VAAC Report September 2017

SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

REPORT TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A 54th Fighter Group pilot prepares for takeoff during a night flying training sortie at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 6, 2014. F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 54th Fighter Group train over the White Sands Missile Range’s 10,000 square mile range. The 54th FG is a detachment of Luke AFB, Ariz., and is stationed at Holloman to facilitate highspeed training, live fire weapons training, and night flying operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Montoya/Released)

ADVISORY COMMITTEE September 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 Jon Mangis ............................................................................................................ Salem Val Valfre, Jr .……………………………………….....................................................Forest Grove

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, September 6, 2017 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Inn at the Commons / 200 N. Riverside Ave, Medford, OR 97501 I.

WELCOME AND ADMINISTRATION • Swearing In – Dennis Guthrie, Cameron Smith, Tony García, Kim Douthit, Mike Jones • Call to Order – Chair Tony García • Pledge of Allegiance – Chair García • Welcome (T) – Mayor Gary Wheeler • Committee Member Introductions • Meeting Rules – Kim Douthit • Audience Introductions • Review and Approval of June 7, 2017 Minutes

II.

ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Cameron Smith

III.

SUBCOMMITTEES UPDATES – ODVA Staff • Statewide Veteran Services – Mitch Sparks • Home Loans Program – Cody Cox • Aging Veteran Services – Mary Jaeger • Legislative Affairs and Policy – Laurie Skillman

**********************************BREAK************************************* IV.

Presentation – Jackson County Veterans’ Advisory Committee Update

By Chair John Howard

V.

OLD BUSINESS ITEMS • Annual Report Review

VI.

NEW BUSINESS •Identify Work Groups for legislative review • Open for Committee Members • Next Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting: Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2017 | Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Salem, 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 VETERANS TOWN HALL

CONNECT WITH ODVA

WEBSITE BLOG FACEBOOK TWITTER

www.oregon.gov/odva www.oregondva.com www.facebook.com/odvavet @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 ODVA”) VETS NEWS

www.oregon.gov/odva

(Under “Connect with

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 June 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes for Advisory Committee Approval

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Quarterly Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 7, 2017 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM VFW Post4108 / 1836 Veterans Way Redmond, OR 97756 Dennis Guthrie, Advisory Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Guthrie Committee Member 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 Val Valfre – Forest Grove, US Air Force, Vietnam Veteran, Housing Director for Washington County Mike Jones – Ontario, US Army, Vietnam Veteran Reyn Leno - Grande Ronde, US Marine Corps, Vietnam Veteran, Tribal Council Chair Cameron Smith – Director ODVA, US Marine Corps Martha Garcia – Special Assist to the Director, ODVA, US Army/ORARNG Meeting Rules: Tony García, Secretary, reviewed the rules of Advisory Committee public meetings for those in attendance.

Audience Introductions: Dick Leber “Bear” – Vietnam Vet Shannon Compton – US Army & ORARNG, Transition Assistance Advisor Sharon Jones – American Legion Auxiliary Meloni Beauchamp – US Army & ORARNG, Military One Source Jay Lillie – US Marine Corps, Marine Corps League Coordinating Council, Portland Keith E. Long – US Army, Vietnam Vet / OIF Vet, Central Oregon Veterans Ranch Toni Cordell – US Army, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, VSO Margie Anderson – US Army, Congressman Walden, Veterans and Military Caseworker Andy Smith – US Navy, Association of Oregon Counties John Winkle – US Navy, VFW State Surgeon, VFW Post 4108 Jacob W. Terry – US Navy, COVO / Band of Brothers Allison Perry – Founder Central Oregon Veterans Ranch Kimberly Phillip – Crook County CVSO Shannon Dearth – US Army & ORARNG, Crook County CSVO

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Jason Roth – US Navy Judith Burger – US Army, VFW State Judge Advocate, member VFW Post 4108 Randy Garcia – Jr at Redmond High School, entering US Army Keith McNamara – US Navy, Deschutes County CVSO Bruce Shriver – ODVA Finance Director, son of two Army Veterans Sharon Jones – Mike Jones wife, American Legion Auxiliary President in Ontario Jeff Chappel – US Marine Corps, Vietnam Vet Jason Brock & Spouse – US Navy, member VFW Post 4108 Laurie Skillman – ODVA Policy & Legislative Affairs Mitch Sparks – US Navy, ODVA Director Statewide Veterans Services Lance Trowbridge – American Legion Post 86, VFW Post 4138, Sisters Oregon Diane Guthrie – VFW Auxiliary, Chair Guthrie’s spouse Review and Approval of March 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes : A motion was made to accept the minutes as published, motion seconded, motion passed unanimously.

Director’s Report – Cameron Smith, Director ODVA Director Smith went over how well legislation was going for ODVA. He acknowledged how well VFW Post 4108 was doing and all the work they had done over the year for veterans. Not only had the post done great things for veterans, but also the advisory committee members in their everyday roles. All together the engagement of all of Oregon’s veterans has been incredible this year.

A presentation of a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol was made by Margie Anderson and John Howard to Chair Guthrie to thank him for his time serving as the Advisory Committee Chair and all his hard work for Oregon’s veterans. Director Smith then presented an ODVA hydro flask to Chair Guthrie as a thank you from the staff and Advisory Committee.

Director Smith gave a review of the budget mentioning that it has been a difficult budget cycle for all state agencies with revenues increasing, but costs increasing at a faster rate. ODVA had the good fortune of Measure 96 passing this last November giving the state a significant opportunity this session to make great investments and policy choices for veterans and military families.

