ANALYSIS OF THE NEW JERSEY BUDGET
DEPARTMENT OF
MILITARY AND
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
FISCAL YEAR
2016- 2017
PREPARED BY OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE • APRIL 2016
NEW JERSEY STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Paul A. Sarlo (D), 36th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic), Chair
Brian P. Stack (D), 33rd District (Part of Hudson), Vice-Chair
Peter J. Barnes III (D), 18th District (Part of Middlesex)
Jennifer Beck (R), 11th District (Part of Monmouth)
Anthony R. Bucco (R), 25th District (Parts of Morris and Somerset)
Sandra B. Cunningham (D), 31st District (Part of Hudson)
Linda R. Greenstein (D), 14th District (Parts of Mercer and Middlesex)
Steven V. Oroho (R), 24th District (All of Sussex, and parts of Morris and Warren)
Kevin J. O'Toole (R), 40th District (Parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic)
Nellie Pou (D), 35th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic)
M. Teresa Ruiz (D), 29th District (Part of Essex)
Samuel D. Thompson (R), 12th District (Parts of Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
Jeff Van Drew (D), 1st District (All of Cape May, and parts of Atlantic and Cumberland)
GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET COMMITTEE
Gary S. Schaer (D), 36th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic), Chair
John J. Burzichelli (D), 3rd District (All of Salem, parts of Cumberland and Gloucester), Vice-Chair
Anthony M. Bucco (R), 25th District (Parts of Morris and Somerset)
John DiMaio (R), 23rd District (Parts of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren)
Gordon M. Johnson (D), 37th District (Part of Bergen)
John F. McKeon (D), 27th District (Parts of Essex and Morris)
Raj Mukherji (D), 33rd District (Part of Hudson)
Elizabeth Maher Muoio (D), 15th District (Parts of Hunterdon and Mercer)
Declan J. O'Scanlon, Jr. (R), 13th District (Part of Monmouth)
Eliana Pintor Marin (D), 29th District (Part of Essex)
Maria Rodriguez-Gregg (R), 8th District (Parts of Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)
Troy Singleton (D), 7th District (Part of Burlington)
Benjie E. Wimberly (D), 35th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic)
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
Frank W. Haines III, Legislative Budget and Finance Officer
Thomas Koenig, Assistant Legislative Budget and Finance Officer
Marvin W. Jiggetts, Director, Central Staff
Aggie Szilagyi, Section Chief, State Government Section
This report was prepared by the State Government Section of the Office of Legislative Services under the direction of the
Legislative Budget and Finance Officer. The primary author was Kimberly McCord Clemmensen.
Questions or comments may be directed to the OLS State Government Section (Tel. 609-292-9106) or the Legislative
Budget and Finance Office (Tel. 609-847-3105).
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
Budget Pages.......
C-6, C-13, C-21, D-275 to D-287
Fiscal Summary ($000)
State Budgeted
Federal Funds
Other
Grand Total
Expended
FY 2015
$99,968
Adjusted
Appropriation
FY 2016
$97,264
Recommended
FY 2017
$96,454
Percent
Change
2016-17
(.8%)
$39,996
$106,668
$103,967
(2.5%)
$1,609
$4,670
$4,654
(.3%)
$141,573
$208,602
$205,075
(1.7%)
Personnel Summary - Positions By Funding Source
State
Federal
Other
Total Positions
Actual
FY 2015
1,293
Revised
FY 2016
1,257
Funded
FY 2017
1,271
Percent
Change
2016-17
1.1%
154
149
167
12.1%
0
0
0
—
1,447
1,406
1,438
2.3%
FY 2015 (as of December) and revised FY 2016 (as of January) personnel data reflect actual payroll counts. FY 2017 data reflect
the number of positions funded.
