June 25, 2024
CONTACT
Nedgine Saint-Louis
Office of Representative Marie Woodson
(954) 965-3700
Luetisha Clark
Office of Representative Marie Woodson
(954) 965-3700
Representatives Marie Woodson and John Snyder’s Veterans’ Long-term Care Facilities Admissions Bill Signed by the Governor
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – On June 20, 2024, Representative Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood) and her prime co-sponsor, Representative John Snyder (R-Palm Beach), announced that HB 725, which expands the eligibility for residency at a state veterans’ home to include the spouse or surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran, was recently signed into law by Governor DeSantis and becomes effective July 1, 2024. The bill revises the priority of admittance to veterans’ homes, placing the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran last in priority. These rankings preserve a higher priority of admittance to veterans over non-veterans.
Representative Snyder, a Marine Corps veteran, shared a personal perspective, saying, “I understand firsthand the crucial role our military spouses play in the overall mission. No veteran should ever choose between receiving long-term care or being with their spouse. It was a privilege to collaborate with Rep. Woodson on this significant bill as we strive to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the Union.”
“When someone joins the military, so does their spouse. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) now can keep couples together, in their twilight of life, who have shared their lives sacrificing and defending our country,” said Bob Asztalos from FDVA.
“Our sincere thanks to Bob Asztalos and Brandon Edmonton, FDVA who have dedicated their lives to serving our veterans. I am also grateful and thankful to my friend and colleague Rep. John Snyder for working with me on this important bill. This piece of legislation is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that our veterans are not separated in their golden years and that we provide them with the comfort they need at the time they need it the most. We can never do enough for our veterans because the sacrifices they made for us are immeasurable,” said Representative Woodson.
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