Currently, 2,000 veterans in Missouri are on waiting lists for rooms at nursing homes. Gov. Jay Nixon is hoping to begin construction on a new veterans' home in order to reduce wait times for aging soldiers in their life after service.
The Joplin Globe reported that the government official is hoping to use new bond revenues to pay for this plan, but he must first gain the support of legislators, who are reviewing a number of project proposals as well. Nixon's housing program would cost an estimated $50 million and would provide 150 beds to vets in need. According to The Associated Press, the state currently has seven veterans' nursing homes that house a total of 1,350 former servicemembers. The governor also proposed a $14.5 million initiative that would use bond revenue to pay for renovations and updates to these existing facilities.
While there are a number of other significant projects vying for the funds, veterans advocates believe that this proposal is the most important investment option. Many veterans currently face a wait time of between six months and one year for a nursing home bed, and many cannot afford to wait this long for the specialized care these institutions provide, explained the Joplin Globe. Many vets end up entering a private care facility, which can cost their families a significant amount of money despite Medicaid benefits.
The Joplin Globe added that some of the maintenance projects proposed for the current homes include necessary updates to ventilation systems and nurses' stations.
"These men and women did their duty to God and country so that our lives might be better. Now we need to be there for them. Let's work together to get this built," Nixon said during his State of the State address, which took place on Wednesday, Jan. 22.