AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of veterans' affairs for providing grants for the construction of the Fisher house.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1157 would significantly impact state laws by enhancing the infrastructure available to veterans through the construction of the Fisher House. This one-time funding measure would support the establishment of a facility that provides free lodging to families, alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with lengthy hospital stays. By supporting such infrastructures, the bill addresses a critical need for accommodating the families of veterans, ensuring they can be close to their loved ones during treatment.
Summary
House Bill 1157 is a legislative proposal aimed at providing appropriations to the North Dakota Department of Veterans' Affairs. Specifically, the bill seeks to allocate $500,000 from federal funds derived from the state fiscal recovery fund. The funding is intended to assist in the construction of a Fisher House at the Fargo Veterans' Affairs Medical Center. The Fisher House program provides housing for families of veterans and active-duty service members while they are receiving medical care. This bill's intent is to improve the support structure available to veterans and their families during critical healthcare needs.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1157 appears to be universally positive, with broad bipartisan support reflected in the voting history. Both the House and Senate passed the bill with overwhelming majorities—90 out of 90 votes in the House and 47 out of 47 in the Senate were in favor, indicating a strong consensus on the importance of supporting veterans. This collective support underscores a shared commitment to improving veterans' welfare and enhancing the resources available to them and their families.
Contention
While there are no specific points of contention recorded in the discussions or voting history surrounding HB 1157, some potential concerns may arise in the future regarding the allocation and management of funds. Ensuring transparency in how the appropriated funds are used and monitoring the construction process of the Fisher House could be areas of focus for legislators moving forward. Nevertheless, the overall aim of the bill is well-received, reflecting a societal effort to honor and assist those who have served.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of veterans' affairs for a veterans' national cemetery grant; to authorize a line of credit; and to provide for a report.