Military And Veterans
NJ creates Department of Veterans Affairs after COVID disaster at vet homes
New Jersey establishes new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs to improve veteran services
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Trenton, NJ
In response to more than 200 veterans dying from COVID-19 at state-run nursing homes during the pandemic, New Jersey has taken a historic step by creating a dedicated, cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs. Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law on September 11, 2025, officially establishing the new department to oversee veterans' healthcare, housing, and services, which were previously handled by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The creation of this new department comes after intense public scrutiny of how the state handled the COVID outbreak, which claimed the lives of veterans at the Paramus and Menlo Park homes. This reorganization aims to prioritize the needs of New Jerseys veterans by placing their services in a department that can focus solely on their issues. The new Department of Veterans Affairs will operate under a new commissioner, Vincent Solomeno, who was nominated by Governor Murphy to oversee the departments mission of supporting New Jerseys veteran population. The change was triggered by the intense criticism following the tragic deaths of veterans at the state-run nursing homes, which highlighted systemic problems in the states handling of veteran services. With the establishment of this new department, Governor Murphy hopes to bring the resources and focus needed to address these challenges effectively. The goal is to enhance the quality of care for veterans, ensuring they receive the best possible support in a timely and professional manner. The reorganization has also been widely supported by state officials, who believe that the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will be able to better advocate for and provide services to veterans. The departments priorities will include improving healthcare, increasing access to mental health services, providing job opportunities, and supporting veterans' housing. One of the core goals of the new department is to prevent further tragedies like the one at the veterans homes during the pandemic. This move underscores the importance of ensuring that veteran services are not just a side task within a broader department but are instead given the attention and resources they deserve. The restructuring of the states approach to veterans services marks a significant step forward for New Jerseys veterans, but it also comes with challenges. For instance, there are questions about whether the new department will be able to adequately handle the influx of demands for services as more veterans reach out for help. Veterans organizations across the state have welcomed the change, but many are also watching carefully to ensure that this new focus translates into real, tangible improvements for veterans on the ground. With a new commissioner and a fresh outlook, the department will be tasked with rebuilding the trust of veterans and the public in the states ability to care for its military service members.