House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin today released the following statement in regard to a report issued by the nonpartisan Office of the Auditor General that found three reportable conditions within the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority, the board responsible for governing Michigan’s state-run veterans homes:

“The findings in this audit are troubling. Our veterans and their families deserve to know that the state of Michigan is fully committed to providing them with the highest standard of care, dignity, and respect. Instead, this report shows a frustrating lack of accountability and oversight by the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority, the board tasked with ensuring our veterans’ homes are properly managed.

“For more than three years, leadership failed to put clear policies in place to guide day-to-day operations, the executive director went without a performance evaluation, and critical reporting requirements – including abuse and neglect reports – were not completed accurately or on time. This is unacceptable.

“This is yet another example of failed leadership in state government. When an appointed board fails to meet basic standards of accountability, it erodes trust and puts the well-being of those we are supposed to serve at risk. Our veterans gave everything for our country. They deserve far better than this.”