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1997 SESSION

977002713
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 256
Offered January 15, 1997
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of constructing and funding a second veterans care center in Virginia.
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Patrons-- Miller, K.G. and Waddell
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Referred to the Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, there are more than 600,000 veterans of service in the armed forces of the United States residing in Virginia, a substantial number of whom are veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict; and

WHEREAS, in Virginia, the average age of veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict is 75 years and 70 years, respectively, and their senior years and concomitant physical problems often make long-term care necessary; and

WHEREAS, through state funding for one-third of the costs of construction and federal matching funds for the remainder of the costs from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a Veterans Care Center was located in Salem, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, while the domiciliary and nursing home sections of the Salem facility have been very successful, they are fully subscribed, primarily with veterans of the southern and southwestern areas of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, for therapeutic and family reasons, it is preferable to locate veterans homes in areas accessible to the residents' families and friends; and

WHEREAS, current budget information indicates that $80 million is available in federal matching funds from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the construction of veterans care centers; and

WHEREAS, proposed budget reductions may substantially reduce or eliminate such funds which Virginia may receive, if the state is not placed on the priority list in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, a state's rank on the priority list is based upon need and the number of veterans homes in the state; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has only one veterans care center compared to other states with comparable veteran populations which have as many as six such centers; and

WHEREAS, there has been a minimal financial burden on the Commonwealth for the veterans care center in Salem due to the privatization of the operation and administration of the center and coverage of the costs associated with residents' care by third-party providers and veterans' benefits; and

WHEREAS, the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs will provide two-thirds of the costs in federal matching funds for the construction of a veterans care center only upon a good faith showing by the applicant state that it intends to provide the required one-third match in state funds for construction costs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study the feasibility of constructing and funding a second veterans care center in Virginia. The joint subcommittee shall be composed of nine members, which shall include five legislative members, and three nonlegislative citizens, and one ex officio member as follows: two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; three members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; one citizen nonlegislative member, who shall be a representative of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; one citizen nonlegislative member, who shall be a representative of the American Legion, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and one nonlegislative citizen, who shall be a representative of the Disabled American Veterans, to be appointed by the Governor. The Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall serve ex officio, with voting privileges.

The joint subcommittee shall provide an opportunity for participation by the Retired Officers Association and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

The joint subcommittee shall review the operation, administration, and costs of the Salem Veterans Care Center relative to the costs of operation and construction of another veterans care center in Virginia, determine and assess the need for another veterans care center, identify the target population, and recommend an appropriate site for such center. The joint subcommittee shall also confer with the state and federal Departments of Veterans Affairs to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and such other state and local agencies and governing bodies as are appropriate in determining the feasibility and level of funding necessary for the construction of another veterans care center.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $ 5,250.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. Technical assistance shall be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1998 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.