Link to Website: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/finance.asp
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Highlights
Overview
The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, under the direction of the Adjutant General
of New Jersey, is responsible for supporting the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard,
administering programs and services for the 441,8201 veterans living in New Jersey, and
managing and operating three veterans’ memorial homes: Menlo Park Veterans’ Memorial
Home, Paramus Veterans’ Memorial Home, and Vineland Veterans’ Memorial Home. The FY
2017 Governor’s Budget recommends $205.1 million, or an overall reduction of $3.5 million
(1.7 percent) in total funding for the operation and support of the department. This total
consists of $96.5 million in State funds; $104 million in federal funds; and $4.7 million in
Other Funds. Compared to FY 2016, this represents a reduction of $810,000, or 0.8 percent,
in State funds; a reduction of $2.7 million, or 2.5 percent, in federal funds; and a reduction of
$16,000, or 0.3 percent, in other funds.
Military Services
The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Military Services, is responsible for the
support and coordination of Army and Air National Guard activities in New Jersey. The
National Guard responds to emergencies within the State upon the declaration of a State
emergency by the Governor. The department’s federal military responsibility is to provide
trained and qualified individuals and troop units in the support of the Army and Air Force of
the United States. The department estimates that as of June 30, 2016, the Army and Air
National Guard will be at 102 percent and 109 percent, respectively, of their authorized
strength. It further projects that it will largely maintain those levels in FY 2017, with a slight
one percentage point reduction expected in the Army National Guard strength to 108 percent.
•
FY 2017 recommended State appropriations of about $8 million are unchanged from
FY 2016. Federal funds of about $82 million are projected to continue federal support
for the New Jersey National Guard and major ongoing construction projects.
Services to Veterans
The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for the support and
coordination of various services to military veterans in New Jersey including Outreach and
Assistance, Veterans’ Haven, Burial Services, and the three Veterans’ Memorial Homes. The
department operates over 16 veteran service offices throughout the State. These offices assist
veterans and their dependents in securing State and federal benefits. Evaluation data indicates
that the department will serve an estimated 91,000 veterans in FY 2017; provide 24,000
veterans’ transportation trips; provide 20,000 post-traumatic stress disorder counseling sessions;
house 190 homeless veterans; process 9,000 claims; and perform 3,084 burials.
•
1
The FY 2017 Governor’s Budget provides $10 million is State funds, the same as in FY
2016, for veterans’ outreach and assistance, Veterans’ Haven, and burial services. The
budget also reflects continued federal funding of $10 million for continued
improvements to the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery
including the realignment of grave markers and the rehabilitation of graves as well as
the planning, design, and construction of additional in-ground burial site sections.
This figure is based on the most recent federal Census Bureau data.
2
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Highlights (Cont’d)
Veterans’ Memorial Homes
The department owns and operates three veterans’ memorial homes that provide long-term
care, medical care, and nursing services to eligible veterans of all wars living in New Jersey
who served on active duty and were honorably discharged. The veterans’ memorial homes are
located in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland. The homes are inspected and licensed
annually by the New Jersey Department of Health and the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs.
• The FY 2017 Governor’s Budget recommends funding of $78.4 million to continue
operation of veterans’ memorial homes and support an average of 920 resident veterans
in the budget year, essentially the same level of funding and service as in FY 2016.
3
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Fiscal and Personnel Summary
AGENCY FUNDING BY SOURCE OF FUNDS ($000)
Expended
FY 2015
Adj.
Approp.
FY 2016
Recom.