ODVA Staff Updates: Finance – Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer, ODVA Bruce reviewed the Finance report that is attached in the June Advisory Committee Report. At this time a big focus is trying to secure additional lending source of funds for the home loan program. There is a pot of money for younger veterans and a pot of money for older veterans.

The pot of money that is for older veterans is almost used up. The Finance department is analyzing how to keep that money growing.

Another item that the Finance department is keeping a close eye on is the President’s tax outline. This is of great interest as it can have a great effect on the types of bonds we issue. He also mentioned that the Federal Reserve was having a meeting the following week, they meet 6

every other month. They set the Federal Funds Rate which also could impact the cost of our bonds.

Legislative Affairs and Policy – Laurie Skillman, Legislative and Policy Advisor, ODVA Laurie gave an update on the Legislative Bills during this session. She noted that there were 87 bills that directly impact veterans this session. Laurie went over Senate Bills 79, 80, 81 which were bills that ODVA had submitted and were awaiting Governor’s signature.

SB 79 is a technical fix to the Home Loans program. SB 80 is our Tribal Veterans Bill, to work with Oregon Tribal Veterans. SB 81 is a focus on advocacy and assistance for Oregon veterans in navigating VA health care. She also made mention of HB 2908, Veteran Volunteer Coordinator. The position would be located within ODVA and would organize a network of volunteers within the state that would help veterans.

She highlighted several bills that would require participation from the Advisory Committee if they passed. SB 129 would require the Advisory Committee to review, consider and make a recommendation to the legislature as to whether or not to create legislation that creates a task force on PTSD. SB 143 provides $1.1 million grant funds for community colleges and universities that have campus veteran’s resource programs. SB 467 would requirethe Advisory Committee to review, consider and make a recommendation to the legislature on a Preferred Worker Program for Veterans. SB 832 provides grants for rural communities’ and would require the Advisory Committee to review, consider and make a recommendation to the legislature.

Question: Is there any of these bills that the Director/ODVA would like to have a groundswell of support for?

Answer: On a broader answer – certainly on the ODVA’s budget bill, SB 143, SB 2891, and HB 2908.

Question: What is the vision for the Volunteer Coordinator Position?

Answer: The position will be within ODVA, under the Aging Veterans Services department. The concept is similar to the Long Term Care Ombudsman and to activate volunteers to conduct outreach and link veterans to VSOs and community resources.

Question: What is the vision for SB 81?

Answer: This is a foundational statute to help embed healthcare navigation as a core component of our work for Oregon veterans. As we align staff to support, it will be critical to build relationships across Federal VA health system as well as community providers to help be the best advocate for Oregon veteran’s health and mental health.

Statewide Veterans Services – Mitch Sparks, Director Statewide Veterans Services, ODVA Mitch reviewed the report provided in the Advisory Committee report. He spoke of the partnership with the Oregon State Hospital in ensuring that veterans being discharged continuing to receive mental health care.

Mitch thanked the County Veteran Service Officers from Crook and Deschutes County in attendance. He also thanked the service organizations, Band of Brothers and COVO for being a 7

very tight group in veteran advocacy, with positive leadership, and for being a great model for the rest of the state.

He reviewed the Digits to Digits (D2D) claims program and stated that the program was working well, but it is up in the air as to whether or not Congress was to going to expand the program or not. With claims in D2D they get processed the next day in the national que. An example of this is that there was recently a claim processed and completed with ratings in 33 days as opposed to the 18 months that it usually takes.

Question: Out of the 3 ways of submitting a claim what is the percentage that go each method? Answer: 1/4 go D2D, 2/3 go Direct Claims, and the rest go the old fashion way (paper and mailing. Best would be to have 2/3 go D2D. Training: 5 day Boot Camp completed. The training team is working with ADRC in providing training for their staff.

Question: What is the kickback rate for incomplete files from Fed VA? Answer: We are having very few kickbacks. We are catching about 98% of the issues through screening before they go to Fed VA. The issue is the lack of standardization within the Fed VA. Oregon veteran’s claims do not stay in Oregon; they go to different locations, for example a claim from Oregon may not get processed in Oregon, but instead in Florida and because there is little standardization it may get kicked back for a totally different reason than what Oregon would do.

The I Am Not Invisible exhibit has been invited to Washington DC by Senator Merkley. Our LGBTQ Coordinator is an active member of the Oregon Air National Guard and has been on duty in Georgia.

Question: Is the Polk County office fully up and running? Can you give an example of what kind of claim can go through fully digitally and what kind still having to be worked through on paper?

Answer: Yes, Polk County is up and running. ODVA staff is currently working with them as they start up operations this year. Claims that go through digitally are the basic compensation claims done on the VA-526 EZ or VA-527 EZ form.

Question: Out of the 38 applications to the Emergency Financial Assistance 9 were approved; the rest were not approved due not having the funds? 2nd question, on grants for mortgage and rent, does it include deposits?

Answer: A small number were approved due to getting to the end of the funds; the majority were not approved due lack of sustainability in their plan. The biggest area for the money is for rent.

Home Loans – Cody Cox, Home Loans Manager, ODVA Cody shared with the committee that he had been in Central Oregon already a couple of days meeting; conducting business with mortgage brokers. He shared that this first quarter was the largest since he has been with ODVA, 67 loans. The more loans in the servicing

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portfolio create more revenue for operating expenses. Currently that portfolio is growing by over $5 million a month right now.

