The Trump Administration plans to cut nearly 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This decision will impact not just veterans in West Virginia, but also those who work at the VA.
Ally Layman, a City Councilwoman in Huntington, expressed her concerns. “Losing these jobs means families will lose income. It also forces veterans to travel farther for healthcare,” she said. While the VA claims these cuts won’t hurt the care and benefits veterans receive, doubts remain. Layman believes the cuts could create a ripple effect that harms families and healthcare access in their community.
Former VA Secretary David Shulkin acknowledged the need for change but questioned the decision to cut jobs. “You can’t just slash your way to excellence,” he stated. He noted that while there are discussions about job cuts and canceled contracts, plans to improve the system are missing. Shulkin emphasized that cutting such a large number of staff would not meet the needs of veterans unless the savings were reinvested into technology and services.
Former Senator Joe Manchin also weighed in, stressing the importance of supporting those affected by layoffs. “We need to consider how to help individuals transition smoothly,” he said. He called for a more compassionate approach during these changes.
Layman highlighted another concern: these budget cuts could erode trust in the systems meant to assist veterans. “This isn’t just about closing buildings; it’s about breaking a promise to our veterans,” she said. “How can we expect them to trust a system that seems to turn its back on them?”
As this situation unfolds, many are left wondering how these cuts will reshape the VA and the support it provides to veterans and their families.
Check out this related article: Seahawks Express Disappointment Over D.K. Metcalf News Overshadowing Tyler Lockett’s Special Day
Source linkTrump,VA cuts,Job losses,West Virginia,Veterans,Healthcare,Layoffs,Huntington
