SACRAMENTO – The California State Budget recently signed by Gov. Jerry Brown provides funding that will allow the Veterans Homes of California in Fresno and Redding to begin hiring staff in anticipation of their opening.

The final budget provides $4.2 million and 38.3 positions for the homes.

Because of their relative size, Fresno will get $1.4 million and 12.9 positions; Redding will get $1.2 million and 10.7 positions.

Another $1.6 million is allocated for hiring administrative and IT staff for support of these two homes.

This funding augments the $1.9 million and $1.4 million in funding for Fresno and Redding, respectively, provided by the Jan. 10 budget so skeleton maintenance crews could be hired maintain the homes while they were vacant.

“This is great news for CalVet and for our veterans,” said Secretary Peter J. Gravett. “This additional funding demonstrates a solid commitment by the Legislature and the governor that these homes will ultimately get the funding they need to open and be maintained even in these difficult economic times. We are so grateful to everyone who so publicly offered their support.”

Hiring at the Fresno and Redding homes will take place in the spring of 2013 and the first residents will be admitted in the fall of 2013.

During fiscal year 2012-13 CalVet will conduct testing for appropriate job classifications, soliciting and reviewing applications, and doing background checks for the new staff.

Veterans who have already signed a letter of intent to move into the Fresno and Redding homes and veterans currently living in other veterans homes of California who wish to transfer to the Fresno or Redding home will be given priority placement.

For more information about the Veterans Home of California, visit www.calvet.ca.gov/VetHomes .