The North Dakota Legislature's House Appropriations Committee convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss the budget for the Veterans Home, focusing on funding allocations and operational needs. The proposed budget totals $32,018,329, with $6,809,940 sourced from the general fund, representing 21% of the overall budget.

Key discussions included a request for $1,218,463 to replace vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, alongside a $200,000 allocation for nursing salary equity increases and an additional $100,000 for residential food costs. The committee also addressed urgent maintenance needs, proposing $390,000 for building upkeep, which includes replacing door operators, repainting interiors, and replacing carpets.

The committee highlighted the necessity of additional funding for new garages and storage units, requesting an extra $175,000 due to higher-than-expected construction bids. This funding will come from the Melvin Norgard trust fund.

A significant point of discussion was the exemption of the Veterans Home from the new and vacant FTE pool. This exemption allows for immediate hiring of contract labor to ensure continuous care for residents, as the facility requires 24/7 staffing. The committee noted that any unspent funds would remain in the special fund account, with no impact on the state general fund.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to study the usage of the Veterans Home and report findings to the upcoming legislative assembly. The committee's focus on timely staffing and maintenance reflects ongoing efforts to enhance care for veterans residing in the facility.