Latta Introduces Military Healthcare Legislation

Release:

WASHINGTON- [Yesterday], Congressman Latta (R- Bowling Green) re-introduced the following legislation he sponsored in the 110th Congress.

- The TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009, a bill that allows retired members of National Guard and reserve units with 20 or more years of faithful and honorable service to purchase healthcare that was available to them during their time in active service or after they reach 60 years of age. Currently, members who have retired but are not yet 60 years of age are not eligible for TRICARE, and are referred to as being in the “gray area.” Right now there are approximately 220,000 retirees that fall within in the “gray area” and an additional 12,100 service members retiring and entering this status each year.

- A bill that would increase the standard charitable mileage rate tax deduction for volunteers who deliver meals to elderly, disabled, frail, or at risk individuals. High gas prices have recently forced many home meal delivery programs to alter or reduce the amount of routes and meals they can provide. Currently, the standard mileage rate for charitable mileage is 14 cents per mile and, if passed, this bill would bring the charitable rate up for those delivering meals to the current business rate of 58.5 cents per mile.

- A resolution outlining a five-point comprehensive energy reform plan to lower energy costs and increase domestic energy production. The five points are as follows:

Expanded use of renewable and alternative energy sources.

Increase in U.S. domestic refining capacity.

Promote and incentivize an increase in conservation and energy efficiency.

Expand and promote additional research and development through new and innovative methods such as public-private partnerships.

Enhancing consumer awareness and education regarding methods to increase energy efficiency and available alternative fuel sources to reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

- A resolution Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that in order to continue aggressive growth in our Nation’s telecommunications and technology industries, the United States Government should ‘‘Get Out of the Way and Stay Out of the Way.’’