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FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess Statement on Governor DeSantis’ Bolder, Brighter, Better Future Budget

November 18, 2019

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess issued the following statement today on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget:

“As a former Naval officer, Governor DeSantis has proven to be a lifelong champion of veterans issues, both as a congressman and now as Florida’s governor,” said Danny Burgess, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Following on the heels of our Forward March statewide veteran outreach initiative, his budget recommendation will help grow the path to connect our state’s 1.5 million veterans with their earned services, benefits and support.”

The Governor’s Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget includes funding for staff and start-up operations at two new state veterans’ nursing homes. The budget invests $18.2 million for the completion of the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Lucie County and the Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orange County. The budget also invests $6.1 million for 48 positions to complete the required staffing necessary for the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home and $12.1 million for 40 positions to complete the required staffing and repairs necessary for the Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orange County.

Additionally, the budget recommends $6.7 million for capital improvements, equipment updates and 16 additional nursing staff for Florida’s existing state veterans’ nursing homes.

Governor Ron DeSantis. a bolder, brighter, beter future. 2020-2021 budget