FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2001

LARSON CALLS ON VETERANS ADMINISTRATION TO EXPLORE COST SAVING OPTIONS OTHER THAN MOVING NEWINGTON SERVICES
Congressman Asks VA to Consider Needs of Veterans and Staff at Newington Facility

HARTFORD—U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today urged the Veterans Administration to explore alternative cost-savings options other than moving specialty services from the Newington VA healthcare facility to West Haven.

Larson stated: “I strongly urge the Veteran's Administration to explore cost savings options other than moving specialty care services from Newington to West Haven. Connecticut was the first state in the region to consolidate and integrate its services to meet the goals of the VERA system, and since that time we have continued to face cuts to offset deficiencies that exist elsewhere in the system. The VA should understand the difficulty that veterans and staff at both locations would have if services were moved to West Haven and should explore cost saving options in other parts of the region.

“I know that the state's Congressional delegation is committed to ensuring that Connecticut veterans are not disproportionately affected by the VA's budget decisions. I will continue to work with the VA on this issue to make certain that the needs of veterans in the First District are met,” said Larson.

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