TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott’s “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” includes a nearly $20 million increase over the previous year’s FDVA budget, bringing the total to $110.8 million. This investment lays the groundwork for the construction of two new state veterans’ nursing homes that will serve Florida veterans.
The budget recommendation expands the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ ability to provide skilled nursing care in a state with the nation’s third largest veteran population and helps connect Florida’s more than 1.5 million veterans with earned services, benefits and support.
“Governor Rick Scott’s recommended budget with funds to support two new skilled nursing facilities is a powerful statement to our veteran community. It provides dignity and security for more Florida veterans and peace of mind for their loved ones,” said Mike Prendergast, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “As a Navy veteran and true patriot, the governor recognizes the need to provide the highest quality care for our state’s heroes.”
Florida currently has state veterans’ nursing homes in Daytona Beach, Land O’ Lakes, Panama City, Pembroke Pines, Port Charlotte and St. Augustine. The department also operates a veterans’ assisted living facility in Lake City.
With the recommendation of initial funding for site surveys and early architectural costs, the department will be able to meet the requirements to receive federal grant funds.
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, serving the nation’s third largest veterans’ population, celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2014.
To view the Governor’s full budget proposal, visit www.FLItsYourMoney.com
For more information on FDVA, visit www.FloridaVets.org.
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Florida Veterans Foundation
“Florida’s veteran community will be well served by Governor Scott’s superb budget recommendation,” said Washington Sanchez, chairman and CEO of the Florida Veterans Foundation. “The governor continues to place high priority on improving the quality of life for our state’s veterans and their families helping reinforce the Sunshine State’s status as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
Florida Veterans Council
“Florida’s congressionally chartered veteran service organizations partner with FDVA on many vital issues impacting our veterans and their families,” said Paul Martel, chairman of the Florida Veterans Council. “We are very pleased the governor’s budget expands skilled nursing care to Florida’s veterans through the planned addition of two new veterans’ homes.”
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Florida Council of Chapters
“We applaud the Governor’s steadfast support on providing high-quality care and services to Florida’s veterans and their families,” said Jim Conner, president of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Florida Council of Chapters. “The proposed addition of two state veterans’ homes to Florida’s existing network of award-winning skilled nursing facilities will provide much-needed professional care to our older veteran population.”
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