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Veterans Affairs warns of 2027 cemetery compliance deadline and cites staffing and rising operating costs
Summary
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs told lawmakers that a projected $600,000 personnel lapse is included in the governor—s budget, that operating costs have risen, and that the department must secure land to expand veterans— burial capacity before federal reimbursement eligibility lapses in 2027.
Commissioner Welch of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs told the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Feb. 13 that the agency faces near-term funding and facility challenges, including a federally mandated ability to provide three burial options by 2027 and rising non-personnel operating costs.
The commissioner said the department serves roughly 146,000 veterans statewide through core missions that include a 125-bed skilled nursing facility on the Rocky Hill campus, a residential program, advocacy and assistance offices, and cemetery and memorial services. The department is undertaking ARPA-funded renovation projects and plans to replace an aging electronic medical record system for the health-care facility.
Staffing and the $600,000 personnel adjustment
Commissioner Welch introduced Mary Grennan, the department—s fiscal manager, who explained the budget includes a $600,000 reduction in personnel services based on…
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