FY 2017
2015-17
2016-17
$97,566
$94,850
$94,040
( 3.6%)
( 0.9%)
2,402
2,414
2,414
0.5%
0.0%
State Aid
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
Capital Construction
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
Debt Service
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
$99,968
$97,264
$96,454
( 3.5%)
( 0.8%)
$0
$0
$0
0.0%
0.0%
Grants-In-Aid
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
State Aid
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
$0
$0
$0
0.0%
0.0%
Casino Revenue Fund
$0
$0
$0
0.0%
0.0%
Casino Control Fund
$0
$0
$0
0.0%
0.0%
$99,968
$97,264
$96,454
( 3.5%)
( 0.8%)
$39,996
$106,668
$103,967
159.9%
( 2.5%)
$1,609
$4,670
$4,654
189.2%
( 0.3%)
$141,573
$208,602
$205,075
44.9%
( 1.7%)
Percent Change
General Fund
Direct State Services
Grants-In-Aid
Sub-Total
Property Tax Relief Fund
Direct State Services
Sub-Total
State Total
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Grand Total
PERSONNEL SUMMARY - POSITIONS BY FUNDING SOURCE
State
Federal
All Other
Total Positions
Percent Change
2015-17
2016-17
Actual
FY 2015
Revised
FY 2016
Funded
FY 2017
1,293
1,257
1,271
( 1.8%)
1.1%
154
149
167
7.7%
12.1%
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
1,447
1,406
1,438
( 0.8%)
2.3%
FY 2015 (as of December) and revised FY 2016 (as of January) personnel data reflect actual payroll counts. FY 2017 data reflect
the number of positions funded.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DATA
Total Minority Percent
79.6%
61.8%
4
N/A
----
----
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Significant Changes/New Programs ($000)
Budget Item
Adj. Approp.
FY 2016
Recomm.
FY 2017
Dollar
Change
Percent
Change
Budget
Page
MILITARY SERVICES
The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Military Services, is responsible for the
support and coordination of Army and Air National Guard activities in New Jersey. The
National Guard responds to emergencies within the State upon the declaration of a State
emergency by the Governor. The department’s federal military responsibility is to provide
trained and qualified individuals and troop units in the support of the Army and Air Force of
the United States.
Federal Funds
Administration and
Support Services
$40,026
$675 (S)
$38,000
($2,701)
( 6.6%)
D-279
This budget item reflects federal grant funding that meets the department’s capital needs.
Currently, the department has been awarded federal assistance grants totaling $40.701 million
for various capital projects including: the construction of a Regional Training Institute at the
National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt ($34 million); the construction of photovoltaic
projects at the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs headquarters in Lawrenceville and
at the New Jersey National Guard Joint Training Center in Sea Girt ($4 million); and the
replacement of nurse call stations at the State’s Veterans’ Memorial Homes to comply with
provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act regarding electronic record keeping ($2.701
million). This latter grant is 75 percent of total costs. The reduction of $2.701 million, or 6.6
percent, in this appropriation in the FY 2017 budget year anticipates the completion of the
nurse call station project in FY 2016.
SERVICES TO VETERANS
The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for the support and
coordination of various services to military veterans in New Jersey including Outreach and
Assistance, Veterans’ Haven, Burial Services, and the three Veterans’ Memorial Homes. The
department operates over 16 veteran service offices throughout the State.
Veterans’ Haven
$1,970
$1,956
($ 14)
( .7%)
D-282
This account appropriates federal per diem revenues for Veterans’ Transitional Housing. This
proposed reduction represents anticipated United States Veterans Affairs (VA) per diem
revenues for Veterans’ Haven South and Veterans’ Haven North. Based on federal guidelines
and application rules for the receipt of transitional housing funds, the FY 2017 Governor’s
Budget anticipates a net reduction of $14,000, or 0.7percent, which is the result of a reduction
in VA funding for transitional housing.
5
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Significant Changes/New Programs ($000) (Cont’d)
Budget Item
Adj. Approp.
FY 2016
Recomm.
FY 2017
Dollar
Change
Percent
Change
Budget
Page
VETERANS’ MEMORIAL HOMES
The department owns and operates three veterans’ memorial homes that provide long-term
care, medical care, and nursing services to eligible veterans of all wars living in New Jersey
who served on active duty and were honorably discharged. The veterans’ memorial homes are
located in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland. The homes are inspected and licensed
annually by the New Jersey Department of Health and the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Direct State Services
Additions, Improvements and
Equipment
Menlo Park Veterans’
Memorial Home
$114
$300 (S)
$114
($ 300)
( 72.5%)
D-284
$2,467
($ 510)
( 17.1%)
D-286
Services Other Than
Personal
Vineland
Veterans’
Memorial Home
$2,467
$510 (S)
Each reduction represents a recurring supplemental appropriation from prior year revenues
from United States Department of Veterans Affairs per diems, member maintenance
contributions, and Medicare Part A receipts accounted for in Schedule I under “Soldiers’
Homes.” Budget language provides that the department may receive 40 percent of the receipts
from these sources that are in excess of the amount anticipated in the preceding fiscal year.
