The Louisiana Legislature held an appropriations budget hearing on March 25, 2025, focusing on the budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Paige Filho, outlining the department's proposed budget of approximately $102.2 million for fiscal year 2026. This budget reflects a significant reliance on federal funding, which constitutes 65.9% of the total, while state general funds account for 16.7%.

Filho highlighted that the department's largest agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs, is allocated $19.6 million, supporting 126 positions. The presentation also noted an average annual spending increase of 5.4% from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2024, with a notable $8 million increase in federal funds attributed to salary adjustments.

A key concern raised during the meeting was the high turnover rate among staff, particularly nursing assistants, with 80 positions currently vacant. The department has been working to address this issue, which has been linked to lower-than-average salaries. The starting salary for nursing assistants is around $30,000, which is significantly below the statewide average. Efforts are underway to increase salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Charlotte McGinley, the secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, emphasized the importance of veterans to the state, noting their substantial economic impact of $4.7 billion, which includes compensation and retirement benefits. She expressed gratitude for the legislature's support, stating that Louisiana is becoming a top state for veterans to live in.

The discussion also touched on the benefits of the GI Bill, which brings significant funding to local colleges and universities, with LSU receiving $30 million alone. The department is actively working to ensure that military training translates into college credit, facilitating veterans' education and integration into the workforce.

Overall, the meeting underscored the state's commitment to improving the lives of veterans and addressing staffing challenges within the Department of Veterans Affairs, while also recognizing the economic contributions of veterans to Louisiana.