Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is closing 17 veterans' service offices around the state. This means veterans in some counties will have to travel to get assistance in receiving benefits or help with other issues.
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
Spokesman for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Horton, says no employees will lose jobs because of the offices being closed. Manpower will be consolidated in the offices remaining open.
The offices will be closed effective June 1. In several counties with more than one office, the department will close one office, but will keep another office open.
Alabama Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clyde Marsh says the closings were necessary because of the projected budget shortfall.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)