The remaining 60 percent is deposited into the General Fund. The department uses the
supplemental appropriation for veterans’ program needs, mostly medical supplies and
equipment, at the three veterans’ homes.
6
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Significant Language Changes
Colgate Clock Revenue
2016 Handbook: p. 2017 Budget:
p. D-287
Addition
Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, lease or licensing
payments received by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in connection with the
property known as the “Colgate Clock” located on Block 2, Lot C on the Official Tax Map of
Jersey City, New Jersey, shall be deposited in the General Fund.
Explanation
The “Colgate Clock” is located on the property of the Jersey City armory. The armory
property is owned by the State, and the armory is operated by the department. The department
receives approximately $200,000 per year in lease payments from Colgate-Palmolive for the
right to have the “Colgate Clock” located on the property. The department uses this funding for
armory operations and maintenance. The department also receives revenues from renting its
armories and the armory properties, as available, to various public and private groups for
recreational and other activities. In 2015, the department received $2.2 million in armory
rental receipts, a portion of which is allocated to the Jersey City armory for maintenance.
The “Colgate Clock” was placed on the former site of the Colgate-Palmolive factory in
Jersey City in 1924. It was 50 feet in diameter and was, at one time, the largest clock in the
world and could be seen from Manhattan. Over time it became an iconic landmark. The
current clock is a replacement of the original “Colgate Clock” that was built in 1906 in
celebration of Colgate’s centennial anniversary. In 1910, Colgate moved its corporate
headquarters to Jersey City and remained in Jersey City until 1985 when the company moved
its headquarters to New York City.
The FY 2017 Governor’s Budget proposes to shift the money received by the
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs from Colgate-Palmolive from use for operations
and maintenance at the Jersey City armory to the General Fund. The Administration explains
that there is a “recurring use agreement between DMAVA and Colgate Palmolive to allow
Colgate to keep their Clock on site. Since 2004, DMAVA has received $2,648,450 in lease
payments. In 2015, the department collected $275,000 from Colgate to lease the parcel. To
conform to the regular budgeting process, the receipts from the Colgate lease will be deposited
in the General Fund and the department will identify its capital needs through the normal
treasury process.” The Administration also conveyed that the department is not considering a
sale of the Colgate Clock property, but that there is a three-phase project designed to repair the
bulkhead, and to establish a walkway and a park on the site. The New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection executed the first phase of site development which included the new
bulkhead and the walk way. Phase two was executed by Colgate Palmolive which was to
replace the clock and to install site improvements on the portion of the property adjacent to the
clock. The department is working on the third phase of the project, to develop the rest of the
parcel into a park.
EXPLANATION: FY 2016 language not recommended for FY 2017 denoted by strikethrough.
Recommended FY 2017 language that did not appear in FY 2016 denoted by underlining.
7
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points
Military Services
Mobilizations
1.
According to the department, the New Jersey National Guard has mobilized 16,000
troops since September 11, 2001. Many of these soldiers have been deployed multiple times.
Specifically, in September 2008, approximately half of the New Jersey National Guard was
deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was the largest single
deployment of the New Jersey National Guard since World War II, comprising 2,875 soldiers
of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat team, a Military Police Company, and Water Purification
and Chemical Units.
•
Question:
Please provide an overview of the role the New Jersey National Army
Guard and the New Jersey National Air Guard has played in supporting the war efforts since
September 11, 2001 and the accomplishments of the units deployed. Please provide a chart
showing the operations, the missions, the number deployed, and the number of New Jersey
National Guard Army and Airmen still deployed. What percentage of the force is currently
available for mobilization?
Recruitment and Retention
2.
The New Jersey National Guard has five recruiting regions in New Jersey covering five
geographical areas in the State.
