THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, July 19, 2019 Page 9 Congresswoman Clark secures protections for veterans employed in cannabis industry in NDAA reauthorization House legislation now moves to Conference Committee, then President’s desk W ASHINGTON, D.C., July 15, 2019 – U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, the Vice Chair of the House of Representative’s Democratic Caucus, successfully secured passage of an amendment to prevent discrimination against veterans who are legally employed in the cannabis industry as part of the House’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed on July 12, 2019. The amendment will prohibit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying benefits, including VA home loans, based on a veteran’s income being derived from a state’s legal marijuana industry. “The cannabis industry is a growing part of our economy and no one, let alone our veterans, should be penalized for being part of it,” said Congresswoman Clark. “The passage of this amendment ensures that our service members receive the benefits they deserve while modernizing the policies of the VA.” Among the benefits offered to U.S. veterans, the VA offers loan guarantees for low-rate mortgages with no money down. Earlier this year, a constituent of Congresswoman Clark’s reported to her office that he had been denied this benefit based on his legal employment in the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. The VA informed her office that this source of income was not “stable and reliable.” In response, Clark sent a letter to the VA in May asking for clarification on their regulations relating to veterans employed legally in the cannabis industry, as well as advocating that the VA modernize its policies to reflect the budding role of the cannabis industry throughout the country. Over 200,000 Americans are working in jobs related to medical or recreational cannabis, generating $11 billion in sales annually. Most states have now legalized cannabis use for one or both of these uses. The U.S. House passed NDAA with several critical reforms, including the repeal of the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), the prevention of unilateral action on Iran, and investments in military pay and housing. NDAA also has two other amendments proposed by Congresswoman Clark: protecting access to health insurance for government employees during shutdowns and preventing a president or vice president from personally contracting with the federal government. NDAA next heads to Conference Committee, where the differing House and Senate versions will be reconciled before NDAA heads to the President’s desk. AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 IL. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles) Only $59.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2013 FORD ESCAPE SE 4WD 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SE Auto., Leather, Loaded, Excellent Condition, Clean Title, Warranty, ONLY 72K Miles! Trades Welcomed READY TO GO! $7,495 Easy Financing Available! Loaded with Options, Panoramic Roof, Premium Sound System, Clean Title, Warranty, ONLY 64K Miles! POWER & LUXURY! $11,900 781-321-8841 1236 Eastern Ave • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! WE WORK FOR YOU! * Have your car repaired by Real Manufacturer Certiified Technicians * An I-CAR GOLD CLASS SHOP Highest Certificate in the Repair Industry * Premier Insurance Co. Collision Repair Shop for Geico, Liberty Mutual, Metlife, Progressive and more! * Over 30 Years of putting families back on the Road Safe & Fast! * ATLAS Stands Behind All Repairs with a Limited Lifetime Warranty 1605 North Shore Road, Revere * 781-284-1200 Visit us at: www.AtlasAutobody.com or call (781) 284-1200 to schedule your appointment today!
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