Q&A
Potential for increased federal funding and communication with VA under new presidency
1:52:31
ยท
107 sec
Council Member Vickie Paladino inquires about the potential for increased federal funding for veterans under Trump.
Mercedes Elias, Chair of the New York City Veterans Advisory Board, responds by discussing the goal of participating in the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) to maintain communication with the federal VA, emphasizing the importance of staying at the forefront regardless of political changes.
- Elias mentions the possibility of the CVEB being discontinued
- She stresses the need for continued communication with the VA staff
- The importance of New York City being a model for other large cities in supporting veterans is highlighted
Vickie Paladino
1:52:31
Now that there's a change at the federal level and we have a new president, do you see any more money coming our way?
1:52:40
I mean, do you see an uptick that this is gonna be a very good thing now for our veterans?
1:52:46
And can we lean a little harder now on the federal government knowing that they will be more responsive?
Mercedes Elias
1:52:52
Well, that is our goal for participating as a CVAB.
1:52:55
However, at the same time, they may we they may do away with the CVAB altogether.
1:53:00
So it's a matter of how can we get in contact and get more communication at the federal level.
1:53:04
Because even if it changes now, more or less, we need to continue to stay in the front and center of the staff at the VA.
1:53:12
So then that way, even when the next president comes in or the next, you know, flu of politicians comes in, we continue to be at the forefront saying that we are the model for other large cities to say how you can support actively the veterans.
1:53:26
You work a little bit more on the political side.
Robert Holden
1:53:30
Well, he's he's the political guy.
Mercedes Elias
1:53:32
Yeah.
1:53:32
Yes.
1:53:32
I just work in finance.
Robert Holden
1:53:33
Right.
Ryan Graham
1:53:33
Well, policy.
1:53:34
So, technically, wearing the other hat, it's not supposed to be politics.
Vickie Paladino
1:53:38
Right.
Robert Holden
1:53:40
But it is.
Josh Sooklal
1:53:41
But it is.
Ryan Graham
1:53:41
Yeah.
1:53:42
Yeah.
1:53:42
Well, ultimately and I misspoke earlier, I think.
1:53:48
It everything it has to get down to the granular level, community boards.
1:53:52
I actually sat on CB 10 with, Joanne.
1:53:58
And I actually and you know what?
1:53:59
All I knew was what was going on in the Milvet community.
1:54:03
But when I joined the board, I learned a lot.
1:54:05
Actually, Joanne, I'm not well, she's gone.
1:54:07
I'm not blowing smoke her way, but between her and the chairwoman, Betty Bratton, they were fantastic.
1:54:12
And I learned a lot about more of the community stuff, public safety, transportation.