New Del. Department of Veterans Affairs created with stroke of Gov. Meyer’s pen

DELAWARE – The stroke of Governor Matt Meyer’s (D – Delaware) pen has established a new department for the state.

New Department of Veterans Affairs

The new Department of Veterans Affairs would work in tandem with the existing Office of Veterans Service.

Calling the streamlining of veteran service an obligation, Gov. Meyer said Delaware continues to struggle in serving homeless veterans.

“To me, that means eliminating some of the sort of bureaucratic silos, and making sure there’s a single person who is responsible to make sure delivery of services and benefits to veterans in Delaware is second-to-none,” Gov. Meyer said.

Support on Both Sides

The bill garnered significant support in the legislative process, securing the sponsorship of 39 legislators, including both Democrats and Republicans.

The Prime Sponsor of the bill, Representative William Carson (D – Del. RD 28), called Delaware’s veterans leaders and contributors to the state’s economy and communities.

“This Department is about meeting their needs, addressing their concerns, and honoring our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” Rep. Carson said in a statement.

Representative Jeff Hilovsky (R – Del. RD 4) was one of the Republicans who sponsored the bill. He called Wednesday’s bill signing an “epic day” for Delaware veterans, as well as the entire state.

“We will soon have a seat at the federal table. If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu … We will be able to leverage the federal resources we deserve. In the state of Delaware, we spend about $50 per veteran annually, while surrounding states spend six or seven times as much,” Rep. Hilovsky said in a statement.

Another bill sponsor, who is a veteran herself, stated that for too long, Delaware veterans have gone underserved.

“As a veteran, I know what it means to put on the uniform … Retiring from service doesn’t mean the mission ends, but too often, the support does,” House Majority Leader Kerry Evelyn Harris (D – Del. RD 32) expressed in a statement.

Looking Ahead

A cabinet-level secretary will head the new Department. The secretary would be responsible for coordinating with the various state departments and offices that currently administer veterans programs, Gov. Meyer said.

“It’s all going to be consolidated and coordinated under that one single individual … I’m looking for an extraordinary veteran who can deal with a blank sheet of paper and a new department—put together a department, and still has a heart of service,” Gov. Meyer said.

As for the fiscal impact of the new Department, Gov. Meyer said it would run around $100,000.