DOVER – On Tuesday, the House passed legislation that would create a new state-level department and secretary dedicated to advocating for and administering programs related to veterans.
Sponsored by Rep. William Carson and Sen. Nicole Poore, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 1 would create the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs to serve as an advocate and resource for the 70,000 veterans residing in the First State. The department would be overseen by a cabinet-level Secretary who is required to be a veteran.
“As a veteran, I know the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and the challenges they face when their service ends. Our veterans bring so much to Delaware – they are leaders and contributors to our economy and communities,” said Rep. Carson.
“This Department is about meeting their needs, addressing their concerns, and honoring our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of this office and advancing this legislation. ”
The Department of Veterans Affairs would work to address veterans’ healthcare needs more effectively, improve access to benefits, and advocate for veterans holistically at both the state and federal levels.
Under HB 1 (S), the Commission of Veterans Affairs, which assists Delaware’s veterans and their families, would continue to operate in its current structure under the new Department of Veterans Affairs umbrella. For administrative, budgetary, and operational purposes, the Department of Veterans Affairs would temporarily remain under the Department of State.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would be required to work with other officials to develop a transition plan to separate from the Department of State and begin operating as an independent department by July 1, 2030.
“In addition to our utmost respect, our veterans deserve comprehensive care, specialized resources, and thoughtful advocacy,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, Senate prime sponsor of HB 1.
“Delaware veterans will benefit immensely from a dedicated department in our government’s executive branch. I hope that my Senate colleagues will join me in swiftly advancing this legislation.”
A key goal of the department would be to advocate for Delaware veterans at the federal level, working to unlock millions of dollars in untapped federal resources, includinghelping to register veterans into the VA system, which could decrease state spending on supplemental Medicaid and other payments.
In addition to advocacy and program management, the new department would be tasked with proposing strategies for alternative elder care and exploring the creation of additional veterans homes to address the needs of the state’s aging veteran population.
HB 1 (S) now heads to the Senate for consideration.
