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Legislature backtracks on Detroit veterans’ home

flickr user: Dave Hogg
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https://flic.kr/p/2xu6TR

The state might change its mind about putting a new veterans’ home in Detroit.

The measure lets the state look at Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties for the new home. If it still can’t find a place within 45 days, it can broaden its search to the entire southeast Michigan.

Supporters say the state needs the flexibility to find the best location and facility.

But Democratic Senator David Knezek was not on board with the change. He says Detroit has one of the largest veteran populations, and they need to be close to a home.

“The veterans who live there deserve our support, they deserve our respect.”

Opponents of the decision say the home was promised to the city of Detroit. They say it’ll be hard for the high concentration of veterans in the area to get to a home outside the city.

The bill is on its way to the governor’s desk.