LEGISLATIVE

NATIONAL & STATE LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN

 

SCOTT CRAIG

 (610) 568-8700
 legislative@vfwsc.org
 Post 8738 

 
 

Today, I'd like to take a moment and remind all of our comrades why the VFW exists. We are the voice that holds our government accountable to fulfill the promises they've made to our veterans. Tomorrow marks the start of South Carolina's legislative session. This year, we have a couple things we need to address at the state level for our veterans and our posts. 

 

Firstly, National has asked that we tackle protecting our veterans from claim sharks. Attached, there is an infographic for veterans claims outcomes, the model legislation that has been adopted in 9 states, and the list of legislators on veterans sub-committees.  I have started scheduling meetings to get the legislation pre-filed and find sponsors. It is up to us to prevent our war fighters from being taken advantage of and their earned benefits being commoditization for personal profit.

 

And every post has been affected by the liquor liability law changes. We are working on amending Title 15 to restrict the scope to those actually responsible for overserving. I will be asking in the future for you or your quartermasters for how the insurance risk changes have financially affected the charitable work of our organization.

 

I ask that you take a few moments to reach out to your state level law makers. They are in your communities and your influence, stories, and insight is important to motivate them to do their duty. Ask them to protect our veterans and I am available if you have any questions.
 
 
Claim Shark Accreditation Information
Sample State Claim Sharks Bill Language
SC House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Senate Family and Veterans Services Committee
 
 
 
First, thank you for continuing to serve. The work the VFW does is important and your commitment to fellow warfighters is appreciated. The mission of our VFW is: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. This election season is an important time for us to fulfill that last promise, and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.


The first step is to make sure our comrades have the capacity to be represented and are registered to vote. It can be as simple as making sure they have the following web address.
https://scvotes.gov/voters/register-to-vote/


Another low commitment but high impact way for our Vets to be heard, is to get enrolled in the Action Corp.  https://votervoice.net/VFW/Register. Once enrolled, they will be given alerts on upcoming votes that impact their benefits. We are focused on fighting claim sharks, erasing pay disparity between the VA and retirement, protecting our widows and widowers from tax increases when the service member passes, and many other bills.The sidebar at the link contains information on National’s legislative priorities.


Finally, as  leadership teams, we need to develop relationships with our National and State legislators. Election season has changed the landscape. It has knocked out known allies and we need to lock down support for our priorities. Use https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.phpto find the State Representatives and Senators for your post. Invite them out to your social evenings, incorporate them in your Community Service projects, and impress upon them that the VFW is a force multiplier for veteran care.


It is our duty to advocate for our veterans, their spouses, and their children. It is why the VFW exists. So please, reach out if you have any questions. I will be working hard this upcoming term, but I need your help. Thanks for your time, and thanks again for still serving.