He took time to recognize his origination team, which consists of four people.

Question: What is your capacity for loans, how many could you handle?

Answer: We have an antiquated system, and we are going through a process to update the system; with this said, we are very close to capacity. As upgraded technology comes in, we will be able to handle more.

Aging Veteran Services – Cameron Smith for Mary Jaeger, Director Aging Veteran Services The biggest news is the renovations going on at The Dalles Veterans Home in this 20th Anniversary year. We were approved for a federal grant last year and we are now moving on the renovations. Also at The Dalles we have a new program director Michael Springston. The Lebanon Home just received the Bronze award from the American Health Care Association.

Dennis Guthrie called for a 15 minute break.

Advisory Committee Discussion, Strategic Planning Director Smith led the committee in discussion about challenges/opportunities in the current subcommittee format that is within the Advisory Committee. It seems that more focus goes to special projects instead of the current subcommittees. Can we make better use of the subcommittees? Restructure them?

As questions were being asked on how to make better use of the subcommittees, questions as to how the Advisory Committee was going to conduct business more frequently if all bill requiring input from the committee passed. Is there a way to get together more often, whether through a webinar or telephonic way? How does that affect the public meeting?

These questions led to discussion on public meeting law, which is about providing notice and opportunity for the public to view what is going on. The suggestion of meeting telephonically was made and may the best solution to meet more frequently by providing a call in number to the public.

Discussion was also had over how some of the bills have the Advisory Committee go from an advice and counsel role to a decision making role. Also review of the frequency that the committee meets was discussed. Quarterly meetings are the minimum. The location of the members, who are geographically spread out throughout the state, is the biggest hurdle.

Another idea brought forward was that having the subcommittees meet as long as they are not making decisions would work under the rules of the public meeting law. The subcommittees would then have to bring to the whole Advisory Committee what was discussed, etc. This would allow the public to still view the process.

Old Business: • Veterans Expo in July 2017 at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds

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New Business: • Veterans Housing NOFA is coming open soon and it is attached to an opportunity for Mental Health support.

• Next meeting September 6, 2017 in Medford Nominating Committee Recommendations: Tony García as Chair Kim Douthit as Vice Chair Mike Jones as Secretary Motion made, moved, seconded. Vote was had. Motion passed.

Installation of new officers will happen at the next meeting.

Past chair, Dennis Guthrie, will help present the Annual Report to the Governor. Question was asked if the report would be available at the next meeting for review by the Advisory Committee. We will make the draft available for review at the next meeting.

Dennis went on to review where our next year’s meeting could be: 2018 Proposed Meeting Locations - Corvallis – March - La Grande – June - Roseburg – September - Salem – December Motion was made to accept these locations, second was made, vote was had, motion passed.

Director Smith updated everyone on Marion County standing up a VSO office. They are currently in the process of envisioning timing and structure of starting up operations.

Public Comment: Question: What is the relationship between ODVA and Lines for Life? Is the Lines for Life staffed with veterans?

Answer: Lines for Life are the awarded contractor for the money that goes towards military veterans families in crisis. The staff is not solely veterans, but veteran trained and many veterans on staff, they are certified.

Question: In reference to HB 2891 for National Service Organizations to ask for money to fund their VSO’s?

Answer: It will create a veterans services grant program. Applicants could broadly be a county, national veteran service organization, community non-profit or a tribal veteran service organization. There are still questions on how it will be staffed, how much money, and how that program would be structured.

Question: We would like to get a certified veteran service officer in Sisters, Oregon. Who do we contact?

Answer: To get a post service officer certified, you would need to contact your State Service Officer in Portland, who is Edward VanDyke. Sisters is part of Deschutes County, Keith

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MacNamara is the Deschutes County VSO, get a hold of him and see how you can better partner with him.

Comment that the ODVA Communications team is doing an excellent job in keeping the Vets News and Benefits Magazine relevant and easy to read.

Question: Why should we use ODVA’s Home Loan program instead of any other?

Answer: There are several differences between ODVA and state and federal programs. One is that Federal VA does not make a loan; they guarantee loans that come from individual lenders which are then subject to be transferred to different lenders. We service our own loans with our own money. We are a portfolio lender, giving us more flexibility.

Meeting adjourned at 1230.

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

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ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Cameron Smith

It has been a long and winding road over the last year, but we ended up in a great final position with key investments and policies out of the 2017 legislative session. We could not have done it without an amazing team here at ODVA and the active support of the Oregon veterans’ community and partners – including all of you on the Advisory Committee!

This has been a once in a generation opportunity to align essential funding to the best efforts to serve our veterans and their families. Throughout, we have championed investments in local veteran services (both county and national service organizations), ODVA’s core programs, and broad partnerships for our veterans’ health, education, housing and economic opportunity.

Our two page legislative summary that details the new investments of Measure 96 Lottery Funds is the best summary and is attached.

With session complete, we are now turning our focus to implementation of new initiatives such as the Veteran Service Grant Fund and Student Veteran Success Grant Fund. We also have expanded partnerships to further develop across housing and homeless prevention as well as veterans’ access to mental health.

We also continue to aim to bring Marion County Veteran Services on line in January 2018. The Marion County Commissioners have signaled their commitment and will be applying for the state’s CVSO pass through grants to help start up their operation. This will help better serve local veterans and their families, while continuing to allow ODVA to elevate its work to the statewide level on training, claims review, appeals and outreach.