•
Question:
Please describe the recruitment and retention processes and the
process for a recruit to become a soldier. For each of the past five years, what portion of
annual recruits has come from each of the five recruiting regions? Are these results
suggestive of a need to revise recruitment methods?
Regional Training Institute
3.
According to the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs responses to the FY 2016
Discussion Points, the department broke ground in FY 2015 on the $34 million Regional
Training Institute at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. The training center is an
86,000 square foot facility that includes student housing, a classroom, and an administration
building, and will allow the 254th Training Regiment, a premiere Army National Guard training
unit in the Northeast, to expand training for soldiers around the region. Funding for the project
was awarded in September of 2013 and is estimated to be completed in January 2016.
•
Question:
Has the regional training institute project been completed and is it
operating? If so, who will be using the facility? Is the facility solely for National Guard use
or will the facility also provide other armed forces training and training for police,
corrections, and juvenile justice officers?
What proportion of the operating and
maintenance costs of the regional training institute will be federally funded?
8
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points (Cont’d)
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
4.
In an effort to counter any potential federal policies that would reduce military
installations in the United States, the FY 2015 and the FY 2016 Appropriations Acts
appropriated $200,000 to the department for the Council on Armed Forces and Veterans’
Affairs, an advocacy group comprised of State officials and members of the public who work
collectively with the public and private sectors to preserve military installations. This funding
is continued in the FY 2017 budget. In addition, Executive Orders 134 and 154 created the
New Jersey Military Installation Growth and Development Task Force to study the long term
viability of the State’s five military bases and options for insulating them from closure. The five
bases Include: the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the 177th Fighter Wing at Atlantic City
Airport in Egg Harbor Township, the Coast Guard Station at Cape May, the Picatinney Arsenal
in Morris County, and the Earle Naval Weapons Station in Monmouth County. According to
the responses to FY 2016 OLS discussion points, at that time the Department of Defense had
not announced a BRAC study. However, the task of the Military Installation Growth and
Development Task Force was to ensure the preservation and enhancement of New Jersey’s
installations to promote statewide jobs, corporate growth, and secure long-term viability of
military bases and installations. The State contracted with Cassidy & Associates to conduct a
comprehensive study beginning in the Spring of 2015. The study and recommendations are
expected to be delivered in the Spring/Summer of 2016.
•
Question:
Has the Department of Defense announced a BRAC study? If so, have
any recommendations been made? Has Cassidy and Associates completed its study of the
long term viability of the State’s five military bases and options for insulating them from
closure? If so, please provide a copy of the study. What are the study’s major conclusions?
How will FY 2017 funding be used? Please provide a detailed spending plan.
Colgate Clock
5.
The FY 2017 Governor’s Budget proposes the following language for inclusion in the
Appropriations Act, “Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary,
lease or licensing payments received by the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
(department) in connection with the property known as the “Colgate Clock” (clock) located on
Block 2, Lot C on the Official Tax Map of Jersey City, New Jersey, shall be deposited in the
General Fund.” According to the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, the clock is
located on the property of the Jersey City armory. The armory property is owned by the State
but the armory is operated by the department. The department receives annual federal funding
for renovations and improvements to the armory. In FY 2017, proposed federal National
Guard funding for all of the armories in New Jersey totals $4.5 million. In addition, the
department receives approximately $200,000 per year in lease payments from ColgatePalmolive for the right to have the “Colgate Clock” located on the property. The department
uses this funding for armory operations and maintenance. The department also receives
revenues from renting the armories and the armory property, as available, to various public and
private groups for recreational and other activities. In 2015, the department received $2.2
million in armory rental receipts.
The “Colgate Clock” was located on the former site of the Colgate-Palmolive factory in
Jersey City in 1924. It was 50 feet in diameter and was, at one time, the largest clock in the
world and could be seen from Manhattan. Over time the clock became an iconic landmark.
