the outstanding debt.

Audited Fiscal Year Financial Statements The fiscal year 2017 audited financial statements show an overall increase in net position in the Veterans’ Loan Program of approximately $0.4 million. The fiscal year 2016 audited financial statements show an overall decrease in net position of approximately ($3.6) million. The fiscal year 2017 increase in net position is primarily attributable to increased mortgage loan interest income, higher investment income and lower overall operational costs.

The Veterans’ Home Program fiscal year 2017 financial statements show an overall increase in net position of approximately $5.0 million, compared to an increase in net position of approximately $2.1 million for the prior fiscal year. Included in these figures were transfers and capital contributions into the Veterans’ Home Program from the Veterans’ Home Trust Fund and federal grant monies which totaled approximately $1.0 million and $0.6 million respectively in fiscal years 2017 and 2016.

The Changes in Net Position for both the Veterans’ Loan Program and Veterans’ Home Program are shown in comparative form in the graph below.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer

Other Financial Services Division Activities: Over the past several months, the Financial Services team also received two “clean” financial statement audit opinions covering the Loan Program and Veterans’ Home Program, completed two standby bond purchase agreement extensions (these are agreements which provide liquidity to investors of our variable rate debt), worked on contracting & procurement efforts, processed federal grant reimbursements, conducted post-issuance bond compliance activities, exercised early bond redemptions, set up the appropriate funds/tracking needed for veteran service related lottery monies and performed other related financial activities as needed.

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

1.

VAAC Legislative Concept Workgroup Recommendation for SB 129, SB 832 and SB 436

Recommendations by the Workgroup to the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee The 2017 Oregon Legislature enacted three bills that require the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee to review the merits of these legislative concepts, prepare a report with recommendations on the concepts, and deliver the report to the House and Senate veterans’ policy committees by February 1, 2018. The bills are Senate Bill 129 (SB 129), Senate Bill 832 (SB 832) and Senate Bill 436 (SB 436).

Workgroup members are John Howard, Dennis Guthrie, Tony Garcia and Val Valfre. The workgroup recommendations are at the end of this report.

Action: • The workgroup will make a motion to the full VAAC to adopt the workgroup recommendations and submit the report to the House and Senate veterans’ policy committees by February 1, 2018.

• The VAAC needs to vote on the motion.

• Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs will prepare and submit the final report on behalf of VAAC. 2. Implementation of Campus Veteran Grant Program under SB 143: Measure 96 Funds The 2017 Oregon State Legislature passed Senate Bill 143, establishing a $1 million grant program to expand campus veteran resource centers on the campuses of Oregon community colleges and public universities. The purpose of the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program is to augment existing campus programs that help veterans successfully transition from military service to college life, succeed in college and complete educational goals, and transition from college to the workforce in the community.

The bill requires the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) to develop and implement the grant program and award multiple one-time grants on a competitive basis. Only Oregon community colleges and public universities (grant “Proposers”) may apply for a grant. Each community college or university may submit only one grant proposal. A grant proposal may include more than one project; however, the proposal must describe the goals, objectives, outcome measures and requested award amount for each project.

The maximum grant award is $100,000. Grants will be awarded for an 18-month term and funds must be used during the period January 2018 through June 2019. Successful applicants must submit quarterly reports that demonstrate measureable outcomes.

Date Issued: Proposals due: Evaluation committee meets: Award Notices Sent: Grant Funds distributed: Grant Period:

October 10, 2017 November 21, 2017 by 3:00 pm PST December 12, 2017 December 19, 2017 January 2018 January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

3. Implementation of Veteran Services Grant Fund under HB 2891: Measure 96 Funds The 2017 Oregon State Legislature passed House Bill 2891, establishing a $550,000 veteran services grant program. Grants will be awarded in the amount of $25,000 - $250,000 per grant recipient.

The purpose of grants is to provide outreach and services to Oregon veterans in eight basic categories: mental health, physical health, housing, employment opportunities, education and training, transportation accessibility and availability, veteran service organization providing critical services, any programs identified by VAAC. ODVA must adopt rules with advice from VAAC, including eligibility requirements. Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs will send out rules to members of the VAAC for input.

