VAAC Report September 2019

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

REPORT TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Uniforms are displayed as part of VFW Marion Post 661’s exhibit at the Pendleton Convention Center ahead of the 2019 Oregon Veteran Benefit Expo in July, 2019.

This year marked the fifth anniversary of the Expo, an event put on in partnership with the Oregon Lottery to provide a one-stop-shop experience to connect veterans across the state to their earned benefits.

Photo by Sarah Paris, ODVA Communications.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE September 11, 2019 ADVISORY COMMITTEE John Howard, Chair ......................................................................................... Medford Reyn Leno, Vice Chair ............................................................................... Grand Ronde Christine Gittins, Secretary ............................................................................ Redmond Dennis Guthrie ................................................................................................ Redmond Val Valfre, Jr .……………………………………….....................................................Forest Grove Rosy Macias............................................................................................................ Salem James Gardner ................................................................................................... Eugene Robert Van Voorhis .......................................................................................... John Day Nell Stamper…………………………………………………………………………………………………...Astoria ODVA STAFF Kelly Fitzpatrick ................................................................................................. Director Martha-Estela Garcia ................................................... Special Assistant to the Director ................................................................................................................Deputy Director Joseph Bell……………………………………………….Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director Laurie Skillman ...............................................................................Senior Policy Advisor Bruce Shriver ................................................................................ Chief Financial Officer Sheronne Blasi ..................................................... Director, Statewide Veteran Services Ana Potter ................................................................... Director, Aging Veteran Services Kelly Breshears.…………………………………….…… Assistant Director, Aging Veteran Services Nicole Hoeft .......................................................................... Director, Communications Cody Cox ........................................................ Veteran’s Home Loan Program Manager John Osborn .......................................................... Facilities and Construction Manager Julie Owens ......................................................................... Human Resources Manager John Haytas .................................................................... Information Services Manager

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Quarterly Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 11, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Holiday Inn Express | 34 N. Holladay Dr., Seaside OR 97138 I. WELCOME AND ADMINISTRATION – Business Meeting • Call to Order – Incoming Chair John Howard • Pledge of Allegiance – Incoming Chair John Howard • Moment of Silence – Incoming Chair John Howard • Swearing in of New Officers – ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick • Committee Member Introductions • Meeting Rules – Vice Chair Reyn Leno • Audience Introductions • Review and Approval of June 5, 2019 Minutes II. ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT – ODVA Director, Kelly Fitzpatrick • In depth up date from the legislative session • Recap on ODVA Veterans Benefit Expo **********************************BREAK************************************* III. ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKGROUP • As needed IV. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS • Vote on keeping the meetings on Wednesdays morning, but have the June meeting in the afternoon in order to try out a different time • Guidance to subcommittee members on how to accomplish the reports for the Subcommittees: Share success stories and challenges from the county’s members are from, what we are looking for in the reports.

V. NEW BUSINESS • Open for Committee Members • Next Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting: Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training | 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR 97317

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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/Connect/Pages/Events.aspx SUBMIT A STORY VetsNews@odva.state.or.us EMAIL SUBSCRIBE & Vets News www.oregon.gov/odva (Under “Connect with ODVA then Agency Publications”) LEGISLATIVE Page www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Legislation.aspx

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The Following Pages include the June 5, 2019 Meeting Minutes for Advisory Committee Approval

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Quarterly Meeting Agenda Wednesday, June 5, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM The Wilderness Inn | 301 W. North St, Enterprise, OR 97828 Vice Chair John Howard called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Moment of Silence was observed for service members who have passed away and all that are still serving.

Committee Members Present - Introductions: John Howard – Medford, US Navy, former legislative assistant to Congressman Walden Val Valfre – Forest Grove, US Air Force Reyn Leno – Grande Ronde, US Marine Corps James Gardner – Eugene, US Army Bob Van Voorhis – John Day, US Army Kelly Fitzpatrick – ODVA Director, US Army Martha García – Special Assistant to the Director, US Army Committee Members Absent: Kim Douthit – Portland, USCG, Multnomah County VSO, Navy Spouse Dennis Guthrie – Redmond, US Army Christine Gittins – Redmond, US Army Rosa Macías – Salem, US Marine Corps Meeting Rules: John Howard, Vice Chair, reviewed the rules of Advisory Committee public meetings for those in attendance.

Audience Introductions: Linda Skendzal – CVSO, Morrow County Veteran Service Officer Shannon Compton – US Army, Service Member & Family Support, Transition Assistance Advisory Joseph Bell – US Army, ODVA Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director Ted Thorne – US Army, Wallowa County Veteran Service Officer Glenn Scott – US Marine Corps & US Army, Umatilla County Veteran Service Officer Brian Blais – US Army, Union County Veterans Service Officer Melonie Beauchamp – US Army, Military One Source Tucker Billman – Congressman Greg Walden’s Office Sheronne Blasi – US Navy, ODVA Director of Statewide Veterans Services

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Review and Approval of April 4, 2019 Meeting Minutes : A motion was made to accept the minutes with edits, motion seconded, and motion passed.

Director’s Report – ODVA Director, Kelly Fitzpatrick Director Fitzpatrick presented the Director’s Report.

She shared the following highlights with the committee: • Took a moment to thank the County Veterans Services Officers in attendance for the work that they do with and for our veterans.

• Made some ODVA staff announcements: o New Advisory Committee member, Bob Van Voorhis, from John Day o Mitch Sparks, ODVA Deputy Director, will be moving on from ODVA to the Legislative Committee on Indian Affairs o Kim Douthit, Advisory Committee Chair, leaving the Advisory Committee and coming to work for ODVA as the Education Manager • ODVA Budget: Director said that she was very comfortable on where the ODVA budge sat, the sub-committee that dealt with the budget had passed it and it moved on to the next committee.

• She planned on continuing her travels out to visit Oregon’s VSO’s.

• The 2019 Veteran Benefits Expo will be held at the Pendleton Convention Center on Saturday, July 27 from 9 am to 3 pm (John Howard encouraged all to attend and the share the information for the Expo as he said it was extremely well worth attending as veterans were able to get connected with many services, county, state, and federal) • The Oregon Welcome Home and Convening event in partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services (July 31), 10 communities who entered the partnership to end veterans homelessness • A very successful Fraud event was held at World of Speed in May. This was partnership with AARP and Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services to ensure that veterans did not fall prey to fraud.

• The Tribal Veterans Representatives training provided by ODVA was very successful. It has become a model for other states. Representatives from Oklahoma, Washington, and Idaho also attended the training.

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ODVA Report on Highly Rural Transportation Grant – Sheronne Blasi, Director of Statewide Veterans Services Sheronne gave an update on her department and on the Highly Rural Transportation Grant.