The current clock is a replacement of the original Colgate clock that was built in 1906 in
9
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points (Cont’d)
celebration of Colgate’s centennial anniversary. In 1910 Colgate moved its corporate
headquarters to Jersey City and remained in Jersey City until 1985 when the company moved
its headquarters to New York City. Media reports indicate that the property is sought for park
land in Jersey City.
•
Question:
Why is the Administration proposing to redirect the receipt of the
lease payments to the General Fund? How did the clock come to be located on the armory
property? How much has the State received in lease payments from Colgate-Palmolive in
total and annually since the beginning of the agreement? Why is the State considering the
sale of the armory property? Are there any deterrents to selling the property?
6.
On September 21 -25, 2015, the Pope, in his visit to the United States, included a visit
to Philadelphia. South Jersey hosts important points of egress to Philadelphia, and homeland
security concerns were evident.
•
Question:
Was the New Jersey National Guard involved in providing security for
the visit? What was the New Jersey National Guard’s role during the papal visit? What were
the associated costs to provide State active duty support during the papal visit?
Veterans Program Support
Vet to Vet Hotline
7.
The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (department), in conjunction with the
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), now Rutgers2, established a
veteran peer support program telephone helpline, known as the “Vet to Vet Hotline.” The
helpline features clinical assessment and assistance to veterans and their family members. In
addition, it provides New Jersey veterans and their families with access to a network of mental
health professionals specializing in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other veteran issues,
including traumatic brain injury 24 hours a day, seven days a week. P.L.2011, c.116 requires
the appropriation annually of a sum sufficient for the operation of the program. The law also
requires the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs and
University Behavioral Healthcare of the University of Medicine and Dentistry to consult on a
quarterly basis with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services within the Department
of Human Services, the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the New Jersey Health
Care Network, at least two New Jersey Veteran Centers, and at least two State recognized
veterans groups. The helpline is funded out of the Support Services to Returning Veterans in
the DMAVA budget. Costs to support the hotline are estimated to be approximately $383,000
in FY 2017 and are budgeted in the Support Services to Returning Veterans line item.
2
Under the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act, P.L.2012, c.45 (“the
Restructuring Act”), all of UMDNJ has been transferred to Rutgers, the State University (“Rutgers”), with
the exception of the School of Osteopathic Medicine, which has been transferred to Rowan University
(“Rowan”), and University Hospital, as applicable.
10
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points (Cont’d)
•
Question:
Did the restructuring of UMDNJ have any impact on the Vet to Vet
Hotline Program? If so, please describe. Please provide a chart illustrating the funding
provided to the program from each source of funding, the number of calls fielded, the
number of referrals made for each service provided, e.g., confidential counseling, group
counseling, peer support case management, etc., for each year since FY 2009. Are there any
other sources of funding, federal or private grants providing support for the program?
8.
According to news reports, Rutgers University launched a program to facilitate timely
medical and behavioral health care and peer support. The initiative comes on the heels of a
recent report by the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general that revealed that about
307,000 veterans [nationally] might have died while their healthcare enrollment was pending.
The report states that the “Veterans Total Care Initiative, a six month pilot program supported
by a $5 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, is the first service of its kind
to provide integrated care to veterans.” In FY 2017, funding for Improving Veterans Access to
Healthcare in the New Jersey Department of Health is reduced by $6 million, to $2 million.
•
Question:
Will the reduced funding for the Improving Veterans Access to
Healthcare appropriation in the Department of Health impact the Department of Military
and Veterans’ Affairs Vet to Vet program? What is the relationship between the Vet to Vet
Hotline and the Veterans Total Care Initiative; the relationship between the department and
Rutgers with regard to the Vet to Vet Hotline; and the relationship among the three players:
the department, Rutgers, and the New Jersey Department of Health with regard to the
Hotline and the Total Care Initiative? How is the Total Care Initiative different from the
Hotline, or are they duplicative of one another? Was the Hotline underfunded or is the
funding from the Department of Health an effort to expand the program? What is the
department’s role in providing helpline services to veterans?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
9.
