SCR-43, As Adopted Senate, May 25, 2004

            Substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 43

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to prohibit the closure of or realignment of inpatient services at the Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw.

            Whereas, The network of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers throughout the country represents an effort to fulfill our nation's commitment to those who have defended our country in times of peril.  In Michigan, 130,000 veterans rely on the services and benefits of the health care available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Of this number, 60,000 veterans in the mid-Michigan region rely upon the Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw; and

            Whereas, The Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative has included among its recommendations a realignment of services at the Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw.  Under the plan, the Lutz Medical Center would be one of eight to eliminate inpatient services; and

            Whereas, Eliminating inpatient services at the Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw would be a serious blow to Michigan's veterans.  Already, veterans in need of medical service in Saginaw travel great distances, from as far away as the Mackinac Bridge.  A veteran from Mackinaw City, for example, would now have an extra four hours added to the already long trek to get to and from the facility in Ann Arbor.  In poor weather, the distance would present a genuine impediment for many veterans and their families; and

            Whereas, The veterans seeking care through Veterans Affairs facilities have every right to expect that these promised services are available with as little inconvenience as possible.  As a new generation of brave veterans faces the possibility of needing care through a Veterans Affairs medial facility, we should not be making it even more difficult for a veteran to receive the level of care promised; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to prohibit the closure of or realignment of inpatient services at the Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, the Aleda E. Lutz Medical Center in Saginaw, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

R 0504 '04(S-1)