1997 Assembly Joint Resolution 42
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: memorializing Congress to fully fund the federal share of state veterans homes construction projects.
Whereas, the state veterans homes were founded for Civil War veterans in the late 1800's and have served veterans for over 100 years; and
Whereas, under the provisions of Title 38 of the United States Code, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to make aid payments to states maintaining state veterans homes, subject to the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations,
38 CFR 18.1 through
18.3; and
Whereas, there are 87 state veterans home care facilities in 42 states throughout the United States, with more being added annually; and
Whereas, the state veterans homes program has proven to be a cost-effective provider of quality care services to the nation's veterans who require domiciliary, nursing home and hospital care; and
Whereas, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs promotes the care and treatment of veterans in state veterans homes as a means to attain the goal of developing and maintaining the highest possible quality of patient care for eligible veterans; and
Whereas, the state veterans homes construction grant program is funded at 65% of total cost; and
Whereas, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has not kept pace with state veterans homes applications for new construction projects. Currently, an unfunded balance of over $200,000,000 exists; and
Whereas, the state veterans homes program is recognized as the lowest cost alternative among all nursing care alternatives used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Whereas, given the growing long-term health care needs of older veterans, the state veterans homes program will continue to be a vital health care provider and the lowest cost alternative for veterans needing long-term nursing care; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature urge Congress to appropriate the money necessary to fully fund the federal share of state veterans homes construction project requests for fiscal year 1998; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to the President of the United States, to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and to each member of this state's congressional delegation.
