Veteran Listening Sessions on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, 47371-47372 [2021-18153]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 24, 2021 / Notices The term ‘‘underserved communities’’ refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as Veteran Listening Sessions on geographic communities, that have been Advancing Racial Equity and Support systematically denied a full opportunity for Underserved Communities Through to participate in aspects of economic, the Federal Government social, and civic life, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. American persons, Asian Americans ACTION: Announcement for public and Pacific Islanders and other persons meetings. of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, SUMMARY: The Veterans Health transgender, questioning/queer and Administration (VHA) will conduct 55 related identities (LGBTQ+) persons; virtual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion persons with disabilities; persons who (DE&I) listening sessions for Veterans live in rural areas; and persons August–September 2021 on Advancing otherwise adversely affected by Racial Equity and Support for persistent poverty or inequality. Underserved Communities through the VHA will execute listening sessions to Federal Government. gather feedback on: DATES: The Department of Veterans • Veterans’ experiences and Affairs (VA) will execute 48 site-specific perceptions related to Diversity, Equity virtual listening sessions. Below are the & Inclusion (DE&I) at VA healthcare dates and locations, which may be facilities. adjusted due to ongoing developments • Ways Veterans feel they can be with COVID–19: included. • Barriers to effective healthcare for • August 16–17, 2021—San Francisco diverse Veteran populations. VA Health Care System (San • Unmet needs of diverse Veteran Francisco, CA) populations. • August 19, 2021—VA Northern Comments received in response to California Health Care System this notice will be evaluated and, as (Sacramento, CA) • August 23–24, 2021—Kansas City VA appropriate, incorporated into VA’s efforts to improve support to Medical Center (Kansas City, MO) • August 26, 2021—Jack C. Montgomery underserved communities. Medical Center (Tulsa, OK) Additional Registration Information • September 13–14, 2021—Charlie Individual registration: VA Norwood Medical Center (Augusta, encourages individual registrations for GA) those not affiliated with or representing • September 15–16, 2021—Robley Rex a group, association or organization. VA Medical Center (Louisville, KY) Group registration: Identification of • September 20–21, 2021—Hampton the name of the group, association or VA Medical Center (Hampton, VA) organization should be indicated in • September 22–23, 2021—Baltimore your registration request. Due to virtual VA Medical Center (Baltimore, MD) platform meeting limitations of WebEx and the statutory mandate that VA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Andringa, Office of Healthcare consult with certain entities, VA may select certain entities to speak or may Transformation (Mail code 10T), 810 limit the size of a group’s registration to Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC allow receipt of testimonies and/or 20420, 727–409–1293. (This is not a technical remarks from a broad, diverse toll-free telephone number.) group of stakeholders. Oral comments, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: testimonies and/or technical remarks Background may be limited from a group, On January 20, 2021, President Joseph association or organization to no more than two (2) individuals representing R. Biden issued E.O. 13985 on the same group, association or Advancing Racial Equity and Support organization. Efforts will be made to for Underserved Communities through accommodate all attendees who wish to the Federal Government. participate. However, VA will give Consultation With Interested Parties priority to Veterans, family members, Executive Order 13985 requires VA to caregivers, survivors of underserved communities or their representatives consult with members of communities who register before September 15, 2021, who have been historically at 4 p.m. Eastern, and wish to provide underrepresented in the Federal oral comments, testimonies and/or Government and underserved by, or technical remarks. The length of time subject to discrimination in, Federal allotted for all participants to provide policies and programs. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:43 Aug 23, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47371 oral comments, testimonies and/or technical remarks during the meeting will be no more than 60 minutes total and is subject to the number of participants selected to speak, to ensure time is allotted. There will be no opportunity for audio-visual presentations during the meeting. Audio (For listening purposes only): Limited to the first 200 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. Advanced registration is not required. Audio attendees will not be allowed to offer oral comments, testimonies and/or technical remarks as the line will be muted. Note: Should it be necessary to cancel the meeting due to technical issues or other emergencies, VA will take available measures to notify registered participants. Listening Session Agenda • Welcome and Introduce Team—2 min • Opening Remarks—VHA Senior Leader(s)—5 mins • Open comment period—DE&I Facilitator(s)—48 mins • Closing Remarks—VHA Senior Leader(s)—5 mins Site-specific virtual listening sessions. Each location will execute six (6) virtual sessions on the dates scheduled above. Each session will be approximately 60 minutes. All sessions will be held virtually as a WebEx Event. The links to register are available at www.va.gov/ ormdi. Advanced registration for individuals and groups is strongly encouraged. Individuals or groups who seek to speak must register by 72 hours before the start of each session. Speakers must virtually check-in one hour prior to the listening session to test WebEx access and resolve any technical issues. All other comments may be submitted in writing during the listening session. Target audiences are listed below and include Veterans, family members, caregivers, survivors, community leaders and partners, and other representatives who provide support to underserved communities: • Session 1: Racial/ethnic minorities • Session 2: LGBTQ+ • Session 3: Veterans with disabilities • Session 4: Women Veterans • Session 5: Religious minority Veterans and Veterans otherwise adversely affected by persistent inequality • Session 6: Community partners Virtual listening sessions for participants from all eight locations. General virtual listening sessions will be held on September 28 & 30, 2021, will be approximately 60 minutes each, and will target participants from the eight E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 47372 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 24, 2021 / Notices locations listed above who were unable to attend the site-specific virtual sessions. The links to register are available at www.va.gov/ormdi. Signing Authority: Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on August 17, 2021, and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jeffrey M. Martin, Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. 2021–18153 Filed 8–23–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900–0829] Agency Information Collection Activity: Income and Asset Statement in Support of Claim for Pension or Parents’ DIC (VA Form 21P–0969) Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Veteran’s Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before October 25, 2021. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0829’’ in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:43 Aug 23, 2021 Jkt 253001 Analytics (008), 1717 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 266–4688 or email maribel.aponte@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0829’’ in any correspondence. Under the PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1503, 38 U.S.C. 1543, and 38 U.S.C. 1315. Title: Income and Asset Statement in Support of Claim for Pension or Parents’ DIC (VA Form 21P–0969). OMB Control Number: 2900–0829. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: Under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 1503, 38 U.S.C. 1315, and 38 U.S.C. 1543, VA Form 21P–0969 will be used by claimants for VA Pension or Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to provide information pertaining to income and assets to establish entitlement to Pension or Parents’ DIC. This form will be completed only by those claimants who had income other than Social Security benefits during the calendar year before claiming benefits or who disposed of assets or have significant assets which may affect their entitlement to needs-based benefits. Affected Public: Individuals and households. Estimated Annual Burden: 31,250 hours. Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 25 minutes. Frequency of Response: Once. Estimated Number of Respondents: 75,000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 By direction of the Secretary. Maribel Aponte, VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. 2021–18182 Filed 8–23–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900–0635] Agency Information Collection Activity: Suspension of Monthly Check (VA Form 29–0759) Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before October 25, 2021. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0635’’ in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 1717 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 266–4688 or email maribel.aponte@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0635’’ in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47371-47372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18153]



