AUGUSTA — Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, released the following statement regarding the announcement from the Maine Veterans Homes about their plan to close the facility in Caribou:

“The announcement regarding Maine Veterans Homes decision to close the facility in Caribou is devastating news for not just the Maine veterans who call the facility home, but their loved ones, the staff and the greater Caribou community. What’s worse is that at no time did the Board of Trustees or their CEO reach out to our office to see what we could do to help before making this consequential decision. I want to be clear — I will do everything in my power to keep this facility open and caring for the Maine veterans who live there. Right now, we have a bill that will provide one-time funding to keep the facility open, pay staff and care for residents. It also requires legislative approval for closing Maine Veterans Homes, which are partially funded by the state. The Maine Legislature must make passing this legislation and keeping this facility open a priority. I appreciate Governor Mills’ support on this effort and look forward to working with the administration to save the Caribou Veterans Home.”

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