KTVM: Local veteran supports Tester’s bill securing vets home in Butte

UTTE, Mont – Local veterans are lobbying hard for a bill sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester under consideration in Washington. If passed, it would free up $10 million for a new veterans home.

For 10 years Southwest Montana United Veterans Council Commander Mike Lawson said he’s been fighting for funding. Lawson and others are looking for $10 million to build a veterans home in Butte that he said is long overdue.

“The problem has been with the VA. We’ve been on their priority list. Once you’re on their priority list, you never get off it,” Lawson said.

Montana has raised $5 million already from a cigarette tax implemented in 2007, but Lawson said it isn’t enough.