[[Page 47371]]

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Veteran Listening Sessions on Advancing Racial Equity and Support 
for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Announcement for public meetings.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will conduct 55 
virtual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) listening sessions for 
Veterans August-September 2021 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support 
for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government.

DATES: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will execute 48 site-
specific virtual listening sessions. Below are the dates and locations, 
which may be adjusted due to ongoing developments with COVID-19:

 August 16-17, 2021--San Francisco VA Health Care System (San 
Francisco, CA)
 August 19, 2021--VA Northern California Health Care System 
(Sacramento, CA)
 August 23-24, 2021--Kansas City VA Medical Center (Kansas 
City, MO)
 August 26, 2021--Jack C. Montgomery Medical Center (Tulsa, OK)
 September 13-14, 2021--Charlie Norwood Medical Center 
(Augusta, GA)
 September 15-16, 2021--Robley Rex VA Medical Center 
(Louisville, KY)
 September 20-21, 2021--Hampton VA Medical Center (Hampton, VA)
 September 22-23, 2021--Baltimore VA Medical Center (Baltimore, 
MD)


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Andringa, Office of 
Healthcare Transformation (Mail code 10T), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420, 727-409-1293. (This is not a toll-free telephone 
number.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On January 20, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden issued E.O. 13985 on 
Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through 
the Federal Government.

