Strong Reforms Called for by Legislators in Response to Veterans’ Homes Report

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), State Senator Joseph F. Vitale (LD-19), and State Senator Joseph Cryan (LD-20) together demanded action after the U.S. Department of Justice issued a report highly critical of the care provided for veterans at state-run homes in Menlo Park and Paramus:

“It is heartbreaking to read about the inexcusable treatment of our heroic veterans in this report. I know that the State of New Jersey has taken significant action to remediate these appalling issues, but it’s clear that much more work must be done,” Pallone said. “That is why I’ve called for expanding the VA State Home Construction Grant Program and advocated for more federal investments in the training of our health care professionals. These steps would help to modernize key infrastructure in veterans’ homes, provide patients with their own rooms and a well-trained staff, and help to reduce the risk of infection that had a devastating effect during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pallone continued. “The Department of Justice report recommends reforms in infection control, general medical and physical care, quality management, and oversight and accountability. I stand ready to help the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs seek additional funding through applications they submit for federal grants to address the concerns outlined in the U.S. Attorney’s report,” Pallone concluded.

“We must do everything we can to protect our nation’s veterans and provide them with the highest quality of care. When this crisis first became public, I called for the resignation of the Menlo Park CEO. It is unacceptable that these problems continue to persist years later,” said Sen. Vitale, Chairman of the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “It’s time that we create a new cabinet level department or authority dedicated solely to veteran services with the highest quality tools and resources available. Clearly, these facilities need better staffing, training, and supervisory oversight to ensure this never happens again.”

“The U.S. Department of Justice's report is extremely disappointing, but not surprising given what we already knew about the facilities in Menlo Park and Paramus. It confirms why we need serious reforms at these facilities to improve the quality of care at Menlo Park and other state-run homes for veterans,” said Sen. Cryan, Chairman of the New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee “I will continue to push for legislation to upgrade and renovate these facilities as quickly as possible. As COVID cases continue to rise nationally and new strains are emerging, we must be better prepared for future pandemics.”