The Maine Veterans Home in Caribou is one of two in the state that are set to close this spring, according to officials from the nonprofit chain of veterans care facilities. Credit: Melissa Lizotte / Aroostook Republican & News

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Do the math. Those in charge propose to close the Caribou and Machias veterans homes, in part due to a combined annual shortfall of $2 million. This year’s forecast is a combined $3 million shortfall. However, Gov. Janet Mills wants to send 800,000 Mainers a $750 check from surplus state revenues. Wow!

If she reduces our checks by $7.50 each to $742.50, then we could give the valuable veterans’ homes $6 million to cover the next two year’s shortfalls. Reducing the check to $700 could provide $40 million for the homes and whatever else is required to support our veterans.

David Farnum

Portage Lake