We also ended last biennium with a hiring freeze, so we are busy recruiting great team members for new or existing positions. One key shift will be to try and structure an Assistant Director of Statewide Veteran Services under Mitch Sparks to help lead the division’s growing portfolio and partnerships.

One other developing concept is how we might be able to build and sustainably operate the third veterans’ home that is in statute to be located in Roseburg. The historical skilled nursing model would be difficult to sustain operationally, but we are exploring with partners what a next generation veteran home model could be that would combine senior housing, assisted living and secure memory care. We look forward to refining the concept and continuing to champion for additional support from the Legislature, Federal VA and partners.

We look forward to sharing the draft annual report with you in September to get your feedback on how we captured this past year’s efforts. We are also excited to see how we can continue this momentum forward to further honor and serve Oregon’s veterans and their families.

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ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Cameron Smith

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

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STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Mitch Sparks, Director

During the fourth quarter, Statewide Veteran Services has been pursuing interagency connectivity, 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.

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

Earlier in the year, a survey was sent to self-identified incarcerated veterans. ODVA is on track to process the returned questionnaires by the end of August. We will use the completed list of veterans in DOC custody to assist the Department of Corrections in correcting and updating their own records. This will also allow ODVA and DOC to target veterans who are in a 12 to 18 month window for release from incarceration to assist in their transition from custody. This list will also be shared with the Federal VA justice outreach specialist to partner on visits to prisons.

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. One VSO from this office has transitioned to the Multnomah County Veteran Service Office, and Mr. Ornelas is currently recruiting for two open VSO positions.

Training Certification and Outreach—Gus Bedwell and Joe Glover, Program Analysts The Training, Certification, and Outreach (TCO) team conducted one-on-one onsite training for VSOs in Washington, Polk, and Multnomah counties. They held one five-day VSO Introductory Course for seven participants from county offices, and tested and accredited Sally Hubel from Benton County. They led or participated in workshops/seminars/conferences on VA benefits for the Oregon State Bar; Department of Public Safety, Standards, and Training; Marylhurst University; Tribal Veteran Representatives from Oregon, California, Utah, and Idaho; Eastern Oregon Region of Veteran Service Officers; Portland State University College of Social Work; Oregon State Hospital; Oregon Health Authority; ODVA’s conservatorship team; and a one day conference for senior leadership within the Oregon National Guard. Lastly the team supported the agency during the legislative session by providing data, resources, contacts, and testimony to the Oregon State Legislature.

Women Veterans Coordinator—Liz Estabrooks, Program Analyst From April to June Liz conducted one listening session, two employment forums, and one benefits forum with VBA, connecting with 40 women veterans. She gave presentations to 12 community partners and educational groups and conducted three trainings, connecting with over 300 professionals and community partners with a focus on increasing awareness on issues, needs, challenges, and barriers to women veterans and how community partners can improve

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STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Mitch Sparks, Director

services through identification of and appropriate outreach to women veterans. She met with elected officials in Springfield regarding the Oregon Women Veterans Memorial, and managed the traveling I Am Not Invisible exhibit’s visit to 11 different locations around Oregon, including coordinating Sen. Jeff Merkley’s visit to ODVA to view the exhibit. This was followed by collaborating with the Senator’s staff and the USDVA regarding the exhibit visiting Washington D.C. for display at the Senate, the House, and the VA Central Office. She attended the National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators Conference where she was invited to present on the I Am Not Invisible campaign/exhibit as a best practice leading to culture change in expanding awareness of women veterans and their unique experiences. Finally, Liz worked with the Portland Trail Blazers organization to organize a Women Veterans Night during a Fall 2017 Trailblazers game.

LGBTQ Veteran Coordinator—Nathaniel Boehme, Program Analyst The fourth quarter of FY 2017 marked the first full year for the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ LGBTQ Veterans Coordinator. It was a busy three months. June is official Pride month which meant outreach at the different LGBTQ Pride events across the state. These events, critical to the community for solidarity and connection, garnered more than eighty new contacts as well as countless new outreach opportunities.

In May, Nathaniel and Gus Bedwell provided a ‘Veteran 101’ training to the Portland State University School of Social Work, something never before offered at this location. This was a chance to provide the basics of serving veterans to not only aspiring social workers, but also currently practicing social work professionals, as well as school faculty and staff. With support from ODVA, Nathaniel became the first currently-serving military member in the history of Oregon and Washington’s Pride Parades to be given approval to participate in uniform.

Grants Management Emergency Financial Assistance Fourth Quarter 2016-17 (April – June): 35 applications for grants were received, with seven of those approved for a total of $10,444. The average grant was $1,486. Most approved grants continue to be for mortgage/rent and utility payments.

Highly Rural Transportation Grant The grant is active. Ten rural counties are receiving assistance transporting veterans to VA and non-VA medical appointments. The grant has been a successful cooperative arrangement between USDVA, ODVA, and rural counties and their transportation entities.

This quarter the grant reached the milestone of covering over 750,000 total miles driven since inception.

Reported for April through June: 2,764.50 4,909

Hours of time expended on medical trips Trips completed

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STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Mitch Sparks, Director

88,099 191

Total miles driven Veterans served

Lines For Life The grant is active. Lines For Life provides 24 hour phone and text services to at-risk veterans and their families. 257 calls from seventeen identified counties were logged for the period April 1 – June 31, 2017. The calls had an average wait time of 50 seconds, and the average duration of a call was 13.4 minutes. Referrals were given to 40% of the callers for mental health appointments, drug and alcohol treatment, and assistance with the VA.

