U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka - "Stimulus Funds Will Boost Hawaii's Economy" - Kaimuki

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U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka - "Stimulus Funds Will Boost Hawaii's Economy"
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Courtesy of Office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Source Office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka

Aloha from our nation's capital. I wanted to share with you an update on my work in Washington.

To Date, More than $100Million in Stimulus Funds Destined for Hawaii

Today, Senator Dan Inouye and I announced that $1 million in federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinivestment Act has been designated for VA projects in Hawaii. The stimulus funds will be used to upgrade facilities at Punchbowl Cemetery and the Spark M. Matsunaga VA MedicalCenter.

The VA projects are in addition to more than $100 million infederal spendingalready allocated for Hawaii, including funding for senior nutrition, childcare at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, anti-crime initiatives and energy efficiency programs. These funds will provide a sorely needed boost to our state's economy.

And, as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am pleased that a provision I worked on will provide a payment of $250 to veterans and survivors who receive VA benefits and who would not otherwise receive a stimulus payment based upon earnings or receipt of Social Security benefits.

President Reconsiders Proposal to Charge Veterans' Personal Insurance for War Wounds

On March 18, President Barack Obama announced that he would drop a proposal to shift the responsibility to pay for care for service-connected injuries from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the private insurers of wounded veterans. The plan had drawn significant opposition from veterans and veteran service organizations.

I called VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to thank the Administration for dropping the proposal. President Obama made the right decision not to move forward. Veterans' care and benefits are a cost of war and treatment for conditions directly related to service is the responsibility of the government alone.

America Marks the Sixth Anniversary of the War in Iraq

As you probably know, in 2002, I was one of 23 Senators to vote against going to war with Iraq. Friday marked the sixth anniversary of the beginning of this ill conceived conflict.

I am glad President Obama is working to fulfill his promise to responsibly end the war in Iraq. The President's plan removes our combat brigades by August 31, 2010. This will allow for a responsible and flexible transition to full Iraqi responsibility for security. This will also allow us to focus on a broader set of national priorities.

Our troops have served with honor and courage under very difficult and dangerous circumstances. They completed their mission with honor, removed Saddam Hussein from power, and are training Iraqi troops and police to take over. It is time to bring them home.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work. For the latest news from my office, please visit my website which is updated daily. And please know that I always appreciate hearing your concerns and comments regarding the issues that face our state and our nation. I welcome all citizen input whether it be by phone, fax, letter or email.

Aloha pumehana,

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka

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U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka - "Stimulus Funds Will Boost Hawaii's Economy"

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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