Dear Friend,

Last weekend, gas prices in cities and towns throughout Indiana set new records yet again. While many Hoosiers are impacted by these outrageous prices, our veterans -- who often live on fixed incomes and have to travel great distances for health care-- are being hit particularly hard. So this week, I co-sponsored legislation designed to give them some relief.

The Veterans Travel Equity Act is bipartisan legislation that would increase the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling to see the doctor at VA medical facilities. Specifically, it would increase the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans to match the rate available to federal employees.

The bill also eliminates income and pension eligibility requirements and service-connected disability rating requirements. Under current law, only veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 percent or more qualify for the reimbursement.

After bravely serving our country, our veterans shouldn’t receive any less than federal employees. We owe them better. This is a common sense and fair way to give them some relief from skyrocketing gas prices, and I hope the House will consider it soon.

For more information on what I am doing to help veterans and reduce gas prices, please visit the 8th District Online Office at: www.ellsworth.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth