The document outlines the National Military Family Association's 2015 legislative policy priorities and key issue areas. It summarizes 2014 legislative wins including defeating proposed TRICARE plan changes and protecting commissary funding. It also discusses 2015 National Defense Authorization Act challenges such as a lower than mandated pay raise and increases to pharmacy co-pays. The Association's highest priority is to fight for military families and protect programs that support them through challenges of military life. Their 12 key issue areas focus on ensuring quality and affordable healthcare and benefits for military families.

1. 2015 Legislative Policy
Priorities
Katie Savant
Government Relations
Information Manager

2. National Military Family Association 2
Webinar Goals
• Be Informed
• Share
• Report
Photo Credit: Google Image

3. National Military Family Association 3
2014 Legislative Wins
• Defeated consolidated
TRICARE plan proposed
in FY15 budget
• 50 states (and D.C.)
signed Interstate
Compact
• Protected Commissary
funding from proposed
cuts of $200 million
• More support for spouse
employment & education
• Many more!!!

4. National Military Family Association 4
FY15 NDAA Challenges
• A lower pay raise than called for by law (1% vs. 1.8%)
• A cut to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) of 1%
• An increase of $3 for pharmacy co-pays
• A cut to commissary funding by $100 million

5. National Military Family Association 5
Setting the Stage for 2015 (FY16)
MCRMC Recommendations vs FY16 Defense Budget

6. National Military Family Association 6
Legislative Policy Priorities
“Our Association’s highest
priority is to fight for military
families. We fight to protect
the programs and services
that allow them to meet the
challenges of military life
and maintain readiness. Our
Nation’s leaders cannot
ignore the promises they
made to those currently
serving as they prepare to
shape the force of the
future.”
End Sequestration

7. National Military Family Association 7
12 Key Issue Areas
• Provide Quality, Affordable, Accessible Health Care
• Improve Access to Quality Behavioral Health Care
• Ensure Compensation Stays Commensurate with
Service
• Enhance Spouse Career Opportunities
• Facilitate Seamless Separation
• Support Schools Educating Military Children

8. National Military Family Association 8
12 Key Issue Areas
• Sustain Quality Affordable Child Care
• Uphold the Commissary Benefit
• Support Vulnerable Families
• Maintain Zero-Tolerance of Sexual Assault
• End Disparities in Benefits for Same-Sex Couples
• Promote Greater Collaboration

9. National Military Family Association 9
Be an Advocate
• Be informed
• Be an e-Advocate
• Be Respectful
• Be Thoughtful
• Befriend your
Coordinator – file your
monthly report!
Photo Credit: Google images

10. National Military Family Association 10
Questions? We have answers.
www.MilitaryFamily.org
KSavant@MilitaryFamily.org
GR email address: Info@MilitaryFamily.org
facebook.com/militaryfamily
twitter.com@military_family
@NMFAKatie