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director AVS Strategic Planning The Aging Veteran Service division including, OVHL, The Dalles, and Conservatorship, has been engaging in strategic planning recently, the aim being to better serve our aging and disabled veteran populations and their families. We have been careful to keep these plans in line with the mission, vision and goals of the agency and are excited for the outcomes of this planning.

Veteran Benefit Expo AVS participated in the Veteran Benefit Expo in July, and connected with many families inquiring about benefits.

The OVHs and conservatorship are mostly unknown outside of the central Willamette Valley and the Gorge (where the OVHs are located). This Expo was a great way to educate veterans and their families of available services.

Conservatorship - Helen Ireland, Conservatorship Manager On June 30th Rosemary Rowe left the agency to move to Nebraska. Rose ran the Representative Payee program for 2 years and will be greatly missed. Starting July 1st Mariya Williams started working temporarily on running Payee program. The position has been opened for recruitment and should be filled on a permanent basis shortly.

Conservatorship and Representative Payee Demographics

Residence type

Period of Service

Nursing Home 5 2 3 30 39

107

43 9 15 7

WWII

Residential Care Facility Adult Foster Home Assisted Living Facility Room & Board Facility Hospital

Korea 15 31

Independent Living Relative Care

54

14

17

Vietnam Peace Time

129

Gulf War

Incarcerated Homeless

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

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Oregon Veterans’ Home, Lebanon - Jeremy Woodall, Program Director Three Year Anniversary On September 22nd from 1-7, the OVHL will celebrate three years being open and providing honorable care to our veteran residents. We will celebrate with a ceremonial cake cutting and the dedication of our recently built fire pit. All are welcome! The OVHL has consistently operated 95% full for the past year.

OVHL Demographics

Service Period

Branch of Service WWII Korea

2 14

59

6

23

Air Force Army

17

Vietnam

32

34

34

Peace Time Gulf War OIF/OEF

14

72

2

Coast Guard Marine Navy Spouse

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

Oregon Veterans’ Home, The Dalles - Michael Springston, Program Director OVHTD has started its remodel process. We have begun on Bravo wing and nearly completed one “spoke” and are making a lot of progress. Staff and contractors have been working diligently to manage the project and safety issues the entire way. A recent drop in Delta wing census has allowed OVHTD to begin Delta wing earlier than expected. This means contractors will begin in Delta before the completion of Bravo. Staff believes this is the safest way to complete Delta with minimal impact on a very fragile population. Main hallways, Kitchen, and Physical Therapy are all under construction with little to no issues.

We have received permits for most of the work that is to be done inside the building but are still waiting for the final permits for the OVHTD Classroom which will allow us to train CNA’s on site.

As of today, the plan for the remodel is to move from Bravo to Delta, back to finish Bravo, Charlie, and finish the project with Alpha. Veterans and Spouses spirits are high and have shown a lot of enthusiasm for the remodel.

OVHTD census reflects 89 men and 34 Women with 5 Female Veterans. The average age of our residents is 80.85 years old.

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AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Mary Jaeger, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director OVHTD Demographics

Service Period

Branch of Service

WWII Korea

29

19

13 46

16

29

Vietnam 17

1

Air Force Army

Peace Time Gulf War Spouse

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

37

Coast Guard Marine Navy

31 8 2

Spouse

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple branches.)

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Veterans’ Home Loan Program - Second Quarter 2017 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

Production Review •

For the 2nd Quarter, 2017, the Home Loan Program closed 81 loans for a gross dollar volume of $22,575,532. This marks the single highest 2nd Quarter Production levels since I arrived in December 2013.

For the same period in 2016, the Home Loan Program funded 56 loans for $13,299,227. This represents an increase of 4.64% in the number of units, with a 69.75% increase in dollar production over that same period.

•

The end of the 2nd Quarter also is the end of the fiscal year end. For Fiscal Year End 2017, the Home Loan Program closed 281 units for $72,282,026. This marks the 3rd highest unit total and highest dollar volume in loan fundings going back to FY 1998, a period of 20 years. In the past 20 years, the Home Loan Program has funded over $704 million in home loans. This FY represents 10.25% of that 20 year total.

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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 $-

•

2014

2015

2016

2017

At the end of the 2nd Quarter 2017, ODVA has a total of 1,870 loans in portfolio, with a total dollar amount under servicing of $296,115,289. Of these, 1,491 units and $283,325,141 are new loans. Old loans were at 379 units totaling $12,790,148. At the end of the 2nd Quarter 2016, the ODVA had a total of 1,864 for $262,320,971 under servicing, with 1384 units at $247,4247,078 as new loans and 480 units at $14,893,893 were Old Loans. Our loan servicing portfolio grew by $33,794,318 (or 12.88%) while increasing by 4 units, with 101 loans from the old loan portfolio paying off.

Loan Delinquency Review • •

For the reporting period of 06/31/2017, there were 2 State Owned Properties/Real Estate Owned (SOP/REO) in inventory, an increase of one property from the prior quarter.

There were 5 loans in a Foreclosure status, no change from the last report date.

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Veterans’ Home Loan Program - Second Quarter 2017 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

• • •

The number of loans in Bankruptcy reduced dramatically to 2 loans, down 4 from the previous quarterly report.

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 1,870 loans and at 0.4% per dollar amount under portfolio.

The 2nd Quarter MBA Delinquency report was not available at the time of this publication. For this reporting period, the total delinquency for the ODVA home loan program was 1.2% at 23 units, down 10 units from the previous report.