The proposed FY 2017 Governor’s Budget recommends an appropriation of $1.3
million for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Psychological and cognitive injuries including posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and major depressive order (MDD) are
the predominant post-deployment health care issues for returning soldiers and airmen in the
military. Currently, $1.3 million is appropriated annually to fund PTSD counseling services.
The chart below illustrates the demand, the cost, and the funded level of the program from FY
2005 through FY 2010.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) FY 2005 through FY 2010
Number of Number of
Counseling Counseling Cost per Program
Fiscal Number Sessions
Sessions
counseling Cost
per
Year of Cases per Year
per Month Session
Year
2005 245
6,446
2.19
$100
$ 646,600
2006 342
9,591
2.33
$100
$ 959,100
2007 575
12,701
1.80
$100
$1,270,100
2008 624*
17,380
2.32
$100
$1,738,000
2009 n.a
24,128
n.a
n.a
$2,412,800
2010 n.a
33,774
n.a
n.a
$3,337,400
11
Annual
Appropriation
$ 300,000
$ 800,000
$ 800,000
$1,300,000
$1,300,000
$1,300,000
Funded
Level
46%
83%
63%
75%
54%
39%
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points (Cont’d)
* Estimate.
•
Questions:
Please update the chart for fiscal years 2011 through proposed FY
2017, and please reflect any changes to the data for fiscal years 2005 through 2010. What is
the current trend in the demand for these services? Has the program been successful and
how is program success measured?
The Veteran’s Benefit Enhancement Program
10.
The Veteran’s Benefit Enhancement Program connects low-income veterans who are
enrolled in Medicaid with benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As a result,
veterans receive veterans’ benefits and states save Medicaid money. In late 2010 and early
2011, the department worked with the Department of Human Services in matching Medicaid
beneficiaries with available U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare Resources.
The department was furnished with a list of 122 individuals on Medicaid that were known or
thought to be veterans. The department did a mailing to all 122 individuals and received 24
responses. Of the 24 responses, only five were verified as veterans. These individuals were
provided with information on available VA Healthcare and other benefits and encouraged to
seek further information from the VA.
•
Question:
Has the department continued to work with the Department of
Human Services to ensure clients with veterans’ status are aware of the available benefits?
How many low-income veterans who are enrolled in Medicaid and live in New Jersey have
been connected with benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) each year
since FY 2011? Is the Department working with the Veteran Service Offices to connect these
veterans with VA benefits? In the department’s estimation, what are the most challenging
issues with regard to linking veterans to the benefits to which they are eligible?
Veteran Service Organizations
11.
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) work in partnership with the Department of
Military and Veteran Affairs to maximize its resources and accomplish its core mission of
operating three veteran memorial homes. VSOs provide assistance to mitigate rising costs and
to enhance the services provided to residents at the three memorial homes. Some VSOs are
“chartered”, meaning they are federally chartered and/or recognized or approved by the United
States Department of Veteran Affairs for purposes of preparation, presentation, and processing
of claims under laws administered by the VA. Non-chartered organizations lack VA
recognition for purposes of representation of VA claimants. In FY 2010, the department
reported that in FY 2008, the state’s veterans received more than $700 million in VA
education, pension, and other compensation funds.
•
Question:
Please provide data showing the total amount New Jersey veterans
have received from the U.S. Veterans Administration from FY 2009 through FY 2015. If
possible please provide a breakout of the total amount into VA education, live pension, death
pension, live compensation, death compensation.
12
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points (Cont’d)
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery
12.
According to testimony at the FY 2016 Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Hearing for the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, the department estimated that
more than 61,000 veterans and their spouses have been interred at the Brigadier General
William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery (cemetery) in North Hanover Township,
Burlington County, New Jersey. New Jersey was one of 15 states to receive a $10.8 million
grant from the U.S. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs National Cemetery
Administration in November 2012 to support an expansion. The expansion was completed in
January 2014 and provides 10,700 double crypts and 4,800 niches for cremains. Evaluation
data in the FY 2017 Governor’s Budget indicates that total interments have grown by 5 percent
compounded annually since FY 2012, averaging approximately 3,000 interments per year.
