As we enter Memorial Day weekend, we’re sure to hear a lot of speeches and see a lot of flag waving to show thanks and respect for the veterans who have given a lot — economically, physically, emotionally — to keep the rest of us safe.
When it comes to more than words, however, New Jersey apparently doesn’t stand up to the test. In one survey in which results were released this week, the state was shamed by the numbers.
If actions speak louder than words, New Jersey whimpers.
The website WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 20 metrics — ranging from job opportunities for veterans to number of Veterans Administration health facilities — that speak collectively to the economic environment, health-care services and overall quality of life for veterans.
In the survey New Jersey ranked 50th (that’s next to last, adding the District of Columbia to the list of states) in job opportunities for veterans, tied for 47th in affordable housing, and came in 47th in housing availability, 44th in the number of veteran-owned firms and 45th in a cost of living index.
No surprise then, that New Jersey is 49th in the ratio of veterans who live here. Yes, there are few military facilities and the culture that develops around them. The weather is too cold and snowy for folks as they age. It almost goes without saying that New Jersey is too costly and there are too few services for veterans.
The state falls in the middle (34th) for number of Veterans Administration health facilities per number of veterans. Its rank of 16th in the percentage of homeless veterans (compared to the total veteran population) seems almost boastful, even when it’s only mediocre.
More and more veterans tell us they feel they are getting more respect these days. They receive random acts of kindness — a salute, a handshake, a conversation, giving up a spot in a store line, maybe even paying a random restaurant tab — but what we do as a society does not line up. The importance we attach to it personally is not translating to providing the services veterans earned and deserve.
Not surprisingly, the best scores came from the U.S. “heartland.” The survey concludes “red” states are more friendly to veterans than blue.
Overall New Jersey was 48th in “economic environment” for veterans, measuring things like the state tax on military pensions, veteran-owned businesses, dollars in defense department contracts, job opportunities for veterans, number of military bases, housing affordability and cost of living.
It was only 44th in “health care” rank, taking into account the number of VA health facilities, emotional health, patients’ willingness to recommend the veteran hospitals and number of federal, state and local hospitals and physicians.
The state crept up to 20th in “quality of life” rank, which measured the VA benefits administration facilities, university system, arts, leisure and recreation establishments, percentage of population aged 40 and older, number of homeless veterans, health care and weather.
A majority of us won’t attend commemorative or community building events this weekend, preferring to spend the time with friends or family, or making the first quick dash to summer fun.
That’s OK. We all need a break. But when you return, don’t forget the veterans or those rankings. There’s work ahead. Remember, it’s do as I do, not as I say.
