Delegation Urges Veterans Affair Secretary to Prioritize Hot Springs VA in 2020

“As you look ahead to your 2020 schedule, we request that you expand upon this experience and work to address the long-standing matters at the Hot Springs VA,” the delegation wrote. “As you know, the Hot Springs VA is a priority for veterans in western South Dakota and neighboring states. Unfortunately, the campus has endured a persistent cloud of uncertainty for nearly a decade, which has affected employee recruitment and retention, reduced urgent care hours, required the use of short-term contractors. In November 2018, the South Dakota congressional delegation wrote to request that you visit Hot Springs to meet with veterans and VA employees that would be personally affected by the VA’s realignment plan, as well as see firsthand the quality care and healing environment in ‘the Veterans Town.’”