Timeline, Achievements and Current Status September – October 2017 Develop timeline, draft administrative rules, develop eligibility requirements, develop protocols used for vetting proposers, determine scoring to be used for evaluation, develop grant contracts, develop press/communication, and develop request for grant proposal using ORPIN contract template requirements November 2017  November 20: Send proposed rules to VAAC for input  November 27: File Administrative rules  November 27: Proposal to Attorney General for review December 2017 – January 2017  December 6: Request for Grant Proposals on ORPIN and out to the Public  January 5: All RFGP questions due by 3:00 pm PST via email.  January 17: Closing date for submitting proposals. Proposals are due by 3:00 pm PST.  January 31: Grant Proposal Evaluation Committee Determines Awards 4.

Implementation of Rural Medical Training Workgroup under HB 5006 budget note

The Rural Medical Training Workgroup was created by the 2017 Legislature in a budget note in HB 5006: Due to the shortage of nurses and medical technicians in the City of Roseburg and Douglas County that would be required to staff the approved Veterans' Home, the Subcommittee adopted the following budget note: The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon State Board of Nursing, is directed to convene a rural medical training facilities workgroup that will investigate issues related to alleviating a shortage of skilled and experienced nurses and medical technicians in the City of Roseburg and in Douglas County. Representatives from the City of Roseburg, Douglas County, local hospital or medical facilities, including the Roseburg VA

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

Medical Center, and local medical practitioners with experience in training nursing and medical technician students should be included in the workgroup membership.

The workgroup should consider issues related to establishing a medical training facility in partnership with local academic programs and methods of reintegrating veterans who are transitioning out of military service into society through higher education and career training.

The Department [Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs] shall report the results of the workgroup and recommendations to the Legislature by September 15, 2018.

The group has approximately 16 members and additional 10-12 individuals attend these meetings.

Meetings were held September 21, 2017 in Salem and November 16, 2017 in Roseburg. The next meeting is set for January 9, 2018 in Salem.

5.

Implementation of RFP for Suicide Prevention Crisis Line under ODVA Budget bill

The 2017 Legislature provided $350,000 to Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to contract for a veterans’ suicide crisis line that offers free, anonymous assistance 24-hours a day to active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The RFP will go out in early December. The current contract expires February 29, 2018.

6. Legislative Session Calendar 2018: “Short Session” Legislative calendar for January to March 2018 January 9: Task Force Day (Tuesday) January 10 – 12: Legislative Day (Wednesday-Friday) January 15: MLK Day (Monday) January 16: (Tuesday) Bills dropped February 1: Reports due to Legislature • VAAC Report on SB 126, SB 476 and SB 832 to policy committees • OHCS and ODVA on $1.5 million for veterans housing to Ways and Means February 5: Legislative Session Begins February 16: Revenue Forecast (Wednesday) February 19: President’s Day (Monday, but usually session continues) March 11: Legislative Session Ends, Constitutional Sine Die March 13: filing day

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

Legislative Concept Workgroup Evaluating the Merits of Certain Legislative Concepts and Reporting Recommendations to the Legislature for SB 129, SB 832 and SB 436 Workgroup Recommendations to the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee Background The 2017 Oregon Legislature enacted three bills that require the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee to review the merits of these legislative concepts, prepare a report with recommendations on the concepts, and deliver the report to the House and Senate veterans’ policy committees by February 1, 2018. The bills are Senate Bill 129 (SB 129), Senate Bill 832 (SB 832) and Senate Bill 436 (SB 436). The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs is charged with staffing the work groups.

At the September 6, 2017 meeting, the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) selected four members to serve on a work group to evaluate the merits of three legislative concepts and provide recommendations to the full committee at the December 6, 2017 VAAC meeting. Workgroup members are John Howard, Dennis Guthrie, Tony Garcia and Val Valfre.

ODVA prepared White Papers for each of the bills to assist the VAAC work group in evaluating the merits of each legislative concept. The White Papers provided background on the bill, the requirements for VAAC, background and analysis of the issues, and a copy of the bill. White papers were sent to all members of VAAC. The workgroup is forwarding these recommendations to the full VAAC, who will vote on the recommendations at the December 6, 2017 advisory board meeting.

Workgroup Recommendations Workgroup members John Howard, Dennis Guthrie, Tony Garcia and Val Valfre met on December 2, 2017 via teleconference. Cameron Smith, Laurie Skillman, Mitch Sparks and Sheronne Blasi from ODVA also participated.

The workgroup evaluated the merits of each bill and came to consensus on submitting the following recommendations to the full VAAC at the December 6, 2017 meeting.

The three workgroup recommendations on SB 129, SB 832 and SB 476 are attached.

