State Veterans Home Nurses Speak Out
Commonwealth Nurses Call for Budget NOW that Fully Funds Public Services
Nurses, veterans, and other employees at state veterans’ homes across Pennsylvania held news conferences in front of their facilities on Thursday, July 23, to speak out about proposed cuts to the state budget.
Events were held in Pittsburgh, Erie, Philadelphia, Scranton, and Hollidaysburg. Check out the awesome media coverage of state nurses and veterans speaking out against cuts:
Philadelphia Daily News
WJAC TV Johnstown Clip 1
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
WHYY Radio
Scranton Times-Tribune
WJAC TV Johnstown Clip 2
Altoona Mirror
Download a factsheet about the impact cuts proposed by the State Senate Leadership would have on veterans and other Pennsylvanians.
Since the budget impasse began, an estimated 50 veterans have been turned away from receiving care at state veterans' homes. Approximately 150 positions would be eliminated and up to 400 veterans could be displaced from homes statewide if the budget passes as written.
“We’re stretched so thin as it is, with any more cuts there won’t be any care for our vets. Period,” said Nancy Farren, RN, a nurse at Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.
The State Senate Leadership has proposed dramatic cuts to the state budget including $7.6 million in cuts to state veterans’ homes which would also eliminate $5.9 million in Federal matching funds.
“Veterans statewide are saying to the Senate Leadership, ‘Stop the cuts,’” said Hal Donahue, Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force and a leader in military and veterans’ health care issues. “Pennsylvania is experiencing the largest deployment of National Guard troops since WW II. We need a budget fast – but one that protects our veterans and keeps our promises to those who served our country and state.”