Peterson Hosting Veterans Meeting in Fergus Falls

(WASHINGTON, DC) - U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-7th Dist.) will be hosting a veterans information meeting from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday, April 12 at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home.

“There are a lot of issues to discuss, including future funding for Minnesota’s veterans homes, and I hope to hear from veterans and anyone else who wants to share their concerns or ask questions,” Peterson said.

Peterson recently sent a letter to Gov. Pawlenty questioning his decision to not include rural veterans homes in his bonding bill recommendations.

The Minnesota Veterans Homes Board has identified five projects across the state that require funding. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has given preliminary approval to fund up to 65 percent of the project cost, but to access these federal funds, the State must provide matching dollars for each home.

“While I realize the State is experiencing a budget shortfall, there is never a justification for short-changing Minnesota veterans,” Peterson said. His letter to Governor Pawlenty went on to say, “With more and more veterans suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, it is imperative that the needs of all veterans are met. The veterans homes in Fergus Falls, Luverne and Silver Bay need support too. The federal government has recognized rural veterans’ needs and made federal funds available. Minnesota has not met these same goals.

“While I gladly continue the fight for our rural veterans, I do expect the State to hold up their end. I will continue to monitor the Governor’s progress in rural Minnesota.”

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