SEN. COLLINS WRITES TO VA SECRETARY PROTESTING POSSIBLE TOGUS CUTS

Washington, DC—Senator Susan Collins has written to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson following reports of a possible reduction in the labor force at the VA Medical Center in Togus. In her letter, Senator Collins urges Secretary Nicholson to maintain the current staffing levels in order to ensure the best care possible for veterans living in Maine.

"Given the tremendous sacrifices that the veterans who receive care at Togus have made, they have more than earned our full commitment to their care. Further, quality health care to Maine's veterans depends on the ability of dedicated and experienced staff at the hospital to continue to serve Maine's veteran community," Senator Collins said. "I urge the VA to closely review the budget allocation for Togus in order to ensure that the veterans in Maine are able to continue receiving the excellent services at this indispensable facility. Any reduction in force at Togus would be contrary to the goals and mission of the VA, particularly given the increased utilization of services with the return of many of our brave servicemen and women who have been serving overseas."

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