SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the signing of a landmark paid leave program in Washington state.
“No one should have to decide between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one, and I’m so proud that Washington state is continuing to lead the way in making sure families aren’t faced with that truly unfair choice. This is a great step forward for workers and families in our state and it’s exactly the kind of progress I’m going to keep fighting for back in the other Washington.”
Sen. Murray has been a longtime advocate for helping workers earn paid sick days and paid family leave. She delivered one of her first speeches on the Senate floor in favor of the Family and Medical Leave Act and is a cosponsor of the FAMILY Act. ( press release issued July 5th)
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DA1CB7E8-5B43-4C93-A21F-74D64B101095
Sen. Murray Applauds Committee Passage of Measure to Modernize VA Appeals Process
Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, applauded the committee passage of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. The bipartisan legislation seeks to overhaul the current process for veterans’ appeals at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA’s current appeals process is in desperate need of updating, and nearly half a million veterans in Washington state and nationwide are in limbo because of the VA’s existing backlog. Between fiscal year 2015 and fiscal year 2017, the number of pending appeals increased from approximately 380,000 to 470,000 – a more than 20 percent increase.
The measure, which passed the committee by voice vote, would create three separate paths for veterans to choose from when seeking redress from a decision by the Veterans Benefits Administration on their claims for VA benefits. Senator Murray has long championed reforms to provide better service and support to the nation’s veterans.
“Our country makes a promise to care for the men and women who serve, but far too often, I hear from veterans in Washington state that the benefits and care they earned have been caught up in bureaucracy outside their control,” Senator Murray said. “This is a disservice to those who sacrificed so much on our behalf. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues as we work to simplify the system so it works better for our veterans.”
The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 allows certain veterans already going through the appeals process to opt in to the new system and gives the VA secretary the authority to test facets of the new system prior to full implementation. The bill also requires the VA to provide a comprehensive plan for both implementing the new system and processing the existing appeals.----press release issued June 30th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E73B95B4-0FD6-4245-9CCC-454B7127F8FF
Sens. Murray, Cantwell Commemorate 100th Anniversary of Ballard Locks in Remarks for Senate Record
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) commemorated the forthcoming 100th anniversary of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, with remarks for the Senate record recognizing the historical and environmental significance of the locks and the their integral role in growing the Puget Sound economy and providing critical public safety functions. According to a recently released economic impacts study, the Ballard Locks support $1.2 billion in total lock-related economic activity, more than 3,000 full-time jobs, and generate an additional $40 million in economic activity per year as one of the region’s top tourist attractions. Recognizing the Ballard Locks’ regional importance, the Senators have consistently fought for increased investments to operate, maintain, and restore the Ballard Locks. The locks officially opened for vessel traffic on July 4, 1917.-----press release issued June 30th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=B6A405CE-AB10-4F13-9182-F7792D8B86BA
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