Veterans' Benefits, Gun Rights on Agenda for Crapo During Magic Valley Visit

Twin Falls - Improvements in health care benefits for veterans and an update on federal gun issues and Second Amendment rights are among the topic that Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will focus on next week in the Magic Valley. Crapo will meet with local veterans, veterans groups, the Veterans Administration and the Idaho Division of Veterans Services to review changes in health care programs for veterans. Federal treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has now been authorized as part of the health care package for veterans and the VA will also announce new efforts to streamline the application process for benefits. Crapo sponsored legislation seeking improved long-term care for PTSD and related health issues for veterans, and has urged the VA to prioritize the issue.

Crapo will also meet with local gun owners and gun dealers to discuss Second Amendment rights in light of recent court cases and federal legislation. Crapo led efforts to restore uniformity to Second Amendment rights on public lands. He has also blocked the nomination of a former nominee to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms over agency policies including the treatment of independent firearms dealers. Crapo also led legislation to reform tax burdens on the manufacturers of sporting arms and ammunition.

Area sugar growers concerned over trade issues and a recent court case on genetic seed will meet with Crapo. He will also hold a business roundtable with industry and manufacturing leaders in Twin Falls and speak at the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Heyburn.

Crapo will also visit local talk radio stations, including a first-ever appearance at the local Spanish language station in Rupert.

Crapo's Magic Valley schedule on Monday, August 23rd and Tuesday, August 24th includes:

Monday, August 23:

10:45 a.m. Twin Falls Meets with gun owners and dealers on Second Amendment rights,
Hilton Garden Inn, 1741 Harrison Street North.

1:00 p.m. Twin Falls Receives updates on federal programs from South Central Community
Action Partnership, 550 Washington Street South.

2:30 p.m. Twin Falls Speaks to Industry and manufacturing roundtable, Idaho Joe's
Conference Room, 598 Blue Lakes Boulevard North.

3:15 p.m. Twin Falls Discusses improvements in veterans health programs,
American Legion Hall, 447 Seastrom.


Tuesday, August 24:

11:00 a.m. Burley Visits High Desert Milk, 1033 Idaho Street.

Noon Heyburn Speaks to Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce luncheon,
Heyburn Riverside Park, 1177 7th Street.

2:15 p.m. Burley Discusses water issues with local water and soil conservation leaders,
FSA/NRCS Conference Room, 1351 E. 16th Street.

3:00 p.m. Burley Meets with local sugar producers and the Idaho Sugar Beet Growers,
Cassia County Farm Bureau Offices, 444 E. 5th Avenue North.