MARQUETTE -- Facing an unprecedented budget crisis, Michigan lawmakers are looking to privatize previously government-run operations.
Recently, a proposal has called for cutting 170 jobs of caregivers at the Grand Rapids veterans home, and that has sparked fear among some in the U.P. that the Jacobetti Home for Veterans may face the same fate.
At their meeting Thursday, the Board of Managers for Michigan Veterans fielded concerns from family members and nurses of veterans at Jacobetti.
The issue? The possibility of cutting out state-paid nurse aides in favor of hiring private contracted caregivers.
Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses would remain under the state's payroll, but there's concern that the new privately contracted nurse aides would be lower paid and more unskilled.
Jason Allen, the Senior Deputy Director for Veterans Affairs in Michigan, listened to these concerns but said he has to consider the wishes of Governor Snyder, who appointed him and supports the privatization.
"These are decisions and our goal is to implement what has been put forth by the legislature," said Allen. "I am really making sure that we will maintain the quality of care and make sure veterans are taken care of."
Ev-Ann Johnson, whose husband is a Jacobetti resident, remains skeptical the quality of care will be sustained.
"The people who will be coming in to take these jobs are going to be minimum wage or barely above," said Johnson. "The other thing is we have no organization in Upper Michigan that has people to run this place with these aids. We need to keep this team under one direction."
The state will save four million dollars after the cuts in Grand Rapids.
The proposal that involves Jacobetti is not yet up for consideration.
While some individuals were able to convey their concern to the board, the board must still contend with lawmakers in Lansing. Rest assured, those concerned will closely watch how the State of Michigan responds to the budget crisis and what possible cuts, if any, may affect the Jacobetti Home.
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