BERKLEY BILLS WILL MODERNIZE BURIAL BENEFITS FOR AMERICA’S VETERANS

** Increase Needed to Help Cover the Rising Cost of Final Arrangements **

(November 9, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.)  Responding to the rising cost of final arrangements for America’s veterans and their loved ones, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) has introduced legislation to update burial and marker benefit payments administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Veterans who proudly served our nation are entitled to benefit payments to help cover the cost of their final arrangements.  But over time, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of these payments, leaving it to families and states to cover any extra costs,” said Berkley.

The Burial Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 4045) increases payments to match the same percentage of burial costs that were covered in 1973 when the benefits were initiated.

“Veterans deserve to be laid to rest with full recognition of their military service and by increasing these benefits, we can defray costs for families who might otherwise be unable to cover such an expense.  My legislation increases payments so that veterans and their loved ones can have peace of mind when planning for their final arrangements,” said Berkley.

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