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

Workgroup Recommendation for Senate Bill 129: Task Force on Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Senate Bill 129 (SB 129) requires the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) to review and consider whether a task force should be established that would make recommendations to the Legislature for the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder for Oregon veterans.

See Exhibit A: Senate Bill 129 Workgroup Discussion and Analysis The workgroup agreed that, in order for a task force to make informed recommendations to the Legislature on the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD in Oregon, particularly for veterans, and to make recommendations about funding sources, the task force would need to have a solid base of information on the current state of diagnosis and treatment of PTSD in Oregon.

The workgroup believes that, at this time, there is insufficient data available for a task force to make informed recommendations to the Legislature and recommends an alternative approach: to fund a study that is a comprehensive assessment of current PTSD services available for Oregon veterans.

Exhibit B: SB 129 Detailed Questions for a Study

SB 129: Workgroup Recommendation 1. Contract for a Study. The workgroup recommends that a valuable first step would be to contract for a study that would provide a comprehensive assessment of current PTSD services provided to veterans in Oregon. The study could include availability of services, access and barriers to access, utilization of services by veterans, gaps in services, and effectiveness of treatment. In addition, the study should provide an analysis of the data and findings, and present recommendations. The recommendations should include whether a task force would be appropriate. See Exhibit B: Detailed Questions for a Study.

2. Consider Whether to Convene Task Force After Study. The workgroup recommends that the Legislature determine whether establishing a Task Force would be a beneficial next step after the study has been conducted, and based on its findings and recommendations.

3. Potential Funding Sources. The workgroup recommends that, in addition to considering General Funds and Lottery Funds as potential sources of funding for a study, another potential funding source should be considered. The workgroup suggests that a portion of the $20 million the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) received in tobacco tax revenues during the 2017 legislative Session may be used. Out of the $20 million, the Legislature specifically allocated $2.5 million to “fund programs and services which improve behavioral health outcomes for Oregon’s veterans.”

OHA was directed to work with Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs to identify a process to fund these programs and services, then distribute the funds and report back to the 2019 Legislature. The workgroup recommends that ODVA and OHA fund a contract to study PTSD using these funds.

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

EXHIBIT A: Enrolled SB 129 Sponsored by Senators RILEY, MANNING JR, OLSEN; Representatives BYNUM, FAHEY, KENNEMER, MCKEOWN, MCLAIN, MEEK, SOLLMAN (Pre-Session filed) Relating to a task force on post-traumatic stress disorder; and prescribing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon: SECTION 1. (1) No later than February 1, 2018, the Advisory Committee appointed under ORS 406.210 shall review, consider and report to the interim legislative committees relating to veterans regarding establishing a task force on post-traumatic stress disorder.

(2) The Advisory Committee shall evaluate the benefits of empowering the task force to make recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Oregonians with post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly veterans, and identify funding sources for statewide efforts to improve the diagnosis and treatment of persons with post-traumatic stress disorder in this state.

(3) The Advisory Committee shall evaluate the possible composition of the task force, including members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, representatives of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Oregon Health Authority, the Department of Human Services, medical professionals and licensed social workers with expertise in the treatment of persons diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, members or veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and community stakeholders with an interest in the diagnosis and treatment of community members with post-traumatic stress disorder.

(4) The Advisory Committee shall evaluate the merits of establishing such a task force and the likelihood that the task force will enhance the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in this state, particularly as the disorder relates to veterans. The Advisory Committee’s report must address funding priorities for the task force’s implementation and make recommendations for legislation on establishing the task force.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 2017 Act is repealed on December 31, 2018.

SECTION 3. This 2017 Act takes effect on the 91st day after the date on which the 2017 regular session of the Seventy-ninth Legislative Assembly adjourns sine die.

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

Exhibit B: SB 129 Recommendations - Details on a Study on PTSD Contract for a Study. A study that would provide a comprehensive assessment of the current PTSD services should address, at a minimum, the following questions: • What is the problem to address? Does a problem with the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD exist in Oregon?

• How many people in Oregon have PTSD? How many are veterans?

• Is PTSD more common among veterans than the general population? If yes, which veterans are more likely to develop PTSD? • How many people receive treatment for PTSD? • If an individual does not receive treatment for PTSD, what are the barriers to accessing and utilizing mental health services for PTSD? • How many specialists and providers currently diagnose and treat PTSD in Oregon?