Quarterly Staffing News •

No new hires during the reporting period.

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

2017 Legislative Session • • •

The 2017 Oregon Legislative Session began on February 1 and adjourned July 7, 2017.

2,811 bills were filed during the 2017 Session.

ODVA tracked 87 bills that were directly related to veterans; 44 of those bills became law.

2017 Veterans Bills •

The Veterans Bills 2017 Legislation End of Session Report is attached. The report lists all 44 veteran bills that became law and is divided into the following sections, with significant bills shown below:

Veteran’s Bills

    

HB 2149 – Provides a one-time, decreased vehicle registration fee ($15) for former POWs. HB 2908 – Creates a veteran volunteer coordinator within ODVA. SB 80 – ODVA to provide aid and assistance to Oregon Indian tribes and tribal veteran representatives.

SB 81 – ODVA to provide expertise, advocacy and assistance to veterans navigating health/mental health care.

SB 116 – No fees for service-connected disabled veterans in state forests

Bills that Impact Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) (See additional information below)

  

SB 129 – VAAC to consider and report whether legislature should create a task force on PTSD. SB 476 – VAAC to consider/report whether service-connected disabled vets in Preferred Worker Program SB 832 – VAAC to consider, report to legislative committees by 2/1/2018 on whether to have grant program.

ODVA Grant Bills  

HB 2891 - Establishes the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Services Grant Fund in the amount of $550,000 for grants from $25,000 to $250,000 for veteran services.

SB 143 - ODVA grant program of $1 million for campus veterans resource centers/coordinators.

Budget and Financing Bills for ODVA Honor and recognition bills      

HB 2100 – Designates U.S. Highway 20 between Newport, OR and Idaho "Oregon Medal of Honor Highway."

HB 2880 – POW/MIA flag; expands definition of public buildings requiring display to require to display U.S. flag.

HB 3207 – Designates portion of I-5 to be known as Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway st SB 573 – Encourages Oregonians: remember those who gave lives in service; 21 seconds, noon on 21 day/month SB 992 - Designates the third Friday in September as Oregon POW/MIA Recognition Day (same day as National) POW/MIA Remembrance) and flag must be flown on public buildings.

SB 993 – Designates August 7 of each year as Oregon Purple Heart Recognition Day.

17 Resolutions that Honor and Recognize Veterans. All have been filed with the Secretary of State.

ODVA legislative Webpage: http://www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/VetsLeg.aspx

See the list of veteran bills. Sign up for weekly Email Updates. See Veterans Committees hearing agendas.

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

2017 Fall Legislative Days and 2018 Legislative Session •

Legislative Days: September and December 2017 •

•

Interim committees meet at the capitol. Ways and Means Meets. No bills are passed. Primarily informational meetings and preparation for 2018 short session.

2018 Legislative Session • •

Short session: February 5 to March 11, 2018 Bills are heard; legislation is passed.

•

Calendar for Fall 2017 September 18 – 20: Legislative Days (Monday-Wednesday) September 21: Task Force Day (Thursday) November 13 – 15: Legislative Days (Monday-Wednesday) November 16, Task Force Day (Thursday)

•

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 PTSD TF SB 126, Preferred Worker SB 476 and Grants for Rural Veterans SB 832 to policy OHCS and ODVA on $1.5 million to Ways and Means

February 5, 2018 Legislative Session Begins February 16: Revenue Forecast (Wednesday) February 19: President’s Day (Monday, but usually session continues) March 11, 2018: Legislative Session Ends, Constitutional Sine Die March 13: filing day

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

See attached document on the work group.

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

Note: Click on the bill number to see the enrolled bill online.

Veteran’s Bills      



    

  

HB 2149 – Provides a one-time, decreased vehicle registration fee ($15) for former POWs. Chapter 62, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

HB 2220 – Eliminates certain requirements for veterans to obtain a high school diploma.

Chapter 149, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

HB 2405 – Adds tribal governments to governments/agencies eligible for State Parks grants for veteran memorials.

Chapter 121, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

HB 2565 – Veteran priority enrollment at universities/community colleges: first to continuing students, then new.

Chapter 76, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

HB 2908 – Creates a veteran volunteer coordinator within ODVA. Awaiting Governor’s signature 8/8/2017.

HB 2930 – Permits Department of Human Services to collect information on military status of parents of child who is subject of child abuse report.

Chapter 210, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

HB 3423 - Exempts the requirement that Oregon National Guard member enroll in community college within six months of high school graduation to be eligible for the Promise Grant Program.

Chapter 410, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

SB 48 – Requires licensed health professionals to take courses in suicide risk assessment and treatment.

Chapter 511, 2017 Laws. Eff: 6/29/2017.

SB 79 – Technical statutory fix for ODVA home loan program.

Chapter 236, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 6/6/2017. ODVA bill.

SB 80 – ODVA to provide aid and assistance to Oregon Indian tribes and tribal veteran representatives.

Chapter 311. Oregon Laws 2017. Eff. 1/1/2018. ODVA bill.

SB 81 – ODVA to provide expertise, and advocacy and assistance to veterans navigating health/mental health care.

Chapter 478. Oregon Laws 2017. Eff. 1/1/2018. ODVA bill.

SB 116 – No fees for service-connected disabled veterans in state forests. No fees for active military in state forests on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Veterans Day. Governor Signed August 18, 2017. Eff. 1/1/2018.

