Gov. Sam Brownback has a plan to beef up veterans' services in Kansas. The proposal would include improvements at two facilities and new workers aimed at helping veterans.
The plan would include a $1.4 million renovation of a veterans' home in southwest Kansas. It would also add 40 new beds for long-term care services to a veterans' facility in Winfield.
Gregg Burden, executive director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs, says under the proposal they'll also be looking to hire four new staff members to help veterans access the benefits they've earned.
"We'll be working at identifying the most needed places across Kansas. Our veterans services officers are so busy across the state. There's such a need that's out there," said Burden. "This will give us the opportunity to reach those veterans who need those services and need those benefits."
Around 12 percent of Kansas veterans currently are receiving benefits. In some other states with more outreach, that number is around 20 percent.
Part of the proposal would be funded by federal dollars and part through state dollars. The plan will be included in the governor's budget proposal released next week.
