Alger County Veteran Services leader critiques MBAA grant policies and reporting demands

During a recent meeting of the Michigan House of Representatives focused on Military and Veterans Affairs, significant discussions emerged regarding the management and funding of veteran services through grants administered by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). The meeting highlighted concerns from local officials about the evolving policies of the MVAA and their impact on funding for veteran services.

One key speaker emphasized the historical context of grant funding, noting that while the MVAA has consistently changed its policies over the years, it has never reduced the initial grant amounts. However, the speaker pointed out that their grant for fiscal year 2025 was significantly reduced to $58,090, a stark contrast to previous years where funding ranged from $51,268 in FY '21 to $56,687 in FY '22. This reduction raised concerns about the sustainability of services provided to veterans in Alger County.

The speaker detailed the positive outcomes of the county veteran service fund grant, which has allowed the county to increase its service officer hours from four to 31 per week. This expansion has led to a substantial increase in VA expenditures in the county, growing from $7 million to nearly $11 million annually. The grant has been crucial in funding salaries and enhancing outreach efforts to veterans, although challenges remain in meeting the continuing education requirements set by the VA.

Concerns were also raised about the increasing reporting demands and policy changes from the MVAA, which have made it difficult for local offices to manage their resources effectively. The speaker suggested that allowing counties more authority to manage their funds could lead to better outcomes for veterans. They proposed that the $50,000 appropriated to counties could be better utilized if counties were given more control over their funding, while still supporting state audits to ensure proper use of funds.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges faced by local veteran service organizations in navigating state policies and securing adequate funding to support the needs of veterans. As the state continues to evaluate its approach to veteran services, the call for more localized control and flexibility in funding management may shape future appropriations and policies.