New Jersey-2020-AJR161-Introduced

A Joint Resolution calling upon Congress to release funds to offset COVID-19 related losses to veteran memorial homes operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and to fully fund rebuilding certain veteran memorial homes.

Whereas, The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) operates three veteran memorial homes; and

Whereas, The memorial homes are located in Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland; and

Whereas, The memorial homes accommodate approximately 950 veterans, spouses, and the spouses and parents of veterans killed in action; and

Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the residents and staff at the memorial homes; and

Whereas, There have been staff and residents infected by COVID-19, and there have been staff and resident deaths related to COVID-19; and

Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic losses to the memorial homes due to staffing shortages, overtime and contract nursing care costs, food shortages, costs related to protective personal equipment, and lost revenue due to a prohibition on new admittances; and

Whereas, The economic impact of COVID-19 to DMVA is projected to be approximately $15 million dollars, a severe financial hardship; and

Whereas, It is imperative that Congress provide COVID-19 related funding to DMVA for its memorial homes so that the residents have a safe environment, and DMVA can fully and properly operate the memorial homes; and

Whereas, In addition, federal funding is urgently needed to rebuild the decaying memorial homes; and

Whereas, The Vineland veteran memorial home was rebuilt and rededicated in 2005, while the Paramus and Menlo Park locations are decades old; and

Whereas, Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much, and they should not have to suffer because of COVID-19 related shortages, or live in decaying buildings; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This State calls upon Congress to release funds to offset COVID-19 related losses to the veteran memorial homes operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and to fully fund rebuilding the Paramus and Menlo Park veteran memorial homes.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and to every member of Congress elected from this State.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This Joint Resolution calls upon Congress to release funds to offset COVID-19 related losses to the veteran memorial homes operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

DMVA operates three veteran memorial homes. The homes are located in Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland. Collectively, the three memorial homes accommodate approximate 950 veterans, spouses, and the spouses and parents of veterans killed in action. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the residents and staff at the memorial homes. There have been staff and residents infected by the virus, as well as staff and resident deaths related to the virus.

COVID-19 has caused a financial hardship to DMVA because of the lost revenue due to a prohibition on new admittances, overtime and contract nursing care, food shortages, and costs related to personal protective equipment. The economic loss to DMVA is projected to be more than $15 million dollars. It is imperative that Congress provide COVID-19 related funding to DMVA for its memorial homes so that the residents have a safe environment, and DMVA can fully and properly operate the memorial homes.

In addition, federal funding is urgently needed to rebuild the decaying memorial homes. The Vineland veteran memorial home was rebuilt and rededicated in 2005, while the Paramus and Menlo Park locations are decades old. Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much. They should not have to suffer because of COVID-19 related shortages, or live in decaying buildings.