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Portland Office o Gearing up for the Mission Act o Lots of hearings going on with a 90% to 95% show rate, which is very high Trainers o Also gearing up for the Mission Act o Next big training conference is this next fall.  Gathering of new information from federal partners has begun for it.  This conference is where the County VSO’s get updated on all things new from our federal partners.

Coordinators o Out around the state, summer is a busy time for the LGBTQ and Women Veterans Coordinator o There is a request in the budget for a Tribal Veterans Coordinator Grants o Near the end of the grant cycle for the two major grants that ODVA  Student Campus Grant and Statewide Veterans Services Grant  Request in new budget to have the dollar amount for these grants doubled Partner Agencies o Work with Oregon Housing and Community Services: Operation Welcome Home is coming to an end  Technical assistance to create a by name list of veterans who need housing and identifying what type of assistance is need for the veterans in the participating communities.  Gus Bedwell left ODVA and went to OHCS to become their Veterans Housing Integrator o Oregon Health Authority  Received money to work on veterans health issues  They hired a Veterans Health Coordinator  Did a study on access to health care for veterans to come out in July 2019 o Department of Corrections  Going out to Coffee Creek Correctional Facility to meet with veterans  Turn off benefits for those being in processed or ensure a portion is going to the family to ensure they don’t get into debt with Fed VA

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Turn on benefits for those coming out of prison and connected with benefits and assistance needed or if never received benefits get them connected so that they can file for their benefits In the next year, partner with Parole and Probation to support our incarcerated veterans

Highly Rural Transportation Grant: • • • • • • • • •

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Is a Federal Grant that ODVA administers Is $500, 000; $50,000 for each participating county Definition of Highly Rural: 7 people per square mile on an average Oregon has 10 counties that qualify as rural and participate in the grant; Grant, Morrow, Baker, Harney, Sherman, Lake, Malheur, Union, Gilliam, Wallowa Grant goes to their transportation department 5th year Oregon is participating, started with 8 counties and now at 10 counties participating Last year hit the 1 million mile marker Does not include non-VA medical care Challenges: o Only limited to VA Medical Centers and Choice Providers o Only for veterans on VA Health o Finding Drivers ODVA monitors the grant program o Distribute the funds o Making sure veterans are counted for accurately

****************************Break********************************************* Advisory Committee Workgroup: • Vote on New Officers o Chairs: John Howard nominated, seconded o Vice Chair: Reyn Leno nominated, seconded o Secretary: Christine Gittins nominated, seconded o Vote on the 3 positions were made and all three motions were passed • Subcommittees o Review of Advisory Committee Subcommittees was made  Past Subcommittees mirrored the departments at ODVA, it ended up being a duplication of efforts  Proposal was made at last meeting to narrow down the topics to support the priorities of ODVA

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Consistent concerns voiced in Oregon’s counties and ODVA’s priorities: Veteran Housing & Homelessness and Veteran Health Care, these are the two issues that continue to come up  Discussion on over the two topics was had. Looking at how the topics affect not only the counties that we go to for the meetings, but how the Advisory Committee members’ counties are also affected  Continued discussion covered the ability to change the subcommittees as needed, which can certainly happen  A motion was made to have a Veterans Housing & Homelessness Subcommittee and a Veterans Health Care Subcommittee, motion passed - Veterans Housing & Homelessness Subcommittee Members  Val Valfre  James Gardner  John Howard - Veterans Health Care Subcommittee  Reyn Leno  Christine Gittins  Bob Van Voorhis - An email will be sent to the other members to ask what subcommittee they would like to be on Vote on locations for FY 2020 Advisory Committee meeting locations, motion made, motion passed o March: Tillamook County o June: Josephine County o September: Crook County o December: Polk County (Grand Ronde) Discussion on moving Advisory Committee meetings from Wednesday’s to Saturday’s o Feedback from committee members and attending VSO’s was that Saturday’s would probably not bring in more people to the meetings as those who are working would be more likely to want a free weekend. o Oregon is primarily a Guard state, they drill on the weekends o Also having the VSO’s help spread the word about the meetings along with having ODVA’s Communication team send out more notices about the meetings would help draw in more people to the meetings. o Recommendation was given to change the meeting to the afternoons o Another recommendation was given to have a mix of Saturdays and/or afternoons o More discussion need, decision was tabled until the next meeting 

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Old Business: • Guidance to subcommittee members on how to accomplish the reports for the subcommittees o Val Valfre asked the Director how the Advisory Committee could be more helpful to ODVA o Director Fitzpatrick responded by letting the Advisory Committee that having these new subcommittees are going to be very helpful by getting a deeper dive in the local communities. o Guidance to subcommittee members on the subcommittee reports was tabled.

New Business: • Val Valfre: memberships in National Veterans Service Organizations is dying, need to relay the message on what they do to keep newer veterans aware of these organizations.

• Reyn Leno: Grand Ronde is now advertising for their own Veteran Service Officer; shared where people could apply; thanked Director Fitzpatrick for speaking at the Grand Ronde Memorial Day event; the tribe will be building a new building for Veterans Services • Next Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting: Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2019 | Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: The Holiday Inn Express | 34 N Holladay Dr., Seaside, OR 97138 Vice Chair John Howard Meeting adjourned at 1200.

Open for Public Comment

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ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Kelly Fitzpatrick

2019-21 ODVA Budget and Legislative Session Update As I celebrate my one-year anniversary as the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, I am proud to say that the budget for the 2019-21 biennium Oregon veterans and their families represents the culmination of years of determined effort by those who have fought to ensure the men and women who have served our country have access to only the best in benefits, resources and care that our state and nation can provide. It also represents significant support from many partners, especially our Veterans Advisory Committee and National Service Organizations across Oregon whose strategic and energetic support was essential to the success of ODVA’s budget engagements with our legislative partners throughout the session.

With the state’s budget allocating $25 million from General, Lottery, and Other Funds, significant investments will continue to expand and improve needed services and programs for Oregon veterans and families. Increased investment in Oregon’s County Veteran Service Offices and National Service Organizations will ensure veterans continue to receive assistance accessing VA benefits, and new programs will be developed throughout the 2019-21 biennium.

Prior to the 2017-19 biennium, Veterans’ Services Programs received primarily General Fund along with various Other Funds resources. With the passage of Ballot Measure 96 (2016), this program receives Lottery Funds as the predominant funding source for providing services to veterans across Oregon.

Some newly funded budget highlights include investment in veteran services for rural medical transportation, home loan down payment assistance, tribal veteran services, education grants, and housing for veterans. Discussions with key partners across these issue areas have already begun to help shape the implementation plans of these new program funds.

More detailed information about the 2019-21 Legislatively Adopted Budget and programs can be found in the Financial Services and Policy sections of this report.