SB 200 – Extends PERS buy back to uniformed services (US Public Health Service; NOAA)and Oregon National Guard Governor Signed August 2, 2017. Eff. 8/2/2017.

SB 863 – Prohibits marijuana retailers from recording info on ID, incl. military ID card. [Eff. Date: April 17, 2017] Chapter 018. Oregon Laws 2017. Eff. 4/26/2017.

SB 1055 – Amends definition of “deployment” for family law proceedings. [Governor’s office] Chapter 534, 2017 Laws. Eff: 1/1/2018.

Bills that Impact Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC)  



SB 129 – VAAC to consider and report whether legislature should create a task force on PTSD. Chapter 481, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 10/6/2017.

SB 476 – VAAC to consider and report whether service-connected disabled vets should be added to Oregon’s Preferred Worker Program administered by Workers’ Compensation.

Chapter 455, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 10/6/2017.

SB 832 – ODVA to provide grants to nonprofits in rural areas for veteran services. Amend: VAAC to review, consider, report to legislative committees by 2/1/2018 on grant program. [Governor’s Office] Chapter 470, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 10/6/2017.

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ODVA Grant Bills 



HB 2891 - Establishes the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Services Grant Fund in the amount of $550,000 for grants from $25,000 to $250,000 for veteran services.

Governor signed 8/8/2017. Eff. 8/20/2017.

SB 143 - ODVA grant program of $1 million for campus veterans resource centers/coordinators.

Governor signed 8/16/2017. Eff 8/20/2017.

Budget and Financing Bills for ODVA 



SB 140 – Establishes Veteran Services Fund at Department of Administrative Services, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Oregon Housing of Community Services.

Governor signed 8/16/2017. Eff. 8/16/2017 HB 5039 – ODVA budget bill.

Governor signed 7/19/2017. Eff. 7/19/2017

Honor and recognition bills 

   



HB 2100 – Designates U.S. Highway 20 between Newport, OR and Idaho state line the "Oregon Medal of Honor Highway."

Chapter 380, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 10/6/2017.

HB 2880 – POW/MIA flag; expands definition of public buildings requiring display to those required to display U.S. flag.

Chapter 269, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 1/1/2018.

HB 3207 – Designates portion of I-5 to be known as Atomic Veterans Memorial Highway Governor signed 8/8/2017. st SB 573 – Encourages Oregonians to remember those who gave lives in service for 21 seconds, noon on 21 day/month Chapter 343 , Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 1/1/2018.

SB 992 - Designates the third Friday in September as Oregon POW/MIA Recognition Day (same day as National POW/MIA Remembrance) and flag must be flown on public buildings.

Chapter 260 , Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 1/1/2018.

SB 993 – Designates August 7 of each year as Oregon Purple Heart Recognition Day. Chapter 366, Oregon Laws 2017. Eff: 1/1/2018.

Resolutions that Honor and Recognize Veterans. All have been filed with the Secretary of State.  HCR 1 Designates certain cities as “Medal of Honor” communities or cities • HCR 3: Private James Rowden and Private First Class John Rowden • HCR 6: Lance Corporal Dale Peterson • HCR 7: Sergeant David W. Johnson-DeFord • HCR 9: Technician Fifth Grade Robert Dale Maxwell • HCR 10: Bend Heroes Foundation • HCR 11: Sergeant Ronald W. Burkhart • HCR 22: Corporal Robert "Bobby" Leon Jones • HCR 25: Sergeant Adam Plumondore • HCR 26: Private First Class Thomas L. Tucker • HCR 27: Corporal Jessica A. Ellis • HCR 28: First Lieutenant Justin J. Wilkens • HCR 29: Lance Corporal Randy Lee Newman • HCR 30: Hospitalman Charles Eugene Johnson and Staff Sergeant Clifford Thomas Johnson • SCR 19A: Corporal Jeremy M. Loveless, Spec. Six Norman Francis Evans, and Spec. Four David Lynn Evans • SCR 20: Sergeant Brennan C. Gibson • HJM 6: Urges Congress to change funding of veterans’ health care from discretionary entitlement to permanent and direct

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

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

A work group composed of members of the VAAC will be appointed by the VAAC chair at the September 6, 2017 committee meeting. The work group will review and consider all three legislative concepts, and prepare a report and recommendations to the full VAAC committee for the December 6, 2017 meeting. The full committee will need to vote on the reports at the December meeting.

Overview of Senate Bills Senate Bill 129: Task Force on PTSD Senate Bill 129 (SB 129) requires the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) to review and consider whether a task force on post-traumatic stress disorder should be established and prepare a report to the Oregon Legislature on its findings.

Senate Bill 832: Grants for Veteran Services in Rural Areas 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.

Senate Bill 476: Service-connected Disabled Veterans under the 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.

Process and Timelines September 6, 2017 VAAC Committee Meeting in Medford o Information on three legislative concepts and bills will be provided to all VAAC members in the VAAC meeting packets at least two weeks prior to the September meeting. o VAAC Chair will select a work group to review bills that require a recommendation and report from VAAC to the Oregon Legislature.

September 6, 2017 to November 1, 2017 o Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs will distribute white papers for each of the Senate Bills and concepts to all members of the VAAC. 31

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

o o

VAAC work group will review the white papers and the merits of each legislative concept and make recommendations. ODVA will staff the work group.

The work of the group will conclude by November 1, 2017.

November 1, 2017 to November 15, 2017 o ODVA staff will prepare a legislative report based on the findings and recommendations of the work group and distribute it to the group. o Work group will complete its review of the report from ODVA. o ODVA will provide the final report to all VAAC members in the VAAC meeting packets for December at least two weeks prior to the December meeting.

