SRC-JBJ S.C.R. 64 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 64 76R11778 EFD-DBy: Nixon Veteran Affairs & Military Installations 4/19/1999 As Filed DIGEST The Veterans' Land Board (land board) has recently begun to construct the first four state veterans homes. Over half of the construction costs for the homes is funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA). The USVA works in collaboration with veterans organizations, health care providers, and other governmental entities at the local and state level to provide affordable, quality long-term care for veterans. The four homes, however, are located in the western, northern, central, and southeastern parts of the state, and there is a need for a fifth home in East Texas where approximately 15,000 aged veterans live. Although the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana serves the region, the medical center also serves Louisiana and Arkansas and may not be able to serve all Texas veterans. The City of Carthage anticipates the need for a new facility and is willing to provide longterm care to East Texas veterans. PURPOSE As proposed, S.C.R. 64 submits the following resolution: That the 76th Legislature urge the Veterans' Land Board (land board) to request funding from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs for the establishment of a state veterans home in the City of Carthage; and That the land board begin the process of constructing the facility, after the land board secures funding; and That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the chairman and members of the land board.