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Local News

Minn. veterans homes to get controversial TVs

10/23/2009 10:40:02 PM

Comments (9)

By Brian Bakst
Associated Press

ST. PAUL -- Thirteen flat-screen TVs that Gov. Tim Pawlenty ordered removed from a Minnesota sex offender treatment facility will wind up in veterans homes instead.

Pawlenty lashed out this week after a media report that 25 deluxe TVs had been installed in common areas of a state facility housing sex offenders.

The governor said Friday on his radio show that 13 of the 50-inch TVs are bound for veterans homes in Minneapolis, Fergus Falls, Hastings and Silver Bay. The rest are likely to be sold.

Pawlenty said discipline is still being discussed for employees involved in the purchase.

"I think it was a dumb decision and we're making the best of it," he said.

Bonnie Martin, a spokesman for the state Department of Human Services, said an investigation into the purchase continues but the employee or employees behind it haven't been publicly named.

The TVs were purchased as part of an upgrade to the 400-bed Moose Lake facility, which confines offenders the courts have deemed dangerous and likely to commit new sex crimes. The offenders sent there have completed their prison terms.

An administrator for the treatment program has said the TVs have clinical value because patients can be watched to see how they respond to what's on TV. Pawlenty questioned why high-caliber TVs are needed. Each cost $1,576, plus a $706 mounting bracket.

Gil Acevedo, deputy commissioner of Veterans Affairs, said his agency had been working to upgrade televisions in the five state-run homes. A nonprofit group already helped get new sets for the home in Luverne.

"We were very fortunate these became available to us," Acevedo said. "That really works out perfect for us."

The residents -- mostly World War II and Vietnam War veterans with conditions ranging from dementia to chemical dependency -- now rely on big-bulb TVs in their common areas to watch shows, have movie days or rehabilitate using Nintendo Wii.

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There are 9 comments - Display All Comments

aghast
jefferson, mn

Posted on 10/24/2009 at 3:06:56 PM

I’m glad the vets got ‘em.

P-B thanks for exposing how our money is spent during difficult times.

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GOP507
Rochester, MN

Posted on 10/24/2009 at 8:54:00 PM

good call by Gov. Pawlenty...I’m glad the vets got them

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TheKid
Rochester, MN

Posted on 10/24/2009 at 9:01:32 PM

Outstanding. I suggest the proceeds from the sale of the others go into the VA bank account.

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Atilla
Rochester, Mn

Posted on 10/25/2009 at 7:19:43 AM

How about hearings to crack down on all the rest of the wasteful spending going on?

We are drilled over and over on the “fact” that taxes NEED to be raised because there is a revenue shortage, NOT a spending problem.
LOL................

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madrick
rochester, MN

Posted on 10/25/2009 at 9:43:36 AM

How disgraceful atilla that this happened under YOUR Republican Governor!