To Be CLOSED by Governor

  

 The CalVet Barstow Veterans Home is a 220-bed facility, that opened in 1996, to provide

independent living, intermediate care and skilled nursing to California Veterans.

Mission: The mission of CalVet Homes is "to provide the state's aged or disabled veterans

with rehabilitative, residential, and medical care and services in a home-like environment."

This mission acknowledges the tremendous sacrifice California Veterans

have made and recognizes them for their noble service to our nation.”

 

 

State Assembly, Sacramento, California__ Thursday, May 14, 2020

Assemblyman Obernolte (R-Hesperia) issued the following statement in reference to Governor Newsom’s May Revision budget proposal calling for the closure of the Barstow Veterans Home.

“I am extremely disappointed that Governor Newsom is proposing to close our Veterans Home in Barstow due to the State’s budget deficit. It’s unconscionable to balance the budget on the backs of our veterans and even worse to displace the 200 residents who currently call this home – some who have lived here ever since it opened.”  

“As the Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and a member of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Budget Conference Committee, I will fight against this proposal.”   

The Governor may propose the budget, but the Legislature writes it and I will not idly sit by and allow this home to be closed. Closing it will only save the state $400,000 in this budget year, but the loss of per-diem paid to the state by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for these residents will cost $3 million per year. That math simply doesn’t add up.”           

“The Barstow Veterans Home was originally opened due to its unique proximity to multiple military installations, including:

Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base, National Training Center at Fort Irwin,

Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base,

China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, and Edwards Air Force Base.        

Our community has one of the highest concentrations of Veterans in the state.  The support for this home is overwhelming. I am committed to ensuring that this home remains a part of our community.” 

 

    Assemblyman Jay Obernolte represents the 33rd Assembly District, which includes the San Bernardino County communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Baker, Barstow, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Big River, Crestline, Fort Irwin, Hesperia, Johnson Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Lenwood, Lucerne Valley, Needles, Oak Hills, Phelan, Running Springs, Silver Lakes, Trona, Twentynine Palms Base, Twin Peaks and Victorville.

Editor’s note:  In honor & respect for all Veterans, of which many of past Veterans are relatives of my family as well as, friends; I to choose to capitalize their title/name with a V.  E T Russell