Veterans and federal employees describe local impacts of VA and federal workforce cuts

Jennifer Davis, who identified herself as a Navy veteran and federal employee, told the commissioners that hiring freezes and personnel policies at federal agencies have disrupted services for veterans and for civilian staff who support defense programs. "They put in a hiring freeze," Davis said of the federal changes, adding that a deferred resignation program prevented replacements for some positions and left her doing two jobs. Davis said veterans make up a significant portion of the federal workforce and that reductions within the Department of Veterans Affairs have affected appointment availability for specialty care; she said a specialist appointment was canceled and the next available option was several months away. Kimberly Mumford and Zakia Cunningham, who identified themselves as spouses of disabled Navy veterans, also spoke about concerns for continuity of care under potential federal cuts to VA and TRICARE benefits. Why it matters: local military families and veterans said cuts at the federal level are already affecting care access and workplace capacity for federal civilian staff who support military and veterans' services. No county action was taken during the forum; commissioners said staff would provide written follow-up from the responsible directors. Speakers urged county leaders to monitor proposed federal changes to VA and TRICARE and to communicate impacts to state and federal representatives. Ending: Speakers requested clarity and local planning for veterans' health-care continuity if federal policies change.