Noteboom The Law Firm

Florida VA May Have To Operate With A Lower Budget

February 18, 2011 - Comparing Florida Governor Rick Scott's proposed budget of $45.5 million to the current Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget of $81 million, it would appear Governor Scott is attempting to cut the state VA's budget by 44%. Closer inspection of these numbers, however, reveals this is just not the case.

The numbers appear as they are because the Florida VA is transferring ownership of 6 nursing homes and 1 of their assisted living facilities to a public company. That company would work with the Florida VA so the most important veterans' issues continue to be addressed properly. These homes and facilities combine to form the largest chunk of the Florida VA's budget, so the budget loss will show as being significant.

The 7 facilities being transferred to the public company had a worker turnover rate of approximately 40%, which weighed heavily into the decision to transfer them out of Florida VA control. The reality is the Florida VA cannot pay the higher employee salaries with the same schedule flexibility private agencies can offer.

The Florida VA will transfer ownership of the 7 facilities over a 2-year period; one year of which will serve as a planning year. Those 2 years, however, are not included in Governor Scott's proposed budget.