By Staff
Veterans need our support
Editor,
Before Congress took leave for the 4th of July break, VA Secretary Jim Nicholson acknowledged that the VA health budget falls $1.5 billion short of meeting veterans' health needs for the current fiscal year.
Before last week's recess, the Senate approved a supplemental funding bill providing the full $1.5 billion. The House approved a separate bill providing only the administration-recommended $975 million. That let every legislator go home for July 4 and claim they'd taken action, but nothing has actually been resolved, and veterans hospitals won't see a penny until Congress resolves this difference.
This isn't a partisan issue. Senate Republican and Democrat leaders both say they'll accept nothing less than the full $1.5 billion. That's the right answer, and the House needs to agree to do that quickly.
I request you to support the full $1.5 billion as acknowledged by Secretary Nicholson and approved by the Senate.
Gene Aittala, USN Retired
Hartselle shows its hospitality
Editor,
My friend and I were on our way to play bridge when our car stalled in Hartselle.
Two young gentlemen who were working on a house off Sparkman (Street) came over and tried to start my car. It would not start.
Then they went and bought gas and filled the tank. It would not start. They would only accept a thank you.
Another gentleman offered to start his truck with the air-conditioning until the tow truck arrived. Every person who passed our car stopped to ask if we needed help.
The folks at Sammy's Towing and Garage were very kind and helpful.
It seems to me that if you have car trouble, Hartselle is the place to be.
Thank you, Hartselle.
Mary Gibbs
Decatur