Nixon outlines plans for veterans' home construction, repairs

Intro:	Governor Nixon assured a packed room of Missouri veterans that the state's veterans' homes will continue to meet their needs
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Wrap: The governor said he's not only committed to renovating four of the state's existing veterans homes but also wants to secure funds to build a new home for those veterans looking for care.

Actuality:	NIXONVA1.WAV
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Description: "For every veteran receiving quality medical care and services at one of our veterans' homes, there's a veteran on a waiting list because there's not enough space."

Nixon said nearly 2,000 veterans are waiting for space to open up so they can receive care. According to a press release issued by the governor's office, the estimated cost of a new home is 50 million dollars. Senate Appropriations Chairman Kurt Schaefer said he would need to see a proposal from the governor to know whether that cost is financially feasible.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Intro:	Jay Nixon told a full room of Missouri veterans that the state will do better by getting them health care they deserve.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The governor is planning to secure funds to renovate four of the state's veterans' homes and proposing that a new veterans' home be built to shrink the long list of veterans waiting for an open spot.

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Description: "Nearly 2,000 Missourians are waiting to get access to the care they've earned serving in our nation's military. We owe it to them, we owe it to their families to do better."

In a press conference following his address, Nixon said the south end of St. Louis and the Kansas City area were being considered as possible locations for the new home. Senate Appropriations Chairman Kurt Schaefer said he would need to see a proposal from the governor to know if the renovations and new construction are financially feasible.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.

Intro:	In the same day he addressed veterans about renovating and building a new veterans' home, Governor Nixon's office was found to be undercharged for their use of the government plane.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The audit, released by Tom Schweich's office, states that 80 percent of the plane travel is conducted by the governor's office. Nixon said he had not seen the audit but said the plane helps him visit every part of the state.

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Description: "The planes are useful in that, in that effort. And I'll continue to, when state business calls, continue to use them."

When asked if he was satisfied with the purchase of the plane, Nixon said that would be a better question for the Highway Patrol as they could attest to the quality of the equipment.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jill Ornitz.