Senator Wojnowski presents LB 419 to enhance Nebraska veterans home access

The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Nebraska Legislature convened on March 14, 2025, to discuss LB 419, a bill aimed at enhancing services for veterans in the state. The meeting, held in Room 1507, featured key testimonies and discussions surrounding the bill's provisions and implications for Nebraska's veterans.

Senator Wojnarowski, representing the 30 Third Legislative District, introduced LB 419 at the request of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA). He described the bill as a "cleanup bill" that would modernize admissions requirements for state veterans homes and improve access to veterans aid. Notably, the bill removes age restrictions for entry into veterans homes, allowing any veteran in need of long-term care to qualify, regardless of age. This change aims to better serve disabled veterans who may require assistance but are under the previous age threshold of 50.

John Hilgert, the director of the NDVA, provided testimony in support of the bill, emphasizing its role in clarifying eligibility for veterans homes and streamlining the application process for veterans aid funding. He noted that the bill would also reinforce the commitment to serving members of the Nebraska National Guard, ensuring they are recognized as eligible for state veterans homes.

During the discussion, committee members raised concerns about the potential increase in the population of veterans seeking admission to these homes, particularly in light of the removal of age restrictions. Senator Anderson questioned the implications for waiting lists and the need for additional facilities. Hilgert responded that while the bill clarifies eligibility, the actual capacity to serve more veterans is contingent upon staffing levels rather than the bill itself.

The committee also discussed the importance of hiring sufficient staff to meet the needs of veterans. Hilgert highlighted ongoing labor shortages affecting the ability to admit more residents, despite having the physical capacity in the homes. He mentioned an upcoming expansion at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, which would convert assisted living beds into skilled care beds to address the demand for skilled care.

The meeting concluded with a call for proponents of LB 419 to voice their support, and the committee members expressed their appreciation for the efforts to improve services for Nebraska's veterans. The committee will consider advancing LB 419 to the general file for further legislative action.