VETERANS’ FACILITY OMBUDSMAN:

INCLUDE NEW FACILITIES

Senate Bill 434 (S-1) as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Peter MacGregor

House Committee:  Military and Veterans Affairs

Senate Committee:  Veterans, Military and Homeland Security

Complete to 11-26-18

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 434 would amend Public Act 198 of 2016, which created the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Ombudsman.[1]

Currently, for purposes of the act, Michigan veterans’ facility or facility is defined as a Michigan veterans’ facility established under Public Act 152 of 1885.

The bill would revise the definition to also include any other facility for the care of veterans constructed or established by the state after the bill takes effect.

MCL 4.771

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Michigan has two veterans’ homes, in Grand Rapids and Marquette. In 2016 the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency convened a workgroup to study how to modernize the operation of state-run veterans’ facilities, with an eye on financial sustainability and improving long-term care for veterans. The workgroup recommended[2] the construction of seven new homes across Michigan over the next 10 years, beginning with a home in southeast Michigan[3] and a new home to replace the aging facilities in Grand Rapids.[4] Senate Bill 434 would ensure that these, and other future veterans’ facilities, are within the purview of the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Ombudsman.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no direct fiscal impact on state or local units of government.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.

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