Friday, January 20, 2006
Governor Minner Signs Executive Order Establishing State Veterans Home as a Division of the Department of State
Order Also Creates Veterans’ Home Advisory Board
Dover – Governor Ruth Ann Minner has signed Executive Order No. 79, establishing Delaware’s Veterans’ Home as a separate division within the Department of State and creating a Veterans’ Home Advisory Board to ensure Delaware veterans continue to be integral partners in the success of this facility.
“The Department of State, which includes the Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, has long advocated for meeting the needs of veterans and as such is the ideal organization to oversee this facility,” Gov. Minner said. “We also need regular input from our veterans, who have been instrumental in providing their support and their guidance throughout the history of this project.”
The State Home program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the states. The federal government funds up to 65 percent of the cost of construction or acquisition of a state nursing home, in addition to $64.30 per day for each veteran housed there. The state is contributing $10.5 million to toward the $30 million, 150-bed facility in Milford Professional Park. The federal government is funding the remaining $19.5 million.
“The Department of State has enjoyed a long working relationship with the veterans’ community and specifically the Division of Veterans’ Affairs,” Secretary of State Harriet Windsor said. “I look forward to strengthening this relationship in addressing the unique needs of the residents of the Veterans’ Home.”
Opening ceremonies will be held on December 7, 2006.
