News

Maine gov proposes $3.5M to save 2 veterans homes

Maine gov proposes $3.5M to save 2 veterans homes

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


CARIBOU, Maine (AP) Maine’s governor said Tuesday she will dedicate $3.5 million to help keep homes for veterans open in northern Maine.

Maine Veterans’ Homes in Machias and Caribou are slated to close this spring. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said she has proposed using $1.75 million from the state’s general fund and $1.75 million in federal money to keep the homes open.

Mills said the proposal will help keep the homes open for at least one more year. That will give the state and the nonprofit group that runs the homes time to develop a long-term plan for the facilities and their residents, she said.

Mills said the proposal will be introduced to the Maine Legislature later this week.

“The veterans who live in these homes, along with their families and the staff, all deserve for them to stay open,” Mills said.

The funding “is a step in the right direction,” said Christine M. Henson, a spokesperson for Maine Veterans’ Homes.

“MVH still has serious concerns about the impact of the ongoing workforce challenges in the near and long-term and projected veteran decline in these rural communities,” Henson said. “The MVH Board is expected to meet later this month to consider all factors.”

Mills has also supported a bill that would require the Maine Veterans’ Homes board to seek legislative approval to close long-term care facilities serving veterans and their spouses.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Local

Platner Takes Page from Trump Playbook to Keep Up Senate Bid

Platner is the latest Democratic candidate to shrug off dark revelations about their past,

12 hours ago in Local

Man Dies in Down East Maine Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

13 hours ago in Local

Maine State Worker Resigns After Charges for Comfort Dog’s Death

Brodie Hinckley was placed on administrative leave last month

14 hours ago in Local

Former Gov. LePage joins Republicans calling for investigation into funds raised for Lewiston shooting survivors

A group of Maine Republicans including former Governor Paul LePage are calling for an investigation into the use of funds raised for survivors of the Lewiston mass shooting.

14 hours ago in Local

Traffic stops lead to drug arrest in Portland

Police seized a rifle along with meth and crack cocaine during a traffic stop in Portland.