Letter requests full consideration of public comments from VA leadership regarding the proposal to close facility, open in Wyoming
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) today, joined by his Michigan colleagues Representatives Fred Upton, Tim Walberg, and Bill Huizenga, sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough regarding the administration’s recent report outlining the recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission. One of the proposals included in the report suggests closing the Battle Creek VA facility and opening a location in Wyoming. In the letter, Rep. Meijer requests the Secretary and his administration hold a significant number of public hearings in West Michigan to fully consider all input from those who would be impacted by this development.
The text of the letter is attached and copied below.
“Dear Secretary McDonough,
“We write today regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs March report outlining the recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission. The proposals included in the report, specifically those for the Michigan Erie market, have a direct impact on our veteran constituents, as well as the communities that serve them. We urge you and your administration to consider all stakeholder comments and input, ensuring that every voice and opinion is represented prior to your final decision.
“We all agree that the men and women who served this country deserve the highest quality care and access to it in a timely manner, and that should always be our top priority. While the VA has taken many steps to improve healthcare for veterans, more can and must be done. Among the factors that should be considered when making reforms to veterans’ healthcare are proximity to care for our veteran population, as well as state of the art healthcare infrastructure that can provide a range of services. Anything less is unacceptable and a disservice to our men and women in uniform.
“It is no easy task to identify and suggest changes to our veteran healthcare system, and we recognize the work your agency has done. We also want to ensure that all voices in our districts are heard before any final decision is made. Therefore, we request that you hold a significant number of public hearings in our communities and review thoroughly each and every comment submitted from all stakeholders and individuals who have a vested interest in the veteran population and the healthcare system that supports them. We also ask that the opinions of every individual in the affected communities – both those who are expected to gain or lose a facility – are heard with full and fair consideration.
“We understand that the veteran population continues to change, and your agency is responsible for making necessary adaptations to meet their needs. We appreciate the work you are doing in service to our veterans and thank you for your consideration of our requests. As you continue your efforts to ensure that every veteran has access to quality and timely care, we look forward to hearing from you on these matters.”
Original source can be found here.
