Aug. 28 Veterans Service Commission of Summit County Board meeting
Covered by Documenter Wittman Sullivan (see his notes here)
Akron and Summit County veterans are at risk of losing benefits as the Veterans Administration (VA) faces a $2.88 billion budget shortfall for 2024.
Summit County Veterans Service Commission (VSC) commissioners sounded the alarm at an Aug. 28 meeting.
VSC Director Larry Moore told the commission that on July 30, the VA told Congress additional benefits required by the PACT Act would lead to the budget shortfall.
More than 31,000 veterans live in Summit County (5.8% of the county’s total population), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The PACT Act requires additional health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances such as Agent Orange and burn pits during military service. It was enacted in 2022 and, in March, expanded to millions of veterans.
Since its passage, more than 710,000 veterans across the United States have enrolled in VA health care, a 34% increase compared to the equivalent period before the law was signed into effect, according to reporting in The Hill.
Moore said nearly 7 million veterans could be at risk of losing regular benefits as the VSC experiences a spike in emergency assistance requests.
The nearly $3 billion shortage could affect veterans’ assistance for disability compensation, pensions and other benefits, such as housing and education, that help them re-adjust to civilian life.
Commissioner Mike Stith said that the VSC could only cover benefits for one month with the money available at this time. A VSC staff member told commissioners that there is $700,000 available for veterans’ benefits.
Lawmakers search for VA funding solution
Moore said a group of seven bi-partisan U.S. senators, including Ohio’s Sherrod Brown, is working on a funding gap solution. Commissioner Bruce Hestley expressed concern that Brown was involved only because it is an election year.
Brown and others submitted a bill on July 30 to address the $2.9 billion funding gap, according to Aidan Quigly at Roll Call.
The VA said the money must be approved by Sept. 20 to avoid delays to benefits, including to Summit County veterans.
This bill does not address a $12 billion funding gap that the VA reported to Congress in July. This money is for fiscal year 2025 medical care, which starts on Oct. 1. It’s unclear when this will be addressed by Congress or what impact it would have locally.
Summit County residents fund the VSC through property tax payments. It is different from the VA but facilitates access to its services.
VSC discusses purchases, connecting 43 veterans groups
The VSC is considering purchasing a veterans support kiosk for the Waterloo Summit County VA Clinic.
The 100-pound, 21.5-inch touchscreen kiosk, which costs $4,450, would allow veterans to access online resources about available benefits and services.
Commissioners expressed concerns about the kiosk’s security, accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Stith said he would like to see a website that connects Summit County’s 43 veterans groups and facilitates communication among the organizations.
Another concern for the VSC is the state of its warehouse security on South Street. Theft and vandalism have become significant issues due to the lack of a functioning security system.
The building’s leaking roof and damaged foundation have also rendered half of it unusable, leading to costly thefts of items such as boots and coats, with losses reaching up to $90,000 annually.
The commission is weighing its options, including repairing the current warehouse, moving to a new location or building a new facility on nearby land.
Staff shortage at veterans nursing home
The 427-bed Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky is at 60% capacity with no wait times, according to Moore. The facility offers memory care, housing, meals and activities to veterans. Moore said his sister is in the memory care unit, which costs $2,000 per month.
Two Ohio facilities, in Sandusky and Georgetown, have 595 beds between them and receive fewer inspection demerits than smaller private ones, Moore said. He added the homes are under capacity due to staffing shortages; they can’t match private sector pay.
The goal is one employee per resident. State governments operate veterans homes.
Veterans and families seeking financial assistance, transportation, resources or other services can access the VCS website or call 330-643-2830.
The VSC board meets bi-monthly at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Service Commission in Firestone Park, 1060 E. Waterloo Rd. Click here for more information.
