Excerpts from a response to a letter from our Friend from US Representative Charles Bass (NH)
Dear Ms. Hatch:
Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about the quality of retirement benefits available to nurses working in VA hospitals. It was good to hear from you.
I appreciate and share your concerns about the level of compensation given to nurses in all health care facilities and capacities. As you know, a nationwide nurse shortage threatens the quality and availablity of health care across the country and particularly in rural states such as New Hampshire. One reason often cited by nurses for exiting the profession is the low level of compensation provided for the relatively stressful and highy skilled duties they perform.
As you know, H.R. 2182, the Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Retirement Equity Act, would begin to address this issue by increasing the retirement benefits available for retired part-time VA employees, including nurses. This bill, which was introduced by Representative Michael Doyle (D-PA) is currently being considered by the Veterans' Affairs Committee, on which I do not serve. Nevertheless, I will be sure to keep your views in mind should this or related legislation come before the full House for consideration.