Ackerson Takes Buyer To Task On Veterans Benefits

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(BEDFORD) - Democratic congressional contender Nels Ackerson, who’s challenging Republican incumbent Steve Buyer for his 4th District seat, made a visit to the Lawrence County Courthouse this morning to talk about his plans for veterans benefits.

"We have promised them that we will provide for their health care needs," Ackerson said, "and will give them educational opportunities to transition to a civilian world when the come back home."

Ackerson continued, "But our government has broken that promise, that sacred pledge has not been treated as a sacred pledge by our government."

Additionally, he criticized his opponent, Congressman Buyer, for supporting what he referred to as a "veterans' tax."

"Now in restoring some budget cuts, I would have to say the incumbent congressman to this district [Buyer] has done worse than failing to restore the cut, he has proposed a 'veterans' tax,'" Ackerson stated.

"This administration has proposed a similar 'veterans' tax' and it's been turned down," Ackerson claims. "He's proposed that veterans should have to pay an enrollment fee and additional costs in order to secure veterans' benefits. A 'veterans' tax' is simply wrong."

However, after examination of the Buyer's proposal, which was ultimately rejected by the veterans' affairs committee, the characterization of Buyer's proposal, as a "tax" is, factually speaking, disingenuous.

Congressman Buyer supported an increase in co-payments, premiums and fees for health coverage by veterans making more than $50,000 per year, an increase in fees and overall money out of pocket for these vets, absolutely.

The term "veterans' tax," however, just can't be defended.

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