• What is the protocol for inpatient and outpatient treatment of PTSD? • What is the availability of community based diagnosis and treatment of PTSD? • How many inpatient providers for PTSD are there in Oregon?

• What PTSD services does the federal VA provide for veterans? Where are the services-communitybased?

• How does the stigma of PTSD or a mental illness discourage people to seek treatment?

• What are the gaps in services for the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD in Oregon?

• Are gaps in services for the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD different in urban and rural areas?

• If the rate of mental illness for homeless is roughly 2 times the rate of the rest of the population, how are mental health services for PTSD currently provided for homeless Oregonians, including veterans?

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

Workgroup Recommendation Senate Bill 832: Grants to Nonprofits for Veteran Services in Rural Oregon Senate Bill 832 (SB 832) requires the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) to review, consider and report to the interim legislative committees relating to veterans, whether ODVA, in collaboration with the Office of Rural Health, should provide grants to nonprofits to provide services to veterans and their families in rural areas of Oregon, as described in the original SB 836 (SB 836, as introduced, 2017), and prepare a report on its findings. See Exhibit A: Text of Original SB 832 Workgroup Discussion and Analysis The workgroup discussed the fact that the 2017 Legislature passed HB 2891, which established the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Services Grant Fund and allocated $555,000 for this purpose.

The bill states that ODVA may award grants in the amount of $25,000 to $250,000 per recipient from the fund for the following services to veterans: expanding outreach and services; promoting improved mental and physical health care; promoting housing security, employment opportunities, education and training; promoting transportation accessibility and availability; promoting veterans’ organizations that provide critical services; and supporting existing programs identified by the Advisory Committee. ODVA must report back to the Legislature on the outcomes of the grant funds.

The workgroup believes that it would be prudent for the Legislature to postpone a decision on a rural grant program for services to veterans until a report is produced on the outcomes of the grant funds awarded under HB 2891 before establishing another grant program.

SB 832: Workgroup Recommendation 1. Postpone Decision. The workgroup recommends that the Legislature postpone a decision on a grant program described in Senate Bill 832 until an analysis is completed of the outcomes and results of the grants awarded under the new statewide Veteran Services Grant Fund described in House Bill 2891. The analysis could be used to better target the gaps in services for veterans in rural areas and consider the types of grants that provided the greatest benefit to veterans.

2. Considerations for Legislators. The workgroup wanted provide a strong statement to the Legislature on current health care services to veterans in rural areas, including: • Two major issues for veterans in rural areas are a lack of practitioners and transportation challenges • There is often a less assistance provided to veterans due to a lack of numbers of veterans; however, there are a greater number of veterans on a per capita basis in rural areas in Oregon vs urban areas • A smaller number of veterans do not equate to less need for veteran services.

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor Exhibit A: Text of Original SB 832 Senate Bill 832 (as introduced, 2017) Below is the original text of SB 832, as introduced: SECTION 1.

(1) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of Rural Health, shall establish a program to provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations for the provision of services to veterans and veterans’ families in the rural areas of this state.

(2) The department shall implement the program established under subsection (1) of this section by issuing requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The requests for proposals must require that applicant nonprofit organizations demonstrate the ability and experience to provide services that: (a) Increase access to health care for veterans; (b) Assist veterans in applying for and receiving benefits and entitlements that are available to veterans and veterans’ families; (c) Provide housing assistance; (d) Provide access to transportation; and (e) Assist veterans who are involved in the criminal and civil justice systems.

(3) The department shall adopt rules for the implementation and administration of the program established under subsection (1) of this section. At a minimum, the rules must specify the following: (a) The qualifications a nonprofit organization must demonstrate in order to be eligible to apply for a grant under the program; and (b) The definition of “rural areas of this state” for purposes of the program.

Workgroup Recommendation Senate Bill 476: Including Veterans in the Oregon Preferred Worker Program Senate Bill 476 (SB 476) requires the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) to review, consider and report to the interim legislative committees relating to veterans whether and to what extent a disabled veteran, as defined in ORS 408.225, should qualify as a preferred worker, as defined in ORS 656.622, and prepare a report on its findings.

Overview of the Preferred Worker Program All Oregon employers must have and keep Oregon workers’ compensation insurance, which is insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured on the job.

