TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic) that would create a task force to study and develop recommendations for expanding veterans’ health care services in southern New Jersey today received final approval in the Senate, and now heads to the desk of Governor Christie.
Earlier this year, Van Drew hosted a hearing on the bill (S-1189) at the Somers Point VFW Post 2189 in Atlantic County, where dozens of veterans told stories of having to travel for more than an hour, sometimes taking day-long trips, to get to veterans hospitals for care.
“Veterans in our region should not be forced to travel hours to North Jersey or across state lines to Delaware or Pennsylvania to get basic health care,” said Senator Van Drew. “They deserve reasonable access to health care services, just as much as veterans in Wilmington, Philadelphia and North Jersey.”