Mike Matthews questions VA performance and transgender policy

Hello, my name is Mike Matthews.

I'm the co-lead of the Staten Island Service Member and Veterans Task Force.

And I have to say that, you know, the percentage of those who've served is increasingly small, and I personally believe that we really need to bridge the gap between the civilian and the military population.

However, I'm only going to really address a couple of issues having to do with the funding.

As I understand and how it's been explained, the original contract with the VA was for $4 million.

standing was the renewal amount was reduced to 1.35 based on performance.

I would like to understand how or whether performance was measured by the VA to result in such a dramatic decrease.

Question.

I don't understand.

Also, in terms of the other issue,

of the $1.3 million grant not being accepted because it did not, again, I've heard that it did not allow providing service to transgender veterans.

The Freedom of Information document received from Five Borough Veterans did not reflect

However, there were sections redacted.

I would also like to understand whether the refusal of the grant was because of a redacted portion of the grant, which would be interesting to look at,

whether it could have resulted from a misreading of the grant's intention or some other explanation.

I did a little research on this, and the VA News reported that back in April of 2025,

effective immediately, VA will not offer sex hormone therapy to veterans who have a current diagnosis or history of or exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria.

Unless such veterans are already receiving care from VA, such veterans

Veterans are receiving such care from the military as part of their eligible veterans diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

They will continue, eligible veterans will continue to receive comprehensive VA health care, which includes preventive and mental health care.

So the question I'm saying is,

It doesn't seem like the VA policy seems to be to continue to treat and assist transgender veterans.

However, the Freedom of Information had redacted information which didn't include that.

I don't know what the answer is, but I'm just saying it's a question I think that needs to be addressed.

I just also want to mention one thing about ICL.

I know they're not here, but I have a question.

We know veterans trust veterans, and I wonder if any of the staff on ICL are veterans, and or if not, are the civilian employees?

Provided with military culture training.

I think I will leave it at that.

Thank you, Mr.

Matthews.

Sir.