Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Veterans Services for fiscal year 2022.

This is the FY 2022 original appropriation bill for the Division of Veterans Services. It appropriates a total of $50,175,700 and caps the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions at 367.20. For benefit costs, the bill maintains the current appropriated amount for health insurance at $11,650 per eligible FTP, extends the holiday for the employer's sick leave contribution rate for another year, and restores funding for the employer's unemployment insurance contribution rate. Funding for replacement items includes $1,084,400 for clinical mattresses, electric recliners, a gas oven, a hot food holding unit, living room furniture, desktop computers, laptops, network server equipment, an HVAC system for a cold food storage room, a riding lawnmower, a snow blower attachment, office desks, and office chairs. The bill also provides funding for the equivalent of a 2% change in employee compensation for permanent state employees and a 2% upward shift in the compensation schedule. The bill funds seven line items, which provide funding for new leases and capital outlay, a Medicaid reimbursement change, two construction grants, an expansion of the veterans cemetery in Boise, veteran recognition fund projects, and a federal appropriation for COVID relief. DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and