State Representatives Sandra Scott, Viola Davis, and Kim Schofield have voiced their opposition to a proposed plan by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that could eliminate up to 30,000 jobs across the country.
Rep. Scott emphasized her personal connection to the issue. “As a disabled U.S. Army veteran and the spouse of a retired disabled veteran with 24 years of service, I know firsthand the promises our government made to us when we put on the uniform,” said Rep. Scott. “Now, those promises are being broken. When veterans are forced to wait months for care or face overcrowded, understaffed facilities, it’s not just a policy failure, it’s a betrayal. Veterans deserve the best care, not just any care.”
Rep. Davis also spoke from experience as both a veteran and healthcare professional: “This is not just about job cuts. This is about cutting lifelines,” said Rep. Davis. “I am a veteran with over 25 years’ experience as a critical care nurse and a proud daughter of a Vietnam veteran. Before being elected to office, I spent over 12 years caring for my fellow veterans at the VA hospital. My family has a deep legacy of military service, and I’ve seen firsthand the life-saving impact these services have on those who served. Our veterans answered the call to protect this country, and now, we must answer the call to protect them. These cuts must stop.”
Rep. Schofield addressed concerns regarding equity in care: “We’re watching the federal government abandon its commitment to those who’ve already sacrificed everything,” said Rep. Schofield. “This is especially damaging for women veterans and Black veterans, who already face inequities in care. Georgia will not stand by while our veterans are neglected.”
The representatives are calling on Congress to stop plans for VA job reductions and instead focus on hiring more frontline workers and providing resources needed to address backlogs in services.
Burns, a Republican representing Georgia’s 159th House District since 2005 after succeeding Ray Holland, continues his tenure in state politics.
