Lawmakers weigh privatization of state veterans home

Wednesday, March 31, 1999 | 12:12 p.m.

Charles Abbott, executive director of the Commission for Veteran Affairs, says it may be too late to seek privatization proposals if the home is to get its first veterans by July 1, 2000, as scheduled.

But Ed Gobel of the Council of Nevada Veterans Organizations, representing 46 veterans groups, said a privatized home could provide care for veterans at no cost to them and save the state $1 million in expenses.

The best-rated homes are privately run, he said, adding, "We should at least take the time to investigate."

Abbott says most veterans he has spoken to would prefer a state-run home because of the ability to manage the facility more closely.

"A privately run home is operated by the lowest bidder," he adds.

Gov. Kenny Guinn has indicated to lawmakers that a privately run home is acceptable. The budget for the home was based on the idea it would be state run, requiring the state to hire 224 employees.

Sen. Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, said that if the home can be run more cheaply and efficiently by a private firm, then it would mean more money in veterans' pockets.

State officials are still awaiting word from the Department of Veterans Affairs on approval of its share of building and furnishing the $19.4 million home.

The VA is paying 65 percent of the cost, or $12.6 million, while the state has allocated $6.8 million for the home.