By Dionna Harris

ESCANABA -Mi.-The recent round of budget cuts announced by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to balance the state budget has led to a reduction in funding for veterans organizations.Annual grants provided to Vietnam Veterans of America and 10 other veterans organizations were reduced by 25 percent.

According to Vic Romback, who serves as the Vietnam Veterans of America veterans service representative, the cuts in grant funding has effectively eliminated travel to the Escanaba area until further notice.

"Most state departments were hit with a 4 to 5 percent reduction, while veterans organizations were hit with 25 percent," said Romback.

According to Megan Brown, deputy press secretary to Gov. Granholm, the budget cuts made to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs were no harsher than those experienced by other departments.

"These cuts were made following recommendations received from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs," said Brown. "These are painful budget cuts in difficult economic times."

Brown also said the governor’s office hoped other organizations would step up and provide assistance to help fund the veterans service field officers.

"There are county service officers who provide the same services as the veterans service officers," said Brown.

Nick Choate, legislative director/press secretary for Congressman Bart Stupak, said the funding for veterans organizations is strictly funded by the state.

"There are no federal offices as related to veterans service officers," said Choate. "The county service officer in Delta County will continue to provide services as will the Vet’s Center," said Choate.

He added, while Stupak’s office is available to assist veterans with inquiries concerning the status of

their claim, they cannot file claims or assist with any appeals a veteran may file.

State Sen. Mike Prusi, D-Ishpeming, advocated against the cuts for both the veterans service officers and Michigan State Police, saying the saving of 1.5 million was not worth the savings for lost services to the states veterans and the safety of its citizens.

"I argued against the cuts, however, my arguments were not heeded," said Prusi. "Although we can look to see the funding restored for the veterans service officers, there is no guarantee it will be."