Veterans Department Reports Quality Gains at Charlotte Hall as Capital Projects Stall

The Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) appeared before the subcommittee on Feb. 20 for a fiscal 2027 budget review that noted a small overall allowance increase and flagged capital project delays.

DLS reported the department's fiscal 2027 allowance grows modestly—about $228,000 (roughly 0.3%)—and that 73.5% of the allowance supports the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. DLS also noted a recent improvement in the home's federal quality rating (from 1 star earlier in the reporting year to 4 stars in the most recent quarterly report) and asked DVMF to explain the actions that resulted in the rating change and to provide continued quarterly reporting on corrective measures.

Secretary Ed Rothstein told the committee DVMF processed more than 5,500 VA claims in the past year and dispersed hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Veterans Trust Fund to veterans in need. He said Charlotte Hall's census is stable at roughly 285–300 residents and that the agency is monitoring occupancy and operations.

DLS flagged delays and scope changes for two cemetery expansion projects (Crownsville and Garrison Forest) and said no capital funding was requested for fiscal 2027 because of design and permitting delays. Jason Whitmore, a caretaker at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, urged the committee to approve salary and equipment enhancements and warned that Crownsville is approaching capacity for columbarium space.

DLS recommended continued committee narrative reporting on Charlotte Hall progress and a timeline for completing pending cemetery work. The department said it will provide the requested information.