December 6, 2017 VAAC Committee Meeting o Work group presents it final legislative report to VAAC full committee. o VAAC votes on the report.

January 2018 o ODVA distributes the VAAC report on each of the Senate Bills to the interim House and Senate veteran legislative committees.

White Papers A White Paper for each of the bills will be prepared by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) for the Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC). The purpose of the white paper is to assist the VAAC work groups in the process of evaluating the merits each legislative concept. White papers will contain the following information: • Background and requirements for VAAC for the bill • Background and analysis of issues • Potential recommendations and alternatives for the legislative report In addition, the white papers will include a number of exhibits that provide background on the issue. Some examples of exhibits: • Exhibit: National Institutes of Mental Health Background on PTSD for SB 129 • Exhibit: United States Department of Veterans Affairs Background on PTSD for SB 129 • Exhibit: USDVA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) for SB 476 Contact: Laurie Skillman, Senior Policy Advisor ODVA. Laurie.skillman@state.or.us (503) 373-2016

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FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer Department’s Legislatively Adopted Budget for the 2017-2019 Biennium The 2017 Legislative Session adjourned in July, but not before passing a significant increase in the Department’s 2017-2019 Legislative Adopted Budget (LAB). The 2017-2019 LAB for the first time in the Department’s history, incorporates lottery funds to augment veteran services funding for the Department and its county & community partners. This increased funding is a direct result of Oregon’s citizens voting overwhelmingly to approve Measure 96, which constitutionally dedicates 1.5% of net lottery proceeds to fund veteran service programs. In addition, the 2017-2019 LAB also provides increased Other Fund expenditure authority to operate both of the two Veteran Homes at full capacity.

For comparative purposes, the operational budgets (excludes bond debt service, capital construction and other non-limited expenses) of the 2017-19 LAB and 2015-2017 LAB are presented below in graphical form.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Statements The March 31, 2017 unaudited quarterly financial statements show an overall decrease in net position in the Veterans’ Loan Program of approximately ($1.0) million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017. The same period for the prior fiscal year showed an overall decrease in net position of approximately ($2.7) million. These current fiscal year reductions are primarily attributable to increased debt related expenses, higher operational costs, and the subsidization of veteran services activities.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer The Veterans’ Home Program unaudited quarterly financial statements show an overall increase in net position of approximately $3.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2017, compared to a increase in net position of approximately $1.1 million for the same period of 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 $0.2 million and $0.3 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.

Other Financial Services Division Activities: Over the past several months, the Financial Services team also worked on an upcoming “new money” and current refunding bond issue, secured an additional liquidity facility, assisted in contracting & procurement efforts, processed federal grant reimbursements, worked on fiscal year 2017 financial reports, conducted postissuance bond compliance activities, exercised early bond redemptions, prepared fiscal impact statements on various legislative bills requested by the Legislature, and performed other related financial activities as needed.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES Communications

Nicole Hoeft, Manager

The 2017 Veteran Benefit Expo was held July 15 in Redmond and had nearly 600 attendees, 100 service providers, veteran business owners, and ample veteran employment recruiters. Overall feedback from the attendees and participants was that the event was beneficial and the additional entertainment, activities and resources (tradeshow and employment) was a great draw. After action discussions included proposals to expand the planning and logistical responsibility to a committee format to include the local veteran service offices to assist with ensuring that the local resources are well represented in the future.

The new ODVA website is going through final technical approval with the state governing board as well as being reviewed by ODVA leadership and managers. Focus groups are being formed and their feedback is being recorded to make any final adjustments to navigation and content before launching the site to the public. Target go-live date is September 5.

Information Services Information security planning has become a priority of the agency to align practices with new initiatives from the State of Oregon CIO’s office. This work begins with the development of an information security implementation plan and a business continuity and disaster recovery plan.

Ongoing projects include continued coordination with OSCIO to evaluate oversite of Conservatorship and Home Loans projects, 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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FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION John Osborn, Program Manager

THE DALLES VETERANS’ HOME The interior renovation of the home has continued to picking up speed after a slow start. With any project of this nature the first phase of work has a steep learning curve which levels out after the first stage is completed. The first remodeled area is a spoke in B wing, residents will be moving back to the remodeled rooms the week of August 21st. The remodel of the next spoke in B wing will begin that same week. The alterations to the kitchen and scullery area are progressing well. The PT area is near completion and many of the public corridors are continuing to be upgraded with new paint and wall protection.

The exterior work is just started after permits were delay by a long City of the Dalles review process.

Both the education classroom site and the storage building site will be developed simultaneously. The classroom will be completed first as it is a smaller portion of work. We hope to be able to place the education classroom on site by the end of September. In addition, work for the new activities room at D wing is moving forward quickly with site work and placement of under slab utilities.

As discussed previous reports, this project will require multiple phases across the entire facility and will likely take10 to 12 months to complete.

LEBANON VETERANS’ HOME The drawings for the new parking lot adjacent to the home property are ready and will be submitted to the City of Lebanon for review and approval by the last week of August. An Invitation to Bid (ITB) is been prepared and we hope to have it out on the street by the end of August. The soonest any work could begin would be the end of September. This project will likely take 2 1/2 to 3 months to complete.

The fire pit near C wing has been completed and is now available for use by our residents. The vinyl floor replacement project, which was warranty work, is expected to be completed by the first of September.

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