Urgent alert from:
Michael W. Roof, CVA
Director, Grand Traverse County Veterans’ Affairs
Urgent Concerns Over CVSF Grant Reductions and Elimination of Veteran Outreach Funding
As President of the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors (MACVC), I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent changes to the County Veteran Service Fund (CVSF) Grant, particularly the elimination of allowable expenditures related to veteran outreach.
For years, outreach programs have served as a vital connection between veterans and the essential services they have earned—ranging from healthcare and housing assistance to mental health support and benefits navigation. The recent decision by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) to restrict allowable expenses under the CVSF Grant to only salaries, onboarding, office rental, and IT/equipment undermines the very purpose of this funding.
This change, introduced quietly through boilerplate language in the FY26 budget, drastically reduces counties’ ability to reach veterans. In Grand Traverse County alone, the change represents a $62,000 cut. In Leelanau County, the impact is nearly $54,000. These cuts are even more severe in larger counties that rely on these funds for veteran-focused outreach, benefit fairs, advertising, and direct financial assistance.
To add further strain, earlier this year the MVAA “clawed back” nearly $3.8 million from counties under the pretense of a grant “recalculation.” This unexpected move forced counties to cancel critical contracts for outreach and support services, jeopardizing the stability of programs that veterans depend on.
We strongly urge immediate attention to the following:
- A formal investigation into the rationale and process behind these restrictive changes.
- Restoration of outreach funding as an allowable expense under the CVSF Grant.
- Greater transparency and accountability from the MVAA in all decisions impacting veterans and local service offices.
County Veterans Affairs departments are on the front lines, serving those who served our nation. Stripping away the very tools that allow us to connect with veterans does not support them—it isolates them.
Take Action
We encourage all concerned citizens, veterans, and advocates to reach out directly to the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to voice your concerns:
Paul D. Rogers
U.S. Army Major General
Adjutant General and Director, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
3411 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48906
📞 Phone: 517-481-8083
📧 Email: dmva-tag@michigan.gov
🕗 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please help us ensure Michigan’s counties are empowered—not hindered—in their mission to serve our veterans with the respect, dignity, and services they deserve.
Sincerely,
Michael W. Roof, CVA
Director, Grand Traverse County Veterans’ Affairs
President, Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors
2650 LaFranier Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
PH 231-995-6070
Fax 231-929-1983
E-mail: mroof@gtcountymi.gov