August 13, 2018 - The 2019 Defense Budget has been approved by Congress and signed by President Trump in record speed with a 2.6 percent pay increase and a $717 billion national defense budget. This is the earliest the defense budget has been passed in the last 40 years. "I am grateful for the strong commitment of members on both sides of the aisle to pass this year's NDAA in record time. Together, they have demonstrated the deep and abiding bipartisan support our military enjoys," said … [Read More...]
VA Policy On Medical Marijuana and Veterans
As more states consider authorizing the medical use of marijuana, there has been a growing number of voices among the veteran community urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to reconsider its’ policies on medical cannabis. These voices include Representative Phil Roe
2019 BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) rates
The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) increase for 2019 is currently proposed at 3.4% after seeing a .3% increase last year and no increase in 2017. It should be noted that the National Defense Authorization Act plan proposes 3.4% every year but typically falls far short of that increase. The 2019 BAS increase would be […]
Free Tax Filing for Military Members
When tax filing season begins, military members (and in some cases, military spouses) should know about the free and discounted options available to them. Free tax help is one of the “hidden” benefits of serving, and while tax prep and filing may seem intimidating, as long as you have the right paperwork and start early […]
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VA Education Benefits For Dependents
VA education benefits for dependents include options under the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon program, and scholarship funds. If you are a military dependent wondering what your options from the VA might be, much depends on the nature of … [Read More...]