New Veterans Home Passes First Test

A critical part of HB 3009 would waive the requirement for a Certificate of Need from the state because supporters believe it would be an expensive and lengthy process.

The Korean War Veterans Association, Oregon Trail Chapter, dedicated its Memorial on September 30th, 2000, in the New City Town Center Park, Wilsonville, Oregon Photo courtesy: koreanwar-educator.org

(SALEM) - While Congressional leaders and the Governor spend the week meeting with veterans and their families about support services, new legislation to create a second veterans home in Oregon is headed for a vote on the House Floor.

House Bill 3009, sponsored by State Representative Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville) was unanimously approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee today.

The measure would allow for creation of another skilled nursing home designed especially for Oregon Veterans. The first home was constructed in The Dalles in 1997, one of 119 such homes across the country. “We are indebted to our Veterans. It is our duty to assist in effectively caring for their needs, and our honor to help preserve the liberty they have earned for us,” said Rick Peters, one of the organizers of the “Oregon Veterans Center.”

Peters explained, “it’s extraordinary to see public and private parties work together for such a worthy cause. The men and women of our Armed forces deserve our best. May we be worthy of their sacrifice.” Peters and his wife Elizabeth have been meeting with federal, state and local leaders from several government and civic organizations. The Peters are Representative Krummel’s constituents from Wilsonville who helped form the Oregon Veterans Foundation. The center could be located in the Wilsonville area.

“I am so proud to see the hard work and vision the Peters have invested in this wonderful project,” noted Krummel. “Wilsonville would be a great place for this exciting new facility.” Krummel helped develop the Korean War Memorial in Wilsonville and he feels the location would be accessible to the largest number of veterans in Oregon. Around half of the state’s 360,000 veterans are currently in the Portland area.

Mac McDonald, with the United Veterans Groups of Oregon, testified before the House Committee, “when long term nursing care is necessary, veterans would prefer to reside in a facility with other veterans; their comrades, their brothers, their sisters.” McDonald believes Oregon should have more than 800 beds to fill the needs of veterans across the state. Currently there are 150 beds and a waiting list. “There’s no question about the need, about the ability to be a viable organization and veteran’s organizations are answering the call to bring forward this legislation.”

A critical part of HB 3009 would waive the requirement for a Certificate of Need from the state because supporters believe it would be an expensive and lengthy process. Peters pointed out, “Oregon is in dire need of additional nursing care facilities for veterans. Our mission is not only to provide care, but to encourage, inspire, and motivate. This is a different model – a living, breathing, vibrant part of the community. A skilled nursing facility is an important part of a much larger vision.”

The proposed Oregon Veterans Center would also include an outpatient clinic, benefits office, veterans museum and other services to create a “one-stop” complex. The new center would not require any state general fund dollars for construction or operation.