Bismarck – N.D. The North Dakota House of Representatives today approved construction of a new N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon. The bill will allow the state to take advantage of a federal grant that will cover 65 percent of the cost of the new facility. The state will provide $9.5 million to build the 150 bed facility.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to ensure that we can continue to live in a free and democratic society,” House Majority Leader Rick Berg said. “The new Veterans Home is one part of an overall package to say thank you to all of our veterans, past and present.”
The nearly 60 year old facility needs updating to bring it up to code and closer to the standards of modern nursing homes. The new facility will remain on the current 90 acre tract of land owned by the Veterans Home. Among the 150 beds the facility will operate, the legislature has added 14 new skilled care beds for veterans in need of additional care.
Sponsors of the Veterans Home bill include Rep. Rick Berg, Rep. Duane DeKrey and Rep. Ralph Metcalf as well as Sen. Bob Stenehjem, Sen. Dave Nething and Sen. Larry Robinson. Other legislators instrumental in passing the bill include Rep. Chet Pollert, Rep. Clara Sue Price, Sen. Judy Lee and Sen. Ray Holmberg.
Other bills honoring veterans include:
Providing for our soldiers:
SB 2016 provides funding for tuition assistance for National Guard members and expands the program to include trade schools.
SB 2064 clarifies child custody arrangements so soldiers with dependants don’t have to worry about losing custody when called to serve.
Taking care of veterans:
SB 2172 increases the number of disabled veterans eligible for the homestead property tax credit.
Honoring the fallen:
· HB 1040 restricts protests at funerals.
· HB 1291 increases the death benefit to the families of soldiers killed in action.
“Since the days of Teddy Roosevelt’s Roughriders, North Dakotans have made major contributions to our nation’s defense,” Rep. DeKrey said. “We have made it a top priority this session to ensure that we provide for our veterans and their families.”
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