Consultation With Interested Parties

    Executive Order 13985 requires VA to consult with members of 
communities who have been historically underrepresented in the Federal 
Government and underserved by, or subject to discrimination in, Federal 
policies and programs.
    The term ``underserved communities'' refers to populations sharing 
a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that 
have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in 
aspects of economic, social, and civic life, such as Black, Latino, and 
Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; 
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer and related 
identities (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who 
live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by 
persistent poverty or inequality.
    VHA will execute listening sessions to gather feedback on:
     Veterans' experiences and perceptions related to 
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) at VA healthcare facilities.
     Ways Veterans feel they can be included.
     Barriers to effective healthcare for diverse Veteran 
populations.
     Unmet needs of diverse Veteran populations.
    Comments received in response to this notice will be evaluated and, 
as appropriate, incorporated into VA's efforts to improve support to 
underserved communities.

Additional Registration Information

    Individual registration: VA encourages individual registrations for 
those not affiliated with or representing a group, association or 
organization.
    Group registration: Identification of the name of the group, 
association or organization should be indicated in your registration 
request. Due to virtual platform meeting limitations of WebEx and the 
statutory mandate that VA consult with certain entities, VA may select 
certain entities to speak or may limit the size of a group's 
registration to allow receipt of testimonies and/or technical remarks 
from a broad, diverse group of stakeholders. Oral comments, testimonies 
and/or technical remarks may be limited from a group, association or 
organization to no more than two (2) individuals representing the same 
group, association or organization. Efforts will be made to accommodate 
all attendees who wish to participate. However, VA will give priority 
to Veterans, family members, caregivers, survivors of underserved 
communities or their representatives who register before September 15, 
2021, at 4 p.m. Eastern, and wish to provide oral comments, testimonies 
and/or technical remarks. The length of time allotted for all 
participants to provide oral comments, testimonies and/or technical 
remarks during the meeting will be no more than 60 minutes total and is 
subject to the number of participants selected to speak, to ensure time 
is allotted. There will be no opportunity for audio-visual 
presentations during the meeting.
    Audio (For listening purposes only): Limited to the first 200 
participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. Advanced 
registration is not required. Audio attendees will not be allowed to 
offer oral comments, testimonies and/or technical remarks as the line 
will be muted.
    Note: Should it be necessary to cancel the meeting due to technical 
issues or other emergencies, VA will take available measures to notify 
registered participants.

Listening Session Agenda

 Welcome and Introduce Team--2 min
 Opening Remarks--VHA Senior Leader(s)--5 mins
 Open comment period--DE&I Facilitator(s)--48 mins
 Closing Remarks--VHA Senior Leader(s)--5 mins
    Site-specific virtual listening sessions. Each location will 
execute six (6) virtual sessions on the dates scheduled above. Each 
session will be approximately 60 minutes. All sessions will be held 
virtually as a WebEx Event. The links to register are available at 
www.va.gov/ormdi. Advanced registration for individuals and groups is 
strongly encouraged. Individuals or groups who seek to speak must 
register by 72 hours before the start of each session. Speakers must 
virtually check-in one hour prior to the listening session to test 
WebEx access and resolve any technical issues. All other comments may 
be submitted in writing during the listening session. Target audiences 
are listed below and include Veterans, family members, caregivers, 
survivors, community leaders and partners, and other representatives 
who provide support to underserved communities:

 Session 1: Racial/ethnic minorities
 Session 2: LGBTQ+
 Session 3: Veterans with disabilities
 Session 4: Women Veterans
 Session 5: Religious minority Veterans and Veterans otherwise 
adversely affected by persistent inequality
 Session 6: Community partners

    Virtual listening sessions for participants from all eight 
locations. General virtual listening sessions will be held on September 
28 & 30, 2021, will be approximately 60 minutes each, and will target 
participants from the eight

[[Page 47372]]

locations listed above who were unable to attend the site-specific 
virtual sessions. The links to register are available at www.va.gov/ormdi.
    Signing Authority: Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
approved this document on August 17, 2021, and authorized the 
undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of 
the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2021-18153 Filed 8-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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