ANNAPOLIS, Md. —  Plans to take $1 million of state funds from the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home(CHVH) budget sparked debate in the Maryland House of Delegates. Some delegates argued that veterans deserved better while others said the facility will actually get more money in the long run. 

District 29A Delegate, Matt Morgan[R-St. Mary’s], expressed dismay at the changes. He pointed out that the facility is the only veterans home in the entire state. It offers a 126-bed assisted living program and a 318-bed skilled nursing program.

During the debate, Morgan said he reached out to the Maryland State Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “Secretary of Veterans Affairs, George Owings, said, ‘it represents a million dollars we will not be able to invest in COVID mitigation, in parking lot improvements, in upgrading equipment at the end of life, etc.  MDVA opposed this forced transfer in our budget testimony and in the hearings.’ Secretary Owings reiterated his strong opposition to this action.”

Morgan went on to say, “It’s a really nice facility, they’re really doing God’s work. These people have given so much to our country. I don’t know why we’re taking this money.”

Delegate Keith E. Haynes[D-Baltimore City] said the move was not really a budget cut.

“This is what we call in the budget committees a fund swap. It is not a cut.”  Haynes said that normally one company provides services to run CHVH and there’s a direct payment of around $3 million each year for the services.

“This year, Charlotte Hall has received $4.2 million under the CARES Act in federal funds. On top of that 4.2 million they have also received an additional $2 million under federal provider aid.” Haynes said the facility has a fund balance this year way beyond what they would normally have available. “We’ve captured that $1 million to relieve pressure on the General Fund.” 

Delegate Haynes said analysts assured him that moving the $1 million would not impact operations at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. 

Delegates Jerry Clark[R-Calvert] and Rick Impallaria[R-Baltimore County] also spoke out against the cut. Despite the opposition, the plan was approved. 

Morgan says that this is not necessarily the final word on the matter. “Unfortunately, the vote on the Floor was to keep the cut. However, since I highlighted this issue, I can almost guarantee the money will be restored in the Senate.”