Calls upon Congress to release funds to offset COVID-19 related losses to DMVA's veteran memorial homes, and to fully fund rebuilding two veteran memorial homes.
Impact
The economic impact of the pandemic on the DMVA is projected to reach approximately $15 million, resulting from staffing shortages, increased overtime costs, the necessity for contract nursing care, and diminished revenue due to a prohibition on new admissions. This financial strain not only affects the safety and quality of care for the residents but also underscores the need for urgent federal financial intervention to allow these facilities to operate adequately and safely. The resolution emphasizes that these funds are imperative for maintaining standards of care in light of the ongoing crisis.
Summary
Assembly Joint Resolution 22 (AJR22) addresses the significant financial challenges faced by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution calls on Congress to release funds specifically to offset the monetary losses incurred by the DMVA's veteran memorial homes. These homes, located in Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland, serve approximately 950 veterans, their spouses, and families of veterans killed in action. The pandemic has led to several infections and fatalities among staff and residents, exacerbating the situation and creating an urgent need for financial aid.
Contention
A notable point in the resolution is the urgent plea for federal funding to address not just the immediate financial hardships but also the long-term structural necessities of the veteran memorial homes. The Paramus and Menlo Park facilities are described as being decades old and in need of rebuilding. The resolution reflects the belief that veterans and their families should not suffer in dilapidated conditions while addressing the consequences of COVID-19, which further highlights the moral and ethical obligations of the state and federal governments to support these vulnerable populations.