Ryan discusses bill to increase VA funding with vets in Campbell

CAMPBELL — Jim Stankish of Youngstown, a retired Marine, wonders how the federal government asks its citizens to risk life and limb defending this nation and then fails to provide enough funding to the Veterans Administration.

“It’s like swearing at a nun,” he said. “It’s sacred. It’s something you should never do.”

That’s why Stankish, a former lance corporal who served from 1957 to 1960, was pleased to hear U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan talk today about the House’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill. The bill would increase the VA’s annual budget from $36.5 billion to $43.9 billion.

Ryan of Niles, D-17th, discussed the bill at Campbell’s American Legion Post 560. The House bill calls for the largest increase for the VA in its 77-year history.

For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.