CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) -- The idea of a northern Nevada veterans home is drawing criticism from some legislators because of problems the state had getting the southern Nevada home up and running.
State Veterans Services Administrator Chuck Fulkerson wants lawmakers to approve $50,000 to study the need for the home. He says it would serve nearly 100,000 veterans in northern and central Nevada and in neighboring counties of eastern California.
But in a budget subcommittee hearing Tuesday, Assemblyman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, complained about the southern Nevada home, saying veterans complained it was unsafe and unsanitary.
"And now you want to repeat that?" Goldwater said.
Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, said he wasn't willing to spend $50,000 on a study, adding, "I do have some questions about the southern Nevada nursing home that have to be answered before I'll support another veterans home."
The state had numerous problems with the construction of the southern home and then more problems with operations once it opened. The home now has its third director, and one veterans' activist has urged that it be shut down until repairs can be made.
Fulkerson said there have been numerous unsubstantiated and false complaints about the home, which opened in August and now has 47 residents.
