For the second time in two years, disabled veterans may receive a boost in the mileage reimbursement rate.

The Senate Appropriations Committee agreed last week to boost the reimbursement rate received by disabled veterans to 50.5 cents a mile.

Last year, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., helped push for an increase in the reimbursement rate, raising the amount from just 11 cents a mile to 28.5 cents a mile. The increase was the first in 30 years.

"I've been fighting to raise the reimbursement rate since I came to the Senate," Tester said. "We'll have much more work to do, but this shows that our colleagues are beginning to understand how important this is to Montana's veterans."

Tester noted the increase is not yet final. The bill must now go to the full Senate for approval before passing the House of Representatives and receiving the president's signature.

The latest increase, the largest ever, would mark only the second time in 30 years the reimbursement rate has been increased. The current average for regular unleaded in Montana is $4.15 a gallon. The national average is $3.90.

As part of the deal, the Appropriations Committee agreed to set aside $138 million in next year's fiscal budget to raise the rate to 50.5 cents a mile. Tester said the money is part of a measure that would fund veterans' initiatives nationwide.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., supports the proposed initiative.

"Veterans everywhere deserve a fair mileage rate if they have to go somewhere else for their health care," Baucus said. "Raising the reimbursement rate is just the right thing to do, especially for veterans of rural Montana who travel long distances to see a doctor."

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com