Plans to open the 300 bed facility opened this summer were delayed by the state's budget problems. Governor Jerry Brown wants save nearly $30 million in operating costs by delaying the opening for two years. But an Assembly Budget Subcommittee voted in Sacramento to reject the Governors' plan, and open the home next year. Assembly Member Henry T. Perea of Fresno says the vote is a good step forward. "It's the first step in a very long proces, a very positive step."
The committee recommended spending $11 million to open the Fresno home by July of next year, six months sooner than the Governor's plan. Veterans activist Charlie Waters is warning veterans will keep fighting to open the home sooner and will go after every single legislator who opposes them, saying: "The veterans in his community will campaign against him vocally. So, we're not laying down a threat, we're laying a promise down."
The fight will continue because there's no guarantee the subcommittee's recommendation to open the home earlier than the Governor wants will be accepted.
At best it means the home, which is almost ready to house veterans right now, could open in July of next year.
