Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez recently hosted a roundtable and spoke about what investments Governor Ron DeSantis plans to make for the veteran community as well as a discussion regarding State Bill 174, which would allow veterans’ spouses to qualify to live in state-run veteran long-term care facilities.
The roundtable brought together Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell and State Senator Danny Burgess, who discussed the expanded eligibility which would apply to veterans’ nursing homes known as domiciliary homes or assisted living facilities.
Also a part of the roundtable was Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director of Hope Navigator, Holly Bernardo and retired U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Henry Lowery.
“Since taking office, we have made meaningful and significant investments for our veterans, active duty service members, and their families," Nuñez said. “With Florida being the most veteran and military-friendly state in the nation, we will continue to make good on our promises in fighting for the men and women who fought for us.”
Florida is home to nearly 1.5 million veterans and is the third-largest veteran population in the nation.
As part of the Lieutenant Governor’s ‘LG on Mission’ initiative, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez has traveled throughout the state to highlight Governor DeSantis’ investments in military and veteran affairs.
“Governor DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez have made it a priority throughout their administration to serve those who have served our country, as well as their families," said Senator Danny Burgess. “I applaud and share their commitment to honoring and supporting our state’s heroes in every way possible. This important legislation I have filed will help those veterans living in our state veterans nursing homes by ensuring they are able to remain close to and continue to live with their spouse while receiving the care and assistance they need and deserve.”
Currently, there are eight veteran nursing homes in the state of Florida, with a ninth planned in the budget that Governor DeSantis signed off on. The construction of the additional State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Collier County, upon federal grant approval, would include the $102 million to begin construction.
In 2023, Governor DeSantis signed seven other bills to support Florida’s military members and their families.
Governor DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future Budget invests $57 million to the Florida State Guard, $350 million to the Florida National Guard and an additional $8.9 million to support additional equipment and capital improvements for the State Veterans’ Nursing Homes.
Additionally, $2 million was recommended to assist veterans in securing meaningful skills-based employment, provide employers with a skilled talent pipeline, and assist veterans in creating and operating a small business.
“Today’s roundtable in Tallahassee is a great opportunity to showcase our outstanding State Veterans’ Homes program. Expanding the pool of eligible veterans’ homes residents to include veterans’ spouses is the compassionate thing to do and will be well received in Florida’s veteran community,” said Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs Executive Director James S. Hartsell. “Growing the number of State Veterans’ Homes from nine to eleven and expanding the long-term care services we provide reinforces that Florida is the most veteran sought-after and veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
To watch the roundtable discussion, click here.