Program Highlights State Approving Agency (SAA) - In August, ODVA successfully executed a partial contract with the USDVA to act as the State Approving Agency function in the administration of GI Bill benefits in Oregon. This initiative is a priority for the agency and is important to Oregon’s veterans and their families because the SAA must work with traditional and nontraditional GI Bill-funded education programs throughout the state to ensure they comply with USDVA requirements for continued funding. Post-military service education is the key to our veterans being able to gain economic stability; ODVA wants to be in a position to successfully take on the SAA role to help our veterans’ transition into the civilian workforce with the education and training they want and need.

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ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Kelly Fitzpatrick

Veterans Volunteer Program - During the 2017-19 biennium, ODVA’s Veteran Volunteer Program was created to expand access to and improve veteran services to Oregon’s aging veteran population. A pilot program was launched in April 2019 across Clackamas, Deschutes and Polk counties and attracted more than 17 volunteers to begin conducting outreach. To date the program has helped more than 270 veterans connect with County Veteran Service Offices.

Partnerships Highlights Housing - ODVA’s partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to improve outcomes for veterans by functionally ending veteran homelessness in Oregon has proven to be very successful. During the 2017-19 biennium, $1.5 million was allocated to OHCS to invest in the development of programs and resources to house veterans. The “Operation Welcome Home” campaign was launched in 2018 to bring together networks of providers in key resource areas that support not only housing, but also the wraparound services that keep veterans stable and in their homes. Following a nearly year-long engagement between agencies and community partners, ODVA and OHCS conducted a Veterans Convening with providers to mark the end of Operation Welcome Home and participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ash Creek Apartments in Independence where an investment of $760,000 in Lottery Funding helps secure permanent housing for veterans.

Behavioral Health - Lottery Funding from the 2017-19 biennium partnered ODVA with Oregon Health Authority to study the behavioral health needs of Oregon veterans. The resulting study, conducted by Portland based Rede Group, was release in August with findings and recommendations that will help shape behavioral health services and resources for veterans in the future. The ODVA team is currently participating in 16 forums through October to engage with veterans and service providers to share the study’s findings and recommendations.

Participants are being asked to give their feedback about the information with the intention of developing policy that supports improving access and services for veteran’s behavioral health needs. Speaking personally, I have found it very encouraging to hear veterans and providers alike actively sharing their thoughts in public settings in the interest of improving veterans’ behavioral health care.

Initiatives and Outreach Veteran Benefit Expo - ODVA hosted its fifth annual Veteran Benefit Expo in Pendleton in July.

More than 70 providers participated across 16 different service areas including claims assistance, healthcare, education and employment. Nearly 300 veterans attended the event.

Historically ODVA has conducted expos in different parts of the state each year, so we are aiming to host the 2020 Expo on the coast.

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ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Kelly Fitzpatrick

Town Hall - I was able to take advantage of the time in Pendleton by conducting a Town Hall meeting the night before the Expo. The event was also broadcast live on Facebook and remains accessible on that platform. While the group was small, it made for a more conversational setting and allowing veteran attendees to advise each other about topics of shared concern.

VA Experience Office – In April ODVA was contacted by the federal VA’s Experience Office, which deals with outreach and intentional veteran customer experience development. The office is very impressed with Oregon’s extensive in-person outreach efforts, as well as the multiple online and print media methods used to reach veterans across the state. VEO staff interviewed several members of ODVA’s team to learn more about our practices.

I am so grateful for having an extraordinary ODVA team, and for the support of all of our partners who work with us every day to ensure veterans and their families thrive in Oregon.

Thank you, and I look forward to continuing our partnerships as we sustain our ongoing programs and implement exciting new programs in this biennium.

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

Attached is the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs 2019 End of Legislative Session Report.

The report summarizes the 45 bills the Department tracked during the 2019 legislative session and includes: •

Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs bills that were passed and are now law

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2019 veteran-related bills that were passed and are now law

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2019 bills that honored and recognized veterans

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2019 bills that were significant veteran-related bills that did not pass out of the legislature

Each bill has an electronic link to the original bill; just click on the bill number.

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2019 Legislative Session | End of Session Report 2019 Bills Passed: ODVA Bills SB 35 EN

Chapter 539, (2019 Laws) Effective date, January 1, 2020

ODVA BILL: Streamlines conservatorship accounting; makes permanent Campus Veteran Grant Program Exempts Department of Veterans' Affairs from requirement to include vouchers for disbursements with conservator's accounting to court. Makes permanent Campus Veteran Grant Program SB 36 EN

Chapter 223, (2019 Laws) Effective Date, January 1, 2020

ODVA BILL: Housekeeping bill for home loans statutes, ORS Chapter 407 Modifies laws relating to home and farm loans for veterans.

SB 37 EN

Chapter 224, (2019 Laws) Effective date, January 1, 2020.

ODVA BILL: Housekeeping bill for Oregon Veteran Homes, ORS Chapter 408 Clarifies laws relating to Oregon Veterans' Homes.

SB 5538 EN

Chapter 570, (2019 Laws) Effective date, July 15, 2019

ODVA Budget Bill Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Veterans' Affairs for certain biennial expenses.

SB 5543 EN

Chapter 31, (2019 Laws) Effective date, April 10. 2019

ODVA 2017-19 Budget increase for State Approving Authority Modifies amount of lottery moneys allocated to Veterans' Department of Veterans' Affairs Dedicated Lottery Fund for veterans' services program.

2019 Bills Passed: Veteran-Related Bills HB 2201 EN

Chapter 527, (2019 Laws): Effective date July 15, 2019

Bridge grants for veterans receving GI Bill benefits Establishes Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program within Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Grants ($5,000 max) for veterans receving GI Bill benefits who are unable to complete courses of study on time because courses not available. Provides $447,719 LF to ODVA: $300,000 grants, $147,719 staffing HB 2202 EN

Chapter 528, (2019 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2020

Bureau of Labor and Industries to inform veterans about apprenticeship programs Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to conduct outreach to veterans about trade careers and apprenticeships.

Provides $250,000 LF to BOLI to implement outreach HB 2211 EN

Chapter 394, (2019 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2020

Business Development Department to accept federal VA disability letter of 70% or greater for business loan For honorably discharged veteran who have a 70 % or greater disability rating and are applying for a business loan from the Oregon Business Development Department.

HB 2462 EN

Chapter 86, (2019 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2020

Court must notify veteran defendant that may be eligible for diversion or treatment programs Directs court to, at the time of arraignment, notify defendant that status as servicemember may make defendant eligible for treatment programs, diversion, specialty courts or sentencing mitigation.

Each bill has an electronic link to the original bill; just click on the bill number.

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2019 Legislative Session | End of Session Report HB 2530 EN

Chapter 405, (2019 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2020

Eviction, foreclosure and other documents must notify veteran that assitance may be available Requires persons who send or serve certain documents related to termination of tenancy, forcible entry or detainer, or residential foreclosures to include certain information regarding assistance that may be available to veterans of armed forces.

HB 2556 EN

Chapter 207, (2019 Laws): Effective date July 1, 2019.

Child of active duty member of Armed Forces has seven days of excused absence from school.

Provides seven days of excused absences from school if pupil is dependent of member of Armed Forces of United States who is on active duty or who is called into active duty.

HB 2817 EN

Chapter 656, (2019 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2020

Expands use of higher education tuition grants Expands higher education tuition grants offered to qualified members of Oregon National Guard; permits grant to be used for undergraduate degree program at Oregon Health and Science University, or qualifying private post-secondary institutions or for program or curriculum designed to lead to certificate of completion at community college, public university, Oregon Health and Science University or qualifying private post-secondary institution.

HB 3030 EN

Chapter 142, (2019 Laws): effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

State my issue temporary licenses to spouses of active duty members of Armed Forces Allows professional licensing board to issue nonrenewable temporary authorization to spouse of member of Armed Forces of United States stationed in Oregon and who holds eligible out-of-state authorization to provide occupational or professional service.

SB 66 EN

Chapter 257, (2019 Laws) Effective date, June 6, 2019

Oregon Board of Nursing recognizes military training for licensed practical nurses.

Authorizes Oregon State Board of Nursing to recognize military education or training programs as sufficient to meet requirements for licensure as licensed practical nurse.

SB 234 EN

Chapter 283 (2019 Laws) Effective date, January 1, 2020

Allows residentail tuition rate for veterans receiving vocational rehabilition benefits Removes exclusion of students receiving federal vocational rehabilitation education benefits from section providing for resident rate tuition at public universities and community colleges for students who served, or who are dependents of someone who served, in Armed Forces or international position.

SB 593 EN

Chapter 82, (2019 Laws) Effective date, January 1, 2020.

Resident disabled veteran hunting license eligible for additional preference points in controlled hunt Makes person holding resident disabled veteran hunting license eligible for additional preference points in controlled hunt permit preference system.

SB 688 EN

Chapter 626, (2019 Laws) Effective date, January 1, 2020

Licensing boards report on temporary authorization for spouses/domestic partners of Armed Service members Directs professional licensing board to annually report to interim committee of Legislative Assembly related to veterans information about temporary authorizations to practice occupational or professional service for spouses or domestic partners of members of Armed Forces of United States who are stationed in this state.

Each bill has an electronic link to the original bill; just click on the bill number.

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2019 Legislative Session | End of Session Report SB 689 EN

Chapter 254 (2019 Laws) Effective date: January 1, 2020.

Spouse/dependent child of active members of Armed Forces maintain resident status if continuously enrolled Requires that spouses or dependent children of active members of Armed Forces of United States who are considered residents at time of admission to community college or public university continue to be considered residents for as long as they remain continuously enrolled at community college or public university.

SB 690 EN

Chapter 339, (2019 Laws) Effective date, June 11, 2019.

Repeals sunset provision for Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Repeals sunset provision for Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

SB 802 EN

Chapter 347, (2019 laws), Effective date,

Child of active militaty resident of school district. official military order for transfer of parent of child.

2019 Bills Passed: Honor and Recognition Filed with Secretary of State HCR 1 EN Recognizes impending overseas deployment of Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Filed with Secretary of State HCR 4 EN Recognizes and honors Specialist Nickolaus Gregory Gossack (1987-2010) for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State HCR 13 EN Recognizes and honors Private First Class Ryan Jeffrey Hill (1986-2007) for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State HCR 28 EN Recognizes and honors Sergeant First Class Scot R. Noss for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State HCR 29 EN Recognizes and honors Sergeant First Class Richard Joseph Henkes II (1973-2006) for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State SCR 2 EN Recognizes and honors Corporal Jimmy Erik Floren (1946-1967) for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State SCR 3 EN Recognizes and honors Radarman 2nd Class Garry Bradbury Hodgson (1937-1969) for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State SCR 11 EN Recognizes and honors Staff Sergeant Don Anderson for his service to his country.

Filed with Secretary of State SCR 19 EN In memoriam: Brigadier General James Burdette Thayer, 1922-2018.

Filed with Secretary of State SCR 20 EN Recognizes and honors USS McGinty and its crew for their service to their country.

Each bill has an electronic link to the original bill; just click on the bill number.

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2019 Legislative Session | End of Session Report 2019 Legislative Session: Significant bills that did not pass 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

HB 2195 A State Capitol State Park to Vietnam War memorial.

Dedicates portion of State Capitol State Park to Vietnam War memorial.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

HB 2200 A Loan program for veterans with pending claims Loan program for veterans with pending benefit claims before the federal VA 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

HB 2203 A Funds for Veteran Treatment Courts Criminal Justice Comm. veteran treatment court grants. $500,000 veterans lottery funds to CJC under budget bill.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

HB 2886 A Veterans' preference Modifies law regarding requirement that public employer grant preference to veteran or disabled veteran 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

HB 2976 A Standards for licening of career schools Higher Education/ODVA adopt rules on minimum standards for licensing career schools.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

HB 3163 Agency would be required to keep General Funds budget at a specific minimum level Agency would be required to keep General Funds budget at a specific minimum level 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

SB 140 A Emergency boarding pilot project (emergency departments boarding individuals behavioral health) Establishes Emergency Department Boarding Pilot Project in Oregon Health Authority.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

SB 243 Veterans' preference ODVA to conduct study to determine effects of employment discrimination against veteran on unemployment rate.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

SB 308 A Disabled veteran access to parks Parks and Recreation convene advisory committee to recommend changes for veteran camp reservations.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

SB 332 B Veterans' preference Modifies law regarding requirement that public employer grant preference to veteran or disabled veteran 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

SB 462 Seebees license plate "Seabees," is eligible for license plate. ODVA and DMV to work together on concepts for all new plates 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment.

SB 500 A Veterans property tax exemption Grants higher property tax exemption for property of veterans with service-connected disabilities.

6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment SB 722 A State unemployment for active military State-funded program to pay unemployment benefits active duty under government shutdown 6/30/2019 - In committee upon adjournment SB 938 Roseburg Veteran's Home Bond Authorization General obligation bonds under for construction of veterans' home in Roseburg, Oregon for $17.5 million.

