Committee defers vote on $3.2 million ask for veteran skilled-trade center

House Bill 11‑63, a request for $3,218,777 in general funds to construct and equip a veteran skilled‑trade center near Hot Springs, drew a mix of emotional testimony and fiscal questions before the Joint Appropriations Committee deferred action.

Supporters said the center would provide transitional job skills to veterans coming out of treatment and rehabilitation programs. Representative Tim Goodwin, the bill sponsor, said the program’s goal is to “get them job skills” and help veterans re‑engage in stable employment. David Gates, founder and designer of the Veterans Helping Hands Project, said the center pairs construction training and small business incubation — including a meat‑cutting/market component he described as an incubator for veterans — and argued the model can reduce suicide risk by giving veterans purpose and skills. “As soon as we put a hammer in Logan’s hands, he changed,” Gates testified, attributing a life change to the work program.

The Bureau of Finance and Management urged opposition. Brandy Meissner told the committee the project traditionally would be expected to leverage private or local funding and raised questions about future phases and long‑term operating costs. Meissner asked, “Will additional general funds be needed to support those operations down the line?” and recommended against allocating one‑time general funds without clearer commitments.

Gates and Representative Goodwin said private fundraising and donated land reduce the state ask. Gates said the organizers have raised about $3.5 million and that 10 acres of land have been donated; Goodwin said the project team also expects private partners and possible loan instruments to cover some costs. Proponents also described outreach to groups including Volunteers of America and others they expect to support services after veterans leave inpatient care.

After testimony and questions from members about fundraising details and operating plans, the committee deferred the bill. There was no formal recorded roll‑call vote on final passage; the chair announced that action on HB 11‑63 was deferred for later consideration.

Because the committee deferred action, no appropriation or allocation was approved at this hearing. The sponsor and proponents said they will return with additional documentation about donations, deed paperwork for the land, and clearer operational plans if the bill is rescheduled.