Joe Bello

VA launches a departmentwide 'review of its mission' as it seeks changes to its operations Veterans Affairs is no longer planning mass layoffs, but major changes still expected.

The VA launches a departmentwide review to rethink how it delivers services and fulfills its mission, amid ongoing federal workforce cuts. Led by the new secretary, the effort aims to identify changes to improve veteran care even as the department sheds 30,000 employees. More here: buff.ly/hVGeQM0

ICYMI: My statement regarding #veterans in #NYC’s FY26 Budget!

VA backs down on mass layoffs, will cut 30K through attrition only Following significant pushback, VA is reversing course on its plan for widespread RIFs while still promising some staffing reductions.

Following significant pushback, the Department of Veterans Affairs is reversing course on its plan for widespread RIFs while still promising some staffing reductions. buff.ly/BD93Xrl

NYC plans ticker-tape parade for post-9/11 war veterans in Lower Manhattan A U.S. Coast Guard vessel cruises through New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty as part of Fleet Week on May 21, 2025. Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is calling the parade, which will take place in July 2026, the “Homecoming of Heroes.” [ more › ]

NYC plans ticker-tape parade for post-9/11 war veterans in Lower Manhattan https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-plans-ticker-tape-parade-for-post-911-combat-veterans-in-lower-manhattan

YouTube video by The Lincoln Project Hotline

Trump and Musk have cut vital programs at the VA, leaving many veterans in crisis abandoned. Our veterans answered the call, but now nobody will answer theirs. youtu.be/dNkPuZ0gRdI?...

VA plans to lay off as many as 83,000 employees this year A leaked memo released Tuesday called for VA to slash its workforce to 2019 levels that were in place before millions of veterans became newly eligible for care.

The VA is preparing to lay off tens of thousands of employees this year, marking one of the largest workforce cuts in the agency’s history. The move raises concerns about the impact on veterans' services.

Senate rejects PACT Act protections, sending “signal” that benefits could be cut, vet group says The Senate rejected a measure to protect veteran toxic exposure benefits which vet groups say are a “signal” for larger potential cuts.

The Senate voted against a non-binding resolution calling for the protection of health care benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits during their service.

Trump has issued a number of orders affecting the military. Here's what they do President Trump signed a number of new executive orders Monday night aimed at the U.S. military. Here is a breakdown what he signed.

President Trump signed a number of new executive orders Monday night aimed at the U.S. military. Here is a breakdown of what he signed.

VA secretary nominee promises more medical care options and upgrades Nominee Doug Collins said he wants to expand VA's community care program while still strengthening the existing department health care system.

VA secretary nominee promises more medical care options and upgrades: www.militarytimes.com/news/pentago... via @militarytimes.bsky.social

Multi-year outreach blitz helped bring more vets into VA services Department leaders have used high-profile partnerships and ad campaigns to reach out to veterans perviously leery of VA programs.

Out today -- here's a deep dive into VA outreach efforts over the last two-plus years, and how it has pulled tens of thousands more veterans into the system. But will it continue into the new administration? www.militarytimes.com/veterans/202...

Black sailors exonerated for mutiny 80 years after WWII After a deadly ammunition blast at California's Port Chicago during World War II, 50 Black sailors were convicted of mutiny for refusing to go back over subpar safety conditions. Eight decades after t...

The Navy has exonerated the Port Chicago 50, a group of Black sailors convicted in the largest mutiny in its history...

New York City Selects Developers for Long-Abandoned Kingsbridge Armory The Economic Development Corporation’s pick of Maddd Equities and Joy Construction elevates hopes that decades of revival schemes finally come to fruition — and concerns about a contractor’s safety…

The city Economic Development Corporation has selected 8th Regiment Partners LLC to develop Kingsbridge Armory, the public-benefit corporation told THE CITY on Monday.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, the President signed into law: S. 141, the "Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," which amends various Department of Veterans Affairs authorities related to health care, economic opportunity, disability and memorial affairs, veteran homelessness, and oversight and investigations. Thank you to Senators Moran, Tester, and Hassan, Representatives Ciscomani, Bost, Brownley, and Takano, and many others for their leadership.