Each bill has an electronic link to the original bill; just click on the bill number.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer Department’s Legislatively Adopted Budget for the 2019-2021 Biennium The 2019 Legislative Session adjourned in June, but not before passing a sizable increase in the Department’s 2019-2021 Legislative Adopted Budget (LAB) as compared to the 2017-2019 LAB and the 2015-2017 LAB. Some of the key highlights and new program initiatives contained within the Department’s 2019-2021 LAB include the following: (1) Established the Aging Veteran Services Program as a separate budgeted program unit in the 2019-21 biennium. Previously, Aging Veteran Services was included within Veteran Services for budgeting purposes; (2) $200,000 in lottery funds (LF) for new tribal veteran partnership funding and also received funding for a new position ($300,000 LF) to be the Department’s Tribal Veterans’ Coordinator; (3) $500,000 LF in increased funding for veteran services grants (one-time); (4) $500,000 LF in new rural veteran medical transportation funding (one-time); (5) $300,000 LF in new one-time grant funding for the Veterans’ Educational Bridge Grant Program and a new limited duration position ($147,719 LF) to help administer it; (6) $1,000,000 LF in renewed, one-time grant funding for the Campus Veteran Grant Program; (7) $1,000,000 LF in one-time grant funding for the YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties to help construct veterans’ affordable housing adjacent to the YMCA building in Salem. In addition, $4,000,000 OF in expenditure limitation was established for distribution of lottery bond proceeds (see House Bill 5030) for the veterans’ affordable housing project as well as $56,603 OF to pay for bond issuance costs; (8) $670,930 ($145,930 LF and $525,000 in Federal Funds) in funding for three positions to perform the duties of the State Approving Agency in Oregon (if approved by the USDVA) relating to veteran educational and training programs; (9) $152,753 LF to add a Representative Payee position to help handle increased caseloads and to increase capacity to accept additional Representative Payee clients; (10) Increased funding for Veteran Service Officer training ($60,000 LF), grant administration ($35,000 LF), Conservatorship training ($20,000 LF), and National Service Organization funding ($354,708 LF); (11) $227,517 in Other Funds (OF) to fund a Home Loan Business Services Representative to meet with ODVA’s lenders, brokers and other business partners to help market the Loan Program; (12) $215,458 ($107,729 LF and $107,729 OF) in funding for an Internal Auditor position to assist the Department in assessing program goals, reviewing internal controls, testing compliance activities, evaluation of program risks, conduct selected performance audits, etc.

(13) Increased funding for Information Technology investments of $240,000 ($120,000 LF and $120,000 OF), Home Loan System Modernization one-time funding ($250,000 OF), and Conservatorship System Modernization/Replacement one-time funding ($400,000 LF); (14) $975,000 ($475,000 LF and $500,000 OF) in one-time funding to complete the “refresh” of ODVA’s Salem Office Building.

For comparative purposes, the operational budgets (excluding bond debt service, capital construction and other non-limited expenses) of the 2019-21 LAB, 2017-19 LAB and 2015-2017 LAB are presented in graphical form on the following page.

23

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer

ODVA Biennial Operating Budgets

ODVA Biennial Budgets

By Fund Type

$160,000,000

$160,000,000

$140,000,000

$140,000,000

$120,000,000

$120,000,000 $100,000,000

$100,000,000

$80,000,000

$80,000,000

2019-21 LAB

2019-21 LAB

$0 General Funds

$20,000,000

2017-19 LAB

$20,000,000

$0

Total ODVA Budget

2017-19 LAB

2015-17 LAB

$40,000,000

Other Funds

$40,000,000

$60,000,000

Federal Funds

2015-17 LAB

Lottery Funds

$60,000,000

FY 2019 Unaudited Financial Statements The March 31, 2019 unaudited financial statements show an overall increase in net position in the Veterans’ Loan Program of approximately $0.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2019. The same period for the prior fiscal year showed an overall decrease in net position of approximately ($2.4) million. The current fiscal year increase in net position is primarily attributable to increased other fees and charges and increased investment income.

The Veterans’ Home Program unaudited financial statements show an overall increase in net position of approximately $1.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2019, compared to an increase in net position of approximately $1.2 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 $118 thousand and ($3) thousand respectively.

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

24

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer

Change in Net Position By Program $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 -$500,000 -$1,000,000 -$1,500,000 -$2,000,000 -$2,500,000 -$3,000,000

FY 2019 FY 2018

Veterans' Loan Program

Veterans' Home Program

Combined Programs

Other Financial Services Division Activities: Over the past several months, the Financial Services team worked on contracting & procurement efforts, processed federal grant reimbursements, helped coordinate an internal auditing review, conducted post-issuance bond compliance activities, exercised early bond redemptions, began working on a Fall 2019 bond sale, interacted with the Department of Administrative Services - Chief Financial Office and the Legislative Fiscal Office on budgetary & legislative matters and performed other related financial activities as needed.

25

26

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director General AVS Update • The front desk reception area will be moved to the west side of the building for the first phase of the building remodel project.

• Ana Potter attended the Summer National Association of State Veterans’ Homes Conference. This provided an opportunity to network, meet with USDVA staff from Central Office, as well as attend trainings specific to veteran homes and meeting the unique needs of veterans.

• Ana Potter and Kelly Breshears provided training to Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities supervisors regarding ODVA services, as well as updates to veteran regulations.

• Ana Potter also attended the Homeless Convening in Independence which provided information and networking regarding resources for homeless veterans.

• Ana Potter also attended the Spirit of ‘45 Celebration in Aurora, Oregon which allowed her the opportunity to share information about the services that AVS offers.

• AVS reported to the Charitable Checkoff Commission regarding donations received and expended for the Oregon Veterans Homes.

General Veteran Homes Update: • The ODVA/VCCO contract has been signed and will take effect on October 1, 2019.

• Lacey Carter and Jeremy Woodall have been continued to provide coverage at The Dalles on a rotational basis working with our veteran residents and the VCCO team there. The initial recruitment for this position was not successful in finding the right candidate. We have reopened the recruitment and the interview are in the process of interviewing. We hope to hire a permanent employee for this position within the next month.

Special Projects: • The assessment and replacement of the existing IT Conservatorship System is in progress with project management team and is on track according to timelines.

•

Aging Veteran Services attended the ODVA Vet Expo in Pendleton. This was a successful event and led to contact with many aging veterans who had not yet sought benefits.

27

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Aging Veteran Outreach Lacey Carter The summer months have provided numerous outreach opportunities for Aging Veteran Services.

Lacey has participated in outreach at the DHS Supervisor Conference in Salem, Veteran Benefits and Resource Fairs in Madras, Arlington and Albany as well as USDVA Listening Sessions in The Dalles and Astoria.

Aging Veteran Outreach is committed to multi-faceted collaboration with other government partners as well as community stakeholders with the goal of ensuring veterans and their families are receiving support and services at the local, state and federal levels. Lacey has participated in regional trainings with county veteran service officers, a monthly Veteran Service Officer Committee Meeting with the USDVA, VA Portland’s 7th Annual Mental Health Summit, the Governor’s Reentry Council Aging Population Implementation Team and the Roseburg VAMC Mental Health Advocacy Council.

