VA Strategic Plan Drives Budget Request

August 25, 2003

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WASHINGTON (August 25, 2003) - Building upon progress in improving services to veterans and upgrading business processes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today issued its long-term strategic plan that will drive budget proposals through 2008.

"This plan, and the governance process we have established, will serve as the cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen overall management, accountability and stewardship of resources," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi.

The VA strategic plan establishes detailed goals, objectives, performance targets and outcome measurements focused on both immediate priorities and long-term goals. It also aligns the department's administrative branches under a single business model anchored in President Bush's management agenda.

"I will hold my leadership team and all VA managers accountable for achieving the goals, objectives and performance targets presented in this plan, and we will monitor progress on a monthly basis to ensure results," Principi added.

VA's strategic plan reinforces the department's long-term goal of delivering world-class services to veterans and their families. Among its primary goals are: restoring the capability of disabled veterans and improving the quality of their lives; ensuring a smooth transition from active military service to civilian life; honoring veterans in life and memorializing them in death; and contributing to public health and emergency management.

Last year, VA spent $23 billion treating 4.6 million veterans and provided compensation benefits totaling $25 billion to 2.4 million veterans, dependents and survivors.

To download a copy of the VA strategic plan, visit the VA Web site at http://www.va.gov/budget/plan/FY2004_Congressional_Performance_Plan.pdf