According to a report published by the Pew Research Center on April 24, during the first two years of the nation's economic recovery, the mean net worth of households in the upper 7% of the wealth distribution rose by an estimated 28%, while the mean net worth of households in the lower 93% dropped by 4%, according to an analysis of newly released Census Bureau data. These wide variances were driven by the fact that the stock and bond market rallied during the 2009 to 2011 period, while the housing market remained flat. Affluent households typically have their assets concentrated in stocks and other financial holdings, while less affluent households typically have their wealth more heavily concentrated in the value of their home. From the end of the recession in 2009 through 2011 (the last year for which Census Bureau wealth data are available), 8 million households in the U.S. with a net worth above $836,033 saw their aggregate wealth rise by an estimated $5.6 trillion, while 111 million households with a net worth at or below that level saw their aggregate wealth decline by an estimated $0.6 trillion.
Read the full report
On April 23, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report on payday and deposit advance loans finding that, for many consumers, these products lead to a cycle of indebtedness. Loose lending standards, high costs, and risky loan structures may contribute to the sustained use of these products which can trap borrowers in debt. “This comprehensive study shows that payday and deposit advance loans put many consumers at risk of turning what is supposed to be a short-term, emergency loan into a long-term, expensive debt burden,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “For too many consumers, payday and deposit advance loans are debt traps that cause them to be living their lives off money borrowed at huge interest rates.”
The Payday Loans and Deposit Advance Products report is at: http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201304_cfpb_payday-dap-whitepaper.pdf
A factsheet about payday and deposit advance loans is available at: http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201304_cfpb_payday-factsheet.pdf
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new hotline — 1-855-VA-WOMEN — to receive and respond to questions from veterans, their families, and caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to women veterans. The service began accepting calls on March 27, 2013.
The hotline is staffed by knowledgeable VA employees who can provide information about benefits, including health-care services for women. Callers can be linked to information on claims, education, or health care appointments, as well as information about VA cemeteries and memorial benefits. Staff can answer urgent questions and provide referrals to homeless and mental health services, as well as provide Vet Center information.
To read more:
http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/wvcc.asp
According to an article published on April 18 by VA staff writer Tom Cramer, researchers at the VA are attempting to discern whether women veterans are more susceptible to developing PTSD than their male counterparts, and if so, why?
Read the article at: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/April/PTSD-Study-Men-Versus-Women.asp
"Show Your Stripes for Prostate Cancer Awareness" is a new educational initiative which raises awareness about advanced prostate cancer among veterans, their families, friends, and healthcare providers and provides tools to foster dialogue and action against the disease.
Visit: www.myprostatecancerroadmap.com
Whose VA Is It Anyway?
To read more:
“West L.A. Land Grab, Part II” Source: February/March 2000 The VVA Veteran
http://www.vva.org/archive/TheVeteran/2000_03/westla.htm
“This Space for Rent: Leasing Veterans Land in West LA” Source: January/February 2010 The VVA Veteran
http://www.vva.org/veteran/0210/westLA.html
“New Directions in LA” January/February 2011 The VVA Veteran
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=59332
Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA) introduced H.R. 1520 on April 12th, to give flexibility to civilian personnel working in support of DoD efforts to account for missing US personnel. The measure would not exempt these DoD civilians, but would ensure that field operations can legally be scheduled and implemented. Without this exemption, field operations would have to be halted, due to the earlier stated requirement for affected civilians to take one furlough day per week. Since all, or nearly all, field investigations and recoveries are longer than one week, any scheduling would have been deemed illegal and would not go forward. The initial co-sponsor was Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA), now joined by Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL), Brian Higgins (D-NY) and Mike Quigley (D-IL). ADDITIONAL CO-SPONSORS ARE NEEDED NOW!
To Read the Entire April 26, 2013, National League of POW/MIA Families UPDATE:
http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/updates-2/
Proceeds benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America
Our United States Veterans were there when we needed them the most. Now they need your support. Please donate your car to the Vietnam Veterans of America. You get a tax deduction and your car donation will be helping those who have given us so much, our veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America is chartered by Congress and has been supporting our dedicated Veterans and their families for over 30 years.
The donation process is simple, fast and secure, and your car donation will help us to provide critical support services for our defenders of freedom in their time of need. Call toll free today at 1-800-Help-Vets or use our easy online donation form to schedule your free towing and join the thousands of other satisfied car donors who have already helped our veterans.
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another."
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The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Get Poorer 
H.R. 1520 Introduced To Prevent Halt OF JPAC Operations