Lacey recently assumed responsibility for the submission of Clothing Allowance Applications to the USDVA for the 2019 period, for veterans being served in our Conservatorship Programs as well as our Oregon Veteran Homes, both in Lebanon and The Dalles. She has devoted a great deal of time and energy into this yearly project and is working diligently to ensure our veterans are receive every benefit they may be entitled to.

Veteran Volunteer Coordinator Mark Newell The Veteran Volunteer Program has had a pilot project running for approximately 3 months. The goal of this program is to talk to aging Veterans about their earned benefits and connect these Veterans with their county Veteran Service Officer (VSO). Here’s where we are today.

We currently have 17 volunteers in the following counties: Clackamas, Deschutes, and Polk.

The volunteers are going into long term care facilities: nursing homes, residential and assisted living facilities and adult foster homes and talking to Veterans and their family members about potential benefits. The volunteers have two roles: the first is to talk with groups of people in these facilities to inform them of the potential benefits. The second is to talk to individual Veterans from these facilities and educating them on their potential earned benefits and connecting them to their County VSO. We have held 17 group presentations in those three counties. We have had a total of 38 hours of volunteer time given to these presentations and we have reached a total of 234 attendees at these presentations.

28

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Below are the results of these group presentations: 1 4

4

Referrred to VSO:

3 3

Fed VA Benefits and Services:

6

State Benefits: County Benefits:

13 51

Info on Housing: Transportation: Info on Medicaid:

29

Info on Medicare: SNAP/Food Stamp Program:

In addition: the groups were made up of 61% Veterans, 27% Veteran family members, and 12% Veteran friends.

Volunteers also visited with 45 individuals for a total of 34 volunteer hours.

The results of these individual visits were:

29

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director 0 3

Fed VA Benefits and Services:

2 11

Referrred to VSO:

5 27

State Benefits: County Benefits:

11

Transportation: Info on Housing: Info on Medicare: SNAP/Food Stamp Program:

23

Info on Medicaid:

60% of these individuals were Veterans, 23% were Veteran Advocates*, 11% were family members of Veterans, and 6% were friends of Veterans. *Veteran Advocate: works with Veterans in some way.

The program has had a successful start and we are looking forward to going statewide soon.

Conservatorship Helen Ireland, Conservatorship Manager • • • • •

During this quarter, the payee program had a caseload of approximately 114 cases.

During this quarter the conservatorship program had a total caseload of 110 active cases.

All staff attended a training event hosted by the Guardian Conservator Association of Oregon in August. Staff are required to complete at least 20 hours of training every two years to maintain certification as a Nationally Certified Guardian as is required by law.

One of the Trust Officers resigned in August. We have opened a recruitment for the position and will start the interview process in September, 2019. In the meantime, our lead worker, Jordan Killian, has taken over the duties of this caseload in addition to his property management duties.

In early August, Angela Brown was hired into the second Representative Payee position that was granted to the agency through the budget process.

30

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Conservatorship and Representative Payee Demographics 3 9

12

22

16

8

9

32

37 71 40

107

50

12 11 3 Nursing Home

Residential Care Facility

Adult Foster Home

Assisted Living Facility

Room & Board Facility

Hospital

Independent Living

Relative Care

Incarcerated

Homeless

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

Peace Time

Gulf War

Other (non-veteran)

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

31

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Oregon Veterans’ Home, Lebanon Jeremy Woodall, Program Director Fifth Year Anniversary On Friday, 20 SEP 2019, we will be celebrating five years of honorably serving our veteran residents. On this day in 2014, with Allworth family members, local veterans, anxious and new VCCO staff, folks from Lebanon, and VIPs in attendance, officially dedicated the OVHL for the honorable care of veterans in need of long-term care. You are invited to join us at 2pm, for celebratory cake-cutting. The Home anticipates the Army Band to be playing and are excited about recognizing three community partners that have been especially strategic in helping care for our veteran residents.

Anticipating State Survey VCCO staff continue to be prepared for our annual State Survey. As a State Veterans’ Home, recognized by the USDVA, there are two annual surveys. One by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and a federal survey by the USDVA. The last state survey at the Lebanon Home was in February 2018.

OVHL Demographics 2 10

5

17

21

21

39 39

63

65

13 1

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)

32

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Oregon Veterans’ Home, The Dalles Vacant, Program Director General Updates VCCO is working with ODVA to replace the audio/visual equipment in Stand and Jean’s Rooms. The equipment currently in the rooms is not adequate for the space and has issues that make it difficult for our aging veterans and large crowds to hear speakers properly.

VCCO is also looking into replacing the existing vending machines, locate in the entrance to Bravo wing, with more up to date ADA compliant models. This is being looked into to prevent residents falling while trying to purchase and get items out of these machines.

OVHTD Demographics 1 13

16

22

28 48

52

WWII

Korea

Peace Time

Gulf War

16

25

6

Vietnam

4

Air Force

Army

Coast Guard

Marine

Navy

Spouse

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

33

34

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

PROGRAMS Statewide Veteran Services (SVS), Portland Office—Martin Ornelas, Manager During the quarter, SVS Portland staff attended 85 Travel Board and Video hearings and 21 DRO hearings, and reviewed 4,417 Ratings Board decisions. They are continuing to work hard to catch up with and stay current with scanning and uploading documents issued in response to veteran claims, while providing the assistance for appeals work needed by Oregon Counties.

Significant scanning and uploading work is due to the federal VA catching up with its claims documents. The Portland office will be recruiting again in the next few months for a Veteran Services Officer (VSO).

Training, Certification and Outreach (TCO)—Joe Glover and James Connolly, Program Analysts ODVA’s Training Department closed the fiscal year with a packed quarter. During this period, they conducted a five-day, introductory CVSO training, three regional trainings, and five on-site county trainings. They attended a week-long train-the-trainer event aimed at suicide prevention, and participated in Aging Veteran Services fraud awareness fair, as well as five outreach events. In addition to these, they successfully beta-tested and rolled out the first ever County Veteran Administrative Course (geared for support staff in Veteran Service Offices,) and successfully partnered with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon who hosted our 2019 Tribal Veteran Representative Conference for tribes from four different states. They continued monthly visits to DPSST to educated law enforcement and fire trainees in the use of available veteran benefits for their training. During this quarter they also tested and certified three different CVSOs for accreditation.

The TCO team also responded to numerous constituent inquiries from the Governor’s office and state legislators. These involve reviewing a veteran’s case file (if we hold their power of attorney), contacting the veteran, and then working with the veteran and the VA to resolve issues.