The Oregon Preferred Worker Program (PWP), managed by the Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, helps qualified Oregon workers who have permanent work restrictions from on-the-job injuries and are not able to return to their regular employment. The PWP provides a number of incentives and benefits to the employer who hires a preferred worker and also pays for items to help worker find, accept or keep a job in Oregon including tuition books and fees, union fees, moving expenses, placement assistant, special clothing, etc.

The Preferred Worker Program is only for Oregon employers; only for individuals who worked for an Oregon employer and were injured on the job; and paid for by employers through the workers’ compensation insurance premiums.

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Legislation, Administrative Rules and Agency Policy Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor

Workgroup Discussion and Analysis The workgroup considered the need for such a program, including the following existing programs, and concluded that adding veterans to PWP would be a duplication of a number of the following services: existing federal/state benefits for service-connected disabled veterans and employers, including federal VA disability compensation; services currently provided under the federal VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program; and services provided under the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, under the Oregon Employment Department WorkSource Oregon, funded by U.S. Department of Labor The workgroup also considered the costs of implementation and concluded that the program would be too costly. Estimates from the Workers’ Compensation: • For 2017-2019 biennium, $ 6.7 million • For 2019-2021 biennium, $33.6 million • For 2021-2023 biennium, $41.0 million

SB 476: Workgroup Recommendation The workgroup recommends that adding veterans to the Preferred Worker Program is not prudent because it duplicates existing services and is very costly.

The workgroup suggests an alternative may be to encourage employers to hire veterans, particularly service-connected disabled veterans and including those with “invisible” disabilities such as PTSD.

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FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION John Osborn, Program Manager

THE DALLES VETERANS’ HOME The interior renovation of the home is continuing on schedule. Floor repairs in the kitchen are complete, new equipment is currently being installed and we should be able to reopen the kitchen by the first week in December. The first completely remodeled wing, Bravo wing, will be finished by Nov. 20th. Work on Carlie wing will begin on Nov. 22nd and will take approximately 40 days to complete, Jan. 28, 2018. The PT area is complete and the new offices in the administration area are near completion.

The public corridors are continuing to be upgraded with new paint and wall protection at various locations across the facility. The activity room off Delta wing is 70% complete, exterior walls are up and the roofing panels will be installed by end of Nov. The concrete slab for the storage building will be placed the week of the 20th with erection of the building to begin the first of December.

The education classroom site is ready and the modular building will be placed and trim work completed by Nov. 22nd. Additional site work is under way and all utility connection should be finished by the first of December. We are currently storing the furniture and equipment for the classroom and it is our hope that we can have the classroom completed and ready for use by the end of December.

LEBANON VETERANS’ HOME The drawings for the new parking lot adjacent to the home property are ready and have been submitted to the City of Lebanon and we await a response for the City. The Invitation to Bid (ITB) is ready and will be posted by the end of November. This project will likely take 3 to 4 months to complete and will be dependent on the weather for timely completion.

Future Grants At this time we are working to complete grants in the 2018 cycle for both homes. The Dalles grant will encompass replacing the roof, siding; redesign the garden area between C& D wings, and various interior and exterior items.

The Lebanon grant will follow on after the parking lot with a storage building and additional staff offices. The grant will also provide HVAC upgrades to all wings and improvements to the open area at the southeast corner of the property next to D wing.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES Nicole Hoeft, Manager

Communications

ODVA launched its new website in September and since then, the Comms team has been steadily making back-end improvements. General response to the new site is that it is easy to navigate and find information on benefits. Through 2018, the team will be working in phases to implement information that is helpful to the general public including veteran data, expanded service locators, and helpful “how to” information like working with VA patient advocates, how to avoid veteran scams, and current information on agency initiatives (task forces, work groups and studies).

Information Services Information Services maintains resources for application development and support for current systems while continuing work to form a project team to implement new Conservatorship and Home Loans solutions. Security planning is ongoing and involves the development of an information security implementation plan and a business continuity and disaster recovery plan.

Ongoing projects include continued coordination with OSCIO, consolidation of agency-wide multi-function printing and scanning and the evaluation of Mobile Device Management solutions and video surveillance solutions.

Records and Information Management Records is working with State Archives to finalize the agency’s updated retention schedule and implement a new records management policy. As the result of an Executive Order, the state has developed new guidelines and policy to ensure transparency across government. The team is also working to get the new records management system, which meets the federal requirements for official electronic records, documented as the “official record” of the agency.

This change will enable ODVA to no longer keep paper copy documents, lessening the need for physical space management.

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