June 10, 2002
Monday - 11:30 pm

Washington - Alaska Sen. Frank Murkowski on Friday expressed concern that the State Administration would oppose his proposal to give the state $16 million to provide better care for aging veterans. "This will not cost the state a dime in capital costs and will ensure that the Federal government for the first time will reimburse the state for a portion of the costs they currently bear to house veterans," said Murkowski.

"Alaska has not been receiving the federal aid it deserves for caring for veterans in our Pioneer Homes because the state hasn't been able to afford to bring its homes up to federal standards. I've moved to solve that by having the government finally recognize the state's huge contribution to caring for our vets by picking up all of the upgrade costs. This will finally allow Alaska to get the same aid nearly every other state gets.

"This could free up some operating funds to help fill some of our empty beds in our Pioneer Homes. Alaska is getting a justified waiver of its share of capital upgrade costs no other state is getting. This truly is a 'win-win' situation for the State and its veterans and pioneer elderly," said Murkowski.

The Senator was responding after state Administration officials questioned the benefit of Murkowski winning a contentious amendment on Thursday exempting Alaska from a 35 percent "matching" fund requirement to gain construction aid. The upgrade will allow Alaska to meet physical standards to gain federal per diem for the roughly 94 veterans currently living in the states six Pioneer Homes.

Murkowski said he fully understands the state's concern that adding beds to the homes for the veterans on current waiting lists might increase state budget costs. "But with the capital assistance I would hope it would be possible for the state to improve the efficient management of the homes so the federal per diem for veterans would stretch further - helping, not hurting the state's current budget picture," he said.

He noted the support for the proposal by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Tony Prinicipi, who inspected the states Pioneers Home at Murkowskis request in February 2001 and again this spring.

"I support your effort... By authorizing VA... funding for renovation or construction of veterans specific discrete sections at the six Pioneer Homes, your amendment would acknowledge the in-kind contribution already made by the state, respond to the unique circumstances faced by Alaskas veterans, build upon long standing Alaska traditions, and ensure that veterans are cared for in facilities meeting VA's standards for construction and operation," wrote Principi to the Veterans Committee.

Source of News Release:

Office of Senator Frank Murkowski
Web Site

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