Ga. bill could give veterans easier access to VA centers
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Going the extra mile for veterans because they lay their lives on the line for us. That’s what Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is doing right now.
Transportation is a daily struggle for veterans in rural areas who are trying to get the VA, but Ossoff is behind a bill that could soon change that.
It’s a bill that could impact veterans who live in rural parts of Georgia and Ossoff says this isn’t a favor that the federal government is doing for veterans, it’s the federal government making good on its part of the bargain.
It’s all to help veterans have more options to get to the VA more easily.
“Yeah, well, a lot of moved you know, 20 to 30 years ago and they’re not going to move again,” said David Myer, veteran.
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And just because they don’t live by the VA doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have access to its services.
“Veterans put their lives on the line to defend the country,” said Ossoff. “They made enormous sacrifices, and so did their families through their military service. Just because they live in a rural area doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be able to get care and the benefits that they’ve earned through their service.”
It would help more parts of rural Georgia qualify for VA programs that provide transportation to a check-up or appointment.
“These veterans put their lives on the line for our country, they deserve not just the best care, but care that they can access, and these transportation options will help,” said Ossoff.
A step in the right direction to help many veterans in our area, but some are hoping to take it one step further.
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“That you can commute to a local facility and get the same benefits that would change a lot,” said Myer.
He’s hopeful this bill could help serve those who have served us.
“Where people don’t have to drive 40 to 50 miles and when you get to some of our ages like myself, driving 40 to 50 miles just to make an appointment is not real good,” said Myer. “And a lot of veterans can’t drive really, so it’s important to look at those aspects.”
The VA’s highly rural transportation grant program is currently only available to very rural counties, which is why Ossoff is stressing the importance of expanding this bill for veterans.
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