Through the use of federal grants, the rated capacity of the cemetery increased from 171,000 to
215,000 in FY 2016 and is proposed to remain at that level in FY 2017.
At a five percent annual growth rate, the cemetery would reach full capacity in 24
years. The recent expansion from a rated capacity of 171,070 to 215,000 burial places
included crypts and niches form cremains.
•
Question:
Please describe the interment options available to a veteran or a
veteran’s family for burial at the cemetery. How many of each interment option is currently
available. What is the current trend in interment choices and how will that affect the future
plans for interment and land development at the cemetery? Has the department applied for
any additional cemetery grant funding with the U.S. Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs National Cemetery Administration?
13.
The State receives a plot or interment allowance from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
to mitigate the expenses incurred by the State for the burial of an eligible veteran in a veterans
cemetery owned and operated by the State if the burial is performed at no cost to the veteran’s
family. Currently the federal plot interment allowance is $700 per burial.
•
Question:
What is the average cost of a burial? Does the federal plot interment
allowance cover the department’s interment costs?
14.
In addition, the department testified that construction is currently underway for a Public
Information Center on the cemetery grounds. The cost of the project is $3 million and is being
funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). Additionally, a grant of
$3 million received from the VA is being used to realign grave markers and rehabilitate 20,000
graves.
•
Question:
What is the status of the construction of the Public Information Center
and the maintenance on the grave markers and the graves? What caused the need for the
realignment of the grave markers and the rehabilitation of the graves? Is this routine
maintenance or is this something that will reoccur due to ecological or geological issues?
15.
According to the department, a partnership between DMAVA and the New Jersey
Mission of Honor has allowed for the burial of the unclaimed cremains of more than 151
Veterans at the cemetery. Approximately 22 percent of the unclaimed remains were remains of
World War I veterans, 62 percent were the unclaimed remains of World War II veterans, 15
13
Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs
FY 2016-2017
Discussion Points (Cont’d)
percent were the unclaimed remains of those who served in Korea/Vietnam, and 1 percent
were the unclaimed remains of those who served in the Mexican Border War. The partnership
reunited more than 200 families with previously unclaimed remains.
•
Question:
Please discuss the partnership with the New Jersey Mission of Honor.
Please describe the mission, vision, and goals of the New Jersey Mission of Honor. How was
the partnership between the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs and the New
Jersey Mission of Honor formed and how were the cremains found and identified? How
were the families of the veterans found? Is the department still in partnership with the New
Jersey Mission of Honor?
14
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
he Office of Legislative Services provides nonpartisan assistance
to the State Legislature in the areas of legal, fiscal, research, bill
drafting, committee staffing and administrative services. It operates
under the jurisdiction of the Legislative Services Commission, a bipartisan body consisting of eight members of each House. The Executive
Director supervises and directs the Office of Legislative Services.
T
The Legislative Budget and Finance Officer is the chief fiscal officer for
the Legislature. The Legislative Budget and Finance Officer collects and
presents fiscal information for the Legislature; serves as Secretary to the
Joint Budget Oversight Committee; attends upon the Appropriations
Committees during review of the Governor's Budget recommendations;
reports on such matters as the committees or Legislature may direct;
administers the fiscal note process and has statutory responsibilities for
the review of appropriations transfers and other State fiscal transactions.
The Office of Legislative Services Central Staff provides a variety of
legal, fiscal, research and administrative services to individual legislators, legislative officers, legislative committees and commissions, and
partisan staff. The central staff is organized under the Central Staff
Management Unit into ten subject area sections. Each section, under a
section chief, includes legal, fiscal, and research staff for the standing
reference committees of the Legislature and, upon request, to special
commissions created by the Legislature. The central staff assists the
Legislative Budget and Finance Officer in providing services to the
Appropriations Committees during the budget review process.
Individuals wishing information and committee schedules on the FY
2017 budget are encouraged to contact:
Legislative Budget and Finance Office
State House Annex
Room 140 PO Box 068
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 847-3105 • Fax (609) 777-2442