Success story: The training team assisted a veteran who was seeking a variety of things, but all hinged on acquiring a high school diploma, earned through his service. Through patient work, dealing with the frustrated veteran, they were able to get the diploma, connect the veteran with counseling and employment coaching, and connect him with a DVOP (Disabled Veteran Outreach Program) specialist, who is helping the veteran work on rebuilding transcripts. This represents a team effort involving no less than ten different people, coordinated and successfully assembled by ODVA training.

Women Veterans Coordinator—Liz Estabrooks, Program Analyst This quarter Liz had 34 veteran contacts; presented IANI to five different events; nine community partner meetings; six education presentations; consulted or partnered with the Portland VA at 12 different meetings, including as part of the MST/PTSD Task Force and the 5C/Women’s Health improvement executive committee meetings; moderated a women veterans panel at the Oregon NOW Conference; attended two Oregon DHS DV Council meetings; had one media interview; phone calls with one congressional veteran rep; attended

35

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

three veterans outreach events plus one Stand Down in Klamath Falls, meeting a total of 73 women veterans plus 26 family members of women veterans; organized and held a Women Veterans Summit in Bend.

Success story: Liz met with a woman veteran whose interaction with the VA has been repeatedly negative over the past few years, to the detriment of her health. The veteran has serious health issues and no financial means to obtain care, making the VA her only option for care. Liz worked with her to convince her to return to the Portland VA Medical Center, coordinating her care with the Medical Director at Women’s Health so that they could be alerted to her physical and emotional concerns and attended the appointment with her. The woman also scheduled necessary follow-up appointments, which Liz has agreed to attend, if the woman will agree to go to her appointments.

LGBTQ Veteran Coordinator—Nathaniel Boehme, Program Analyst June was Pride month and 2019 was the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprisings so ODVA’s LGBTQ Veterans Coordinator was kept busy with Pride events and continued outreach to include direct services and cultural responsiveness training for agencies like Lane County’s Senior and Disability Services (by invitation). Claims work continues with a number of new claims seeing finalization.

Success Story: a veteran discharged for being gay who was also experiencing homelessness recently secured permanent housing, and Nathaniel has worked closely with the VA enrollment supervision to try and secure VHA services in a Discharge Review process while the upgrade is being conducted.

Incarcerated Veterans—Pat McGuffin, Program Analyst (Note: ODVA is currently hiring a 2nd Coordinator) Over the last two months Pat and a USDVA reentry social worker completed their annual, joint visits to state prisons with the specific focus on assisting veterans projected for release within the next 12 months. During these visits the veterans were enrolled in VA healthcare and preliminary evaluations started for development of transition plans that will identify resources for them in their communities after release. With some coordinated effort between ODVA and Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC), we were able to better identify those that actually served in the military vs. those that self-identified as veterans. This saved time during the meetings, made them more productive and reduced the administrative overhead required to arrange for call-outs, etc.

Success story: In a joint operation at the request of some ODOC facilities, we are in the beginning stages of implementing a pilot program where select veterans in custody can be trained to assist fellow veterans with routine claims work that the veteran would then file themselves. This claims work will include assisting with disability claims, apportionment and overpayments. Although we anticipate the “Veteran Assistants” will be a good resource for

36

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

their fellow veterans, given the narrow focus of the work and their felony status, these veteran assistants will not be fully accredited VSOs. The training will likely include a combination of self-study, training from the incarcerated veteran program coordinators and collaborative work on select claims as hands-on learning opportunities. Pat is working with veteran activities supervisors in three facilities to identify a vetting process to ensure the best individuals are selected for these positions.

Campus Veteran Coordinator—VACANT, Program Analyst Tribal Veterans ODVA reached out to leadership of the nine federally recognized tribes regarding new funding to assist in providing veteran VA benefits and claims representation. ODVA will partner with tribal governments for with ODVA has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) around standing up an office, hiring staff, etc. ODVA will, as with the CVSOs, provide training, certification, accreditation, counsel, and outreach.

ODVA Training and Certification performed a two-day site visit to the new Veteran Service Officer in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). He is slowly building networks and establishing himself as part of the support team, and working toward accreditation.

State Approving Agency (SAA) ODVA recently hired a Veterans’ Education Manager (Kim Douthit), who will oversee the office of State Approving Agency (SAA) and Campus Veteran Coordinator. Additionally, for the time being, she will serve in the capacity of the Educational Specialist for the SAA. ODVA also recently hired a SAA Compliance Specialist to work alongside the SAA, and monitor programs for compliance with federal guidelines. They are both now in the process of setting up this brand-new function for ODVA, including attending training, meeting with VA officials, and partnering closely with mentor states. ODVA intends to sign a contract with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to assume the full SAA function beginning October 1, 2019.

Grants Management—Sue Farkash Emergency Financial Assistance Twenty-eight applications for grants were received, with seven of those approved for a total of $14,203. The average grant was $2,029. Most approved grants are for mortgage/rent and utility payments.

Success story: An elderly World War II veteran was provided with critical dental care. He had been surviving on pureed food only, due to severe pain. He located a not-for-profit dental clinic and with the help of the grant received extensive dental work, concluding with dentures, that allowed him to eat solid food for the first time in months.

37

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

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

Success story: ODVA has been granted funds for a fifth year. We request the full grant allowed by the USDVA each cycle, and each time we are able to utilize every dollar. 25 states have qualifying counties, but only 11 choose to participate in this very worthwhile program. During this quarter, over 70,000 miles were driven, on 901 separate trips, taking Oregon veterans to vitally needed medical appointments.

Campus Veteran Grants The Campus Grant Coordinator position is currently vacant.

Success story: Involving a community effort in both outreach marketing to find and locate new students as well as work to ensure current students are in touch with a service officer Clackamas Community College recently enrolled seven new students from their community, including a recently homeless veteran from Veterans Village.

Statewide Veteran Services Grants The 10 selected grants have been busy implementing proposed programs and serving veterans.

Success story: St. Andrew Legal Clinic has embraced the spirit of this grant, looking for classes for their staff on dealing with clients with PTSD/TBI issues, and trying to become more attuned to their unique challenges. St. Andrew’s specializes in family law, but try to provide at least a free consultation and referral to another legal office for veterans needing services they cannot.

They hope to apply for another grant because they have seen the incredible value provided to the community in keeping veterans in their homes, able to visit their children, or successfully navigating the end of a marriage amicably.

Lines for Life Lines for Life, provides 24 hour phone and text services to at-risk veterans and their families.

This quarter, 542 calls from nine identified counties were logged. The calls had an average wait time of 21 seconds, and the average duration of a call was 14 minutes. Referrals were given to 29% of the callers for mental health appointments, drug and alcohol treatment, and assistance with the VA. Emergency services were not notified for any calls this quarter.

Partnership with Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) SVS Director collaborates with OHCS on a regular basis regarding homeless veteran initiatives.

38

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

A 2017-19 ODVA budget note directed $1.5M Lottery funds to OHCS, and required ODVA and OHCS to develop a collaborative plan for use of the funds. Efforts are in support of the Governor’s call to end veteran homelessness. Use/distribution of the funds include: • •

• •

Hired a Veteran Homelessness Integrator Position at OHCs. Increased Community Action Agency (CAA) Veteran Services Funding.

Conducted three Homeless Convening which brought partners from across the state together for two days to discuss and collaborate on ways to address veteran homelessness. A very successful convening was just held in Independence, with over 120 participants from across the state.

Providing permanent Housing for Homeless Veterans. Funded an additional OHCS Multifamily Housing NOFA project. ODVA recently celebrated the grand-opening of this 4-plex in Independence.

Concluded and celebrated Operation Welcome Home (OWH) - OHCS and ODVA collaborated on a project, which provided technical assistance to 10 communities to house 500 homeless veterans across Oregon. Campaign focuses on building a veteran leadership team, and providing contracted technical assistance to create and utilize a veteran by-name list. By-name lists are used to link veterans to available services.

Success Story: Collectively, the 10 communities housed 529 homeless veterans during the 8month campaign!!

Partnership with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) – OHA and ODVA have been working together on the Veterans Behavioral Health Services Improvement Project, the first phase of which was the completion of a study and report describing the current landscape of veterans’ behavioral health care and providing recommendations for future improvements. The study was conducted by the Rede Group, that also conducted the Women Veterans study a couple years ago.

In the second phase of this project, OHA, ODVA, and Rede Group will facilitate a series of community forums on veterans’ behavioral healthcare around the state of Oregon. The first part of the session emphasizes introducing the report and gathering input from veterans and the community and the second part will be geared more towards professionals and policymakers working in veterans’ behavioral health although anyone is welcome to attend any portion of the forum.

The executive summary of the report findings and recommendations is available as a hand out.

39

40

Veterans’ Home Loan Program Second Quarter 2019 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

Production Review •

• • •

The interest rate environment for the Home Loan Program for calendar year 2019 has been extremely challenging. With the record production year for 2018, the availability of bond funds available for allocations of closed loans in 2019 have been extremely limited. To avoid a stockpiling of loans and an uncertain interest rate environment moving forward, and bond funds for new allocations not likely until the Fall of 2019, the decision was made to limit production until the interest rates could be better assessed. Because of that, 2019 production numbers are uncharacteristically low.

For the 2nd Quarter, 2019, the Home Loan Program closed 23 loans for a gross dollar volume of $7,767,701.

For the same period in 2018, the Home Loan Program funded 113 loans for $30,039,923.

Year to date, the OrVet Home Loan program has funded 56 loans for $17,605,214.

The chart below shows a 2014 - 2019 YTD monthly production comparison of dollar volume funded for the OrVet Home Loan program. $16,000,000 $14,000,000 2 0 14

$12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $-

•

At the end of the 2nd Quarter 2019, ODVA has a total of 1,927 loans in portfolio, with a total dollar amount under servicing of $368,030,794. Of these, 1,710 units and $359,998,045 are new loans. Old loans were at 217 units totaling $8,032,749. At the end of the 2nd Quarter 2018, the ODVA had a total of 1,877 for $331,654,221 under servicing; with 1,595 units at $321,619,233 as New loans and 282 units at $10,034,988 were Old Loans. We experienced some minor shrinkage in the servicing portfolio due to the outside sector favorable interest rates and loans getting refinanced.

41

Veterans’ Home Loan Program Second Quarter 2019 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

Loan Delinquency Review • • • • •

For the reporting period of 06/30/2019, there was no State Owned Properties/Real Estate Owned (SOP/REO) in inventory.

At the end of 2nd Quarter 2019, there was 1 loan in a Foreclosure status, an decrease of 1 loan from the previous reporting period.

At the end of 2nd Quarter 2019, ODVA has 3 loans in a bankruptcy status; no change over the prior Quarter.

The total of all loans reporting in the 90-day or greater delinquency position was at 7, expressed as 0.4% unit delinquency on a portfolio of 1,968 loans and at 0.1% 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 Second Quarter 2019 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 2.79%, FHA home loans in Oregon were at 5.66 % and Conventional Prime home loans Oregon were at 1.90%. All these percentages reflect a slight increase of delinquencies over the prior quarter. For this reporting period, the total delinquency for the ODVA home loan program was 0.9% at 18 units, a significant reduction over the prior quarter. Kudo’s to Kimberly Cottrill and Devon Thorson in our collection and bankruptcy/foreclosure department.

Quarterly Staffing News •

No changes to staff from the previous report.

Cody L Cox Home Loan Program Manager

42

FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION John Osborn, Program Manager

THE DALLES VETERANS’ HOME We have released an ITB for The Dalles exterior renovations project. The overall project will involve replacing the roof, redesigning the soffit to siding connections; redevelop the garden area between C & D wings, and various interior and exterior items. The ITB closes on September 3rd, after selection of a contactor we will collate all the remaining documents including an MOU and submit them to USDVA for final award. The current schedule will call for completing work on the interior and some of the small exterior project components. The roofing and siding will be postponed until early spring of 2020.

The total project cost is; $6,033,928. Federal share is $3,922,053. State is $2,111,874.

LEBANON VETERANS’ HOME As mentioned in the last report, the Lebanon grant request for 2019 was not funded on the initial grant allocations. However, funds may become available soon as a couple of States have drop out of consideration at this time. This creates the possibility that funds will be made available for the next projects on the priority list, we were second in line on that list. As a reminder, the project is to further develop the area west of the new parking lot adding a storage building and additional staff offices. In addition, an activity room will be built off the existing D-wing spine similar to the one constructed at The Dalles Veterans Home. The total project cost is $3,649,000. Federal share is $2,371,850. State share is $1,277,150.

ODVA Building A contractor has been selected to perform the remodels on the first, second and third floors of the ODVA building. The eastside of the first floor will be for Aging Services and Veterans Services. The westside of the first floor, and suite 230 on the second floor, will be occupied by Oregon Housing and Community Services, OHCS. At that time OHCS will vacate space they currently occupy on the third floor. Early Learning Division, ELD, on the third floor will take the space that will be vacated by OHCS. Leases and lease amendments will be executed soon. All remodels in the building will include additional offices, new carpet, flooring, paint, and casework. The updated finishes and furniture will create a more welcoming atmosphere in the lobby and through-out the building. We are anticipating the remodel to start in late summer and be completed by the first part or 2020.

43