Buffalo County Courthouse (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Veterans Service Officer for Buffalo County asked the commissioners to oppose LB 1072, which would allow for the withdraw of $5 million form the Nebraska Veterans Aid Trust Fund.
Matthew Starkey, Buffalo County Veteran Services Officer, appeared before the commissioners during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27 to speak on possible action related to LB 1027.
LB 1027 was introduced by Senator Speaker Arch at the request of Governor Jim Pillen and is part of the 2026 mid-biennium budget adjustment recommendations for the 2025-27 biennium.
“The bill authorizes and provides for fund transfers, changes certain fund transfer provisions, creates cash funds, and provides for statutory changes to support proposed reductions in spending and appropriation,” the bill’s statement of intent reads.
One proposal of the bill would be the withdrawal of $5 million from the Nebraska Veterans Aid Trust Fund (NVA) fund and transferred to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Cash Fund.
“The NVA Fund was established in 1921. This temporary emergency aid fund assists veterans, their spouses, and dependents when an emergency occurs disrupting their normal method of living and when other resources are not immediately available,” per the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Starkey said that while he appreciates Gov. Pillen’s intentions to address property taxes, he strongly opposes what LB 1072 would do to the NVA. He added that the NVA does not utilize taxpayer money but maintains itself from interest from year to year.
The NVA fund was bolstered after World War I and World War II to support veterans in need and can help cover everything from food, rent or mortgage, utilities, dental and medical bills, funeral expenses, etc.
Starkey requested the commissioners send a letter to Sen. Stan Clouse, District 37, and Fred Meyer, District 41, that Buffalo County opposes LB 1072.
It was noted that the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) opposes the legislation and Lincoln County commissioners recently approved a resolution to oppose LB 1072.
“My concern is, once funds start being drained from anything, especially at a high level, being a governor, I’m afraid it has the potential of not stopping,” said Tom Gann, Lincoln County’s Veterans Service Officer, as reported by KNOP in North Platte.
The Buffalo County commissioners voted unanimously in their opposition to the legislation.
