General Assembly establishes Department of Veterans Affairs
The Delaware Senate unanimously passed a bill June 26, to create the Department of Veterans Affairs. It previously passed the House unanimously in May.
The department, established through House Bill 1, will offer comprehensive care, specialized services, and advocacy to the more than 70,000 veterans in Delaware. This new department will be a cabinet secretary-level office, and will be staffed by veterans in all operational roles to ensure authentic representation for those it serves.
“Our veterans deserve the highest level of respect and care that Delaware can offer,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, D-New Castle, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. “The passing of HB 1 is a critical step forward in honoring our veterans not just with words, but with action. Designating a department for veterans and by veterans on a federal level ensures they have the power to advocate for themselves, access the care they need, and build stronger futures.”
The new agency will operate in close coordination with the existing Commission of Veterans Affairs, which will retain oversight of the Delaware Veterans Home, and continue to assist veterans and their families. Together, the two bodies will work to advance new strategies to expand access to care, housing, and other essential services.
“As a veteran, I know the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, and the challenges they face when their service ends. Our veterans bring so much to Delaware – they are leaders and contributors to our economy and communities,” said Rep. William Carson, D-Smyrna. “This department is about meeting their needs, addressing their concerns and honoring our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for recognizing the importance of this office and look forward to seeing Gov. Meyer sign HB 1 into law.”
The Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs will serve as a centralized hub for veterans to connect with healthcare, benefits, housing assistance, mental health support and more. Creating more access to these resources will lead to improved health, wellness and care for this population.
The legislation includes a long-term transitional plan to move the new department out from under the Department of State by July 1, 2030, with a formal structured plan to be submitted to the General Assembly for approval via a concurrent resolution.
The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Matt Meyer for his signature.
