New Jersey creates separate Veterans Affairs department

New Jersey is set to create a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Services. This decision comes after the tragic deaths of over 200 residents at state veterans homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers believe that veterans’ health needs have been neglected for too long. The proposed new department will take over responsibilities from the current Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This change aims to focus more on veterans and their families, separating these services from those related to the National Guard. Supporters of the bill argue that veterans should not be secondary to National Guard members. The push for this change follows legal settlements totaling $68.8 million to families of those who died in veterans homes during the pandemic. Additionally, a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Justice noted serious violations of residents’ rights in these facilities, describing conditions during the pandemic as “pure hell” and a “battlefield.” New Jersey officials have also agreed to a consent decree to bring in a federal monitor for oversight of these veterans homes. State Senator Joseph Vitale expressed hope that these changes will lead to better care for veterans. The proposed budget for the new department will be $129.5 million, with initial setup costs estimated at $6.7 million. Lawmakers have been working on the details for about a year, with help from veteran group leaders. They aim to pass the legislation by late June. The bill includes a requirement that the commissioner of the new Department of Veterans Affairs must be a veteran. This department will manage state veterans' homes and promote various veterans' programs. Hearings on the proposal are expected soon.