Veterans services and support

As a Gold Star Son, I know all too well the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.

I’m on a mission to ensure we take care of those who risk their lives in service to our country—and that we don’t forget about the families they leave behind.

– Dean Phillips

Dean’s plan

Americans are unified in our belief that we must support those who have served our nation and defended our liberty—but that’s not always the case in Washington, DC. Veterans and their families must be a priority when they’re sent into harm’s way; and they must remain a priority when they come home. Here’s what Dean is working to do:

Ensure a world class VA health system

The Veterans Administration must have the resources necessary to meet the increasing needs of veterans and enable it to serve effectively as the medical home of every veteran in its care. Community care and related private sector programs must supplement and coordinate with VA services, not replace them—and private sector services must not result in gaps, delays, or defunding of essential VA care.

Address veterans mental health, TBI and PTSD

A significant percentage of veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, suffer from major depression, PTSD, or TBI. The VA must have sufficient resources for veteran outreach to identify those who need help and to perform the essential research that enables prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. VA resources should be coordinated with innovative private sector services (e.g., telehealth) when appropriate.

End veteran homelessness

While there was a 2.1% decline in veteran homelessness nationwide in 2019, at one point, over 37,000 were still experiencing homelessness. No veteran should ever be without shelter. That’s why Dean supports fully funding existing homelessness programs and expanding coordinated efforts in local communities to identify veterans at risk and to help provide solutions to their housing challenges.

Simplify the administrative process

Many veterans struggle to understand and navigate the VA system to apply for and receive the benefits to which they are entitled. The VA should place a priority on simplifying and streamlining the eligibility, benefits, and related administrative processes.

Enhance veterans’ education benefits

America built its middle class post-WWII in large part with a generous and effective GI Bill. Those education benefits have eroded in the ensuing years, presenting less opportunity to today’s veterans. America owes opportunity to those who have served honorably and must provide sufficient education benefits that enable our returning veterans to reintegrate into civilian life and continue to make contributions to American society.

Let’s create change—together.

Join the DeanTeam—a diverse, committed team of neighbors who are creating change in communities across Minnesota’s Third District.

Whether you’d like to volunteer at an upcoming campaign event or lend a hand from home, there are always opportunities to make a meaningful difference.