A Westfield State Senator is warning that White House---that they need to back off a plan to shift where veterans receive medical services.
John Velis says the Biden Administration’s plan doesn’t make sense and is a slap in the face to veterans in Western Mass that need services.
Under the plan 24 thousand veterans instead of using the Northampton facility which would be closed, would have to use clinics in Springfield or Newington Connecticut.
Velis says he plans to do everything in his power to stop the White House was following through on those recommendations.
The VA is consolidating surgical services because it says there will be a 16 percent projected decrease between now and the end of the decade in Western Mass and elsewhere.
As it refers to the Northampton complex, a preliminary report says that the 100-year-old complex would be too costly to renovate.
The VA says the changes across the entire system are needed to make sure the system remains strong.
Now the recommendations to the White House are just that, recommendations.
There will be hearings on the proposals.
The President will decide the issue sometime in 2023.
(Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)