Gov. Gregoire's Budget for Veterans Affairs
Maintains benefits for returning soldiers. The Department of Veterans Affairs will place staff on-site at Fort Lewis and Madigan Hospital to work with a team of military, federal and state agencies to assist returning soldiers, including those serving with the Reserve and National Guard. Assistance will include adjudicating disability claims and arranging counseling. Assistance will also be offered in helping with obtaining an apartment, and providing help with transportation and family expenses. ($291,000 GF-State)
Aids homeless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding programs that work in coordination with those offered through the U.S. Department of Labor to provide work readiness, job preparation and placement for homeless veterans. Veterans will receive counseling services and help with housing to ensure a stable living situation. ($53,000 GF-Federal)
Repairs and restores veteran monuments on Capital Campus. We have made significant investments in recognition of those who have bravely served our country. It is only fitting that we will repair and maintain these memorials on the Capitol Campus to properly honor our veterans. ($33,000 General Administration Services Account, $288,000 Capital)
Plans for the construction of a veterans nursing home. The predesign phase will be started for an 80-bed nursing home facility in Walla Walla for veterans. ($125,000 Charitable, Educational, Penal, and Reformatory Institutions Account)