We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to our organization and for the contributions you have made. In order to continue the contribution we have instituted a dues increase beginning July 1, 2007. The regular membership fee will increase from $90.00 to $100.00 annually. The payroll deduction will increase from $3.80 to $4.10 per pay period. Once again we thank you for your continued support and look forward to another great year.

On July 19, members of the NOVA Board of Directors visited with legislative staff on Capitol Hill. For the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Board members met with legislative staff member David Tucker for the Committee on Veterans Affairs. For the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Board members met with legislative staff members Kim Lipsky and Ted Pusey. During the meetings, the following topics were discussed:

• Resignation of Secretary Jim Nicholson
• Support for the VA Health Professions Scholarship Program
• Problems with hiring staff due to length of time to complete Vet Pro
• Removal of the cap on Nurse V salary
• Direct hire of nursing assistants
• Locality pay issues
• Retention and recruitment of nurses
• Information technology support
• Budget issues with continuing resolutions
• VA Nursing Academy