Should Michigan privatize Vet homes?

Posted: 03.27.2010 at 7:57 PM

Republicans say it could save state $18 million.

MARQUETTE -- Republicans say it could save the state $18 million, but Michigan House Democrats want to know how and say they're against privatizing the states two veterans homes. One is in Grand Rapids. The other is Jacobetti's Veterans Home in Marquette.

Dave Hall, appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the state's veterans board, says privatizing veterans homes would diminish the quality of care that veterans deserve.

"I believe the quality of life and care for our veterans would also suffer greatly," said Hall. "And that's why, as far as I'm concerned, I believe in digging in our heels and trying to do everything possible to stop any kind of transfer of the two veterans homes into the private sector."

But Republicans disagree, pointing to improved care in the 11 states that have already privatized their veterans homes, according to House Minority Leader, Kevin Elsenheimer.

"If we can find ways to save money at the same time improve the quality of health for our seniors and our Vets; well, to me...that we absolutely ought to look at," said Elsenheimer.

House Speaker Andy Dillon (D) Redford Township, who toured Jacobetti's Home for Veterans on Saturday, says Democrats don't want to make any more cuts to the veterans' budget than they already did.

"The last thing I would do is jeopardize the care of our veterans," said Dillon. "We've got a few priorities in government, education is one of them, caring for those that kept our freedom and fought for us is right up there on that list."

And while they don't see eye to eye on whether or not to to privatize veterans homes, everyone agreed that providing care to Michigan veterans is a priority.