Congressional candidate Leela Gray rolled out an agenda focused exclusively on veterans and military issues as she prepares to hold a roundtable on veterans issues with House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark.
Gray, a Pinellas Democrat, has stressed her background as a Brigadier General in the Army, as she challenges U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican (and fellow veteran), in Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
“When I put on the uniform, I not only swore an oath to our nation, I made a commitment to my fellow service members. For 30 years in the Army, I had a responsibility to take care of the troops under my command and their families. After I retired from the military, I went to law school to help veterans access the benefits they earned. And in Congress, I will be a tireless advocate for our nation’s veterans and military families,” Gray said.
“Our veterans served on the front lines, yet when they return home to unnecessary obstacles and red tape when trying to access their earned benefits. They have earned quality healthcare. They have earned dignity and a secure retirement. We must ensure our veterans can access these benefits and have a path to success and stability upon their transition from service.”
Gray’s agenda includes investments in several U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in Florida, including Bay Pines VA Medical Center, North Pinellas VA Clinic, St. Petersburg VA Clinic, New Clearwater Vet Center, and St. Petersburg Vet Center.
She also wants to reverse cuts recommended by the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency that scaled back Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration funding, including layoffs supported by the Republican-controlled Congress.
Gray specifically promised to support the Major Richard Star Act, legislation to expand coverage of disabilities for veterans that has been championed by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican.
She also wants to strengthen congressional oversight of the VA and modernize its systems and treatment of veterans, including with an expansion of mental health services to address trauma and related substance abuse issues. She also wants housing options for veterans “so no one who has served our nation has to sleep on the streets.”
Gray wants to expand job services to help veterans seamlessly transition from military to civilian work. In the same vein, she wants to boost partnerships with community service organizations in the region.
Regarding support for military loved ones, many of whom live in Tampa Bay even when troops are deployed, Gray said she supports expanding employment, education, healthcare, and housing services for spouses and families. She also wants to ensure any housing for families is free of toxic mold and other unsafe conditions.
Gray also wants to ensure TRICARE ensures coverage for children of service members through the age of 26, matching a standard in private health insurance coverage.
The agenda will be discussed as part of a roundtable with Clark and local veterans at the VFW Post in Largo on Tuesday around 3 p.m.
