Tester introduces Veterans Cost-of-Living Increase

Senator’s bipartisan bill will put more money in veterans’ pockets

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester is introducing bipartisan legislation to provide disabled veterans with a cost-of-living increase this fall.

Tester’s bill matches the veterans’ benefit increase to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) provided to Social Security recipients.  It would affect several important veterans’ benefits, including disability compensation and survivor benefits for spouses and children.

“Veterans fought hard for this country and earned all their benefits,” said Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “It’s my job to make sure those benefits keep pace with economic realities, and I will fight to improve the lives of veterans across Montana and the country.”

“Compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs is a major source of income for many veterans and their families, so adjusting those payments for inflation is absolutely necessary,” said Disabled American Veterans National Commander Donald L. Samuels.  “We commend Senator Tester for introducing the COLA bill.”

If signed into law, Tester’s measure would take effect December 1.

Tester helped pass a similar increase in veterans’ disability benefits last year, raising veterans’ benefits 3.6 percent.

Tester’s Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Act is available online HERE.  It is currently under consideration by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

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