SCR129

A Concurrent Resolution urging Congress to pass and fund the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act."

Whereas, Traumatic brain injuries are common among American veterans, as more than 265,000 United States troops have suffered traumatic brain injuries since 2001; and

Whereas, A traumatic brain injury is an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force; and

Whereas, Individuals with traumatic brain injuries may experience memory loss, concentration or attention problems, slowed learning, depression, impulsivity, aggression, thoughts of suicide, fatigue, headaches, sensory losses, seizures, and difficulty with balance, motor skills, planning, reasoning, or judgment; and

Whereas, The Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury is a five-year pilot program authorized under the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008" to enhance the rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration of veterans with traumatic brain injuries; and

Whereas, The Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury currently offers more than 100 veterans the opportunity to receive treatment for traumatic brain injuries in assisted living facilities, where they relearn a number of essential activities that prepare the veteran to reintegrate into society; and

Whereas, The Department of Veterans Affairs does not offer an alternative program and without congressional action, statutory authority for the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury will expire on September 30, 2014; and

Whereas, On July 15, 2014, United States Senators Cory Booker and Dean Heller introduced S. 2607, the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act," to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to extend the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury for an additional three years; and

Whereas, The "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act" also improves procedures for reporting on the program's effectiveness, which could help to further expand funding for the program in the future; and

Whereas, Many veterans would benefit from an expansion of the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury by gaining access to comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation from severe injuries that are notoriously difficult to treat; and

Whereas, The Legislature of the State of New Jersey respectfully urges Congress to fully fund and pass the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act" so that our nation's veterans can continue to receive the treatment and services they need and deserve; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

1. The Legislature of this State respectfully urges Congress to pass and fund the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act."

2. Copies of this concurrent resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or Secretary of the Senate to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, and to each member of Congress elected from this State.

STATEMENT

This concurrent resolution urges Congress to pass and fund the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act."

On July 15, 2014, United States Senators Cory Booker and Dean Heller introduced S. 2607, the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act," to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to extend the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury for an additional three years. The Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury is a five-year pilot program authorized under the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008" to enhance the rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration of veterans with traumatic brain injuries. The program currently offers more than 100 veterans the opportunity to receive treatment for traumatic brain injuries in assisted living facilities, where they relearn a number of essential tasks, such as how to cook, make a bed, and go to the grocery store. If the results of the pilot program are positive, more veterans may be eligible for the assistance that the program offers.

A traumatic brain injury is an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. Since 2001, approximately 265,000 United States troops have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Individuals with traumatic brain injuries may experience memory loss, concentration or attention problems, slowed learning, depression, impulsivity, aggression, thoughts of suicide, fatigue, headaches, sensory losses, seizures, and difficulty with balance, motor skills, planning, reasoning, or judgment.

Without congressional action, statutory authority for the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury will expire on September 30, 2014. The legislation introduced by Senators Cory Booker and Dean Heller would fund the program for an additional three years. The legislation would also improve procedures for reporting on the program's effectiveness, which could help to further expand the program.

The Legislature of this State urges Congress to pass and fund the "Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Extension Act."