FYI, President Biden signed the Dole Act into law last night. Took a few extra days, but no sign of any issues. Here's the background on what it does: www.militarytimes.com/news/pentago...

Breaking down the number of veterans in the 119th Congress This Congress begins with more members who are military veterans than any session in the last eight years.

This Congress begins with more members who are military veterans than any session in the last eight years.

The Empire State Building shines red, white, and blue in tribute to the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter.

#OTD in 2015: Former NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio signs into law the bill creating the #NYC Department of #Veterans Services onboard the Intrepid Museum! #History

What is a ‘100% disability’ rating and what does that actually mean for veterans Determining a veteran’s combined disability rating is not a matter of simple math. The process is incredibly complicated.

There’s been plenty of discussion about veterans’ disability benefits and ratings.

This article breaks down how disability ratings are calculated and explains why being rated 100% disabled by the VA doesn’t necessarily mean you’re completely immobile.

This morning I was one of only two Democratic candidates for Mayor who showed up to NY Metro Vets’ Veterans Forum.

I appreciated the opportunity to hear from veterans in the Bronx, share my vision for supportive housing, health care, & workforce development opportunities for NYC’s service members.

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The United States declared war against Japan the following day.

Read more about what happened on this date: t.ly/sJ7Un

Pearl Harbor attack was eighty-three years ago today:

VA pushes to enroll New York veterans in health care program: Here is how to apply The campaign aims to reach 27,234 eligible New York veterans who fought in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

VA pushes to enroll New York #veterans in health care program: Here is how to apply: www.silive.com/health/2024/... via @silive.com

House Republicans set the stage for expanding private care for veterans President-elect Trump could once again seek to shift veterans away from VA for health care and the top Republican on the issue just laid out a blueprint for doing so.

“The measure is unlikely to become law in the few remaining weeks of the current Congress, but sets the stage for the fight that is likely to come under Trump.”

House Republicans set the stage for expanding private care for #veterans: www.govexec.com/management/2... via @govexec.bsky.social

Starting today! “A Fortnight at Tripler” - a play that tells the story of a wounded soldier from Iraq is performing at the YMCA’s Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in #NYC from December 4-8th. Discount tickets for #veterans! Go to: ci.ovationtix.com/36891/produc...

This Sunday, December 8th, Veterans Action Network, along with NYMetroVets will be holding a #NYC Veterans Political Action Summit in the #Bronx! We invite all mayoral & other office candidates to hear from #veterans regarding our issues & to discuss veterans platforms. Info below! Join us!

VA awards $1.5 million to study using psychedelics for PTSD treatment The move is the first time Veterans Affairs leaders have funded a study into psychedelic benefits since the 1960s.

Out now: VA awards $1.5 million to study using psychedelics for PTSD treatment. This is the first such VA-funded study in more than 50 years.
www.militarytimes.com/veterans/202...

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The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs projects that by 2036, there will be fewer than 300 Second World War veterans still alive in the United States.

This is a photo of a drawing of pop singer Sabrina carpenter, taken from a screen grab from an article on ways to love New York. The accompanying text says “because a Williamsburg priest let Sabrina carpenter shoot a music video in his church which led to the discovery that he had loaned nearly $2 million to Eric Adams’s top kingmaker”

A screenshot from an article listing all of the cases Damian Williams took on including a polyamorous crypto scammer, sen menendez, and mayor Eric Adams

A screen shot that says “because the threat of prison forced Eric Adams to do his job”

Mayor Adams and his admin dominate Reasons to Love New York (but not in the way they’d like)

The R’s are pissed off now but just wait till Trump pardons all the J6 defendants! They’ll be jumping for joy!

How to Find Housing With a Voucher in New York City A guide for homeless and low-income New Yorkers facing red tape, shady landlords and agency mismanagement in their search for a place to live.

Housing vouchers are a central tool in the city’s efforts to solve the housing crisis.

But for many New Yorkers, the problem isn’t applying for assistance, but what comes next: finding an apartment and securing the voucher.