Moran sponsors Senate bill improving VA adapted housing grants

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) recently sponsored a bipartisan, bicameral bill to improve the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“This modernized and expanded grant program will allow veterans to utilize vital SAH grants in a way that best fit their needs – providing greater support and improving the quality of life for many of our nation’s veterans,” Sen. Moran said.

The senator on June 27 introduced the Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019, S. 2022, with U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to expand SAH eligibility for seriously injured or ill American military veterans.

U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Mike Levin (D-CA) on June 26 introduced the same-named companion bill, HR. 3504, in their chamber.

The proposal is named for Spring Hill, Kan., native U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Dr. Paul Benne, who in 2013 developed a medical condition that forced his retirement after 23 years of service.

In 2016, Benne was fitted by the VA for a wheelchair. He applied for a SAH grant because his home and vehicle did not accommodate the wheelchair, but after a year had not received a determination.

Benne contacted Sen. Moran’s office for assistance and within three months, the senator’s office helped him earn a favorable decision on his adaptive housing claim and he was provided SAH grants.

If enacted, the measure would provide seriously ill veterans priority consideration for SAH grants; would double the maximum number of awarded grants from three to six per veteran; and would increase the number of authorized applications per fiscal year from 30 to 120, according to a summary provided by Sen. Moran’s office.

“This legislation will serve veterans who may need similar assistance to that received by Colonel Benne by expanding SAH eligibility qualifications for seriously ill or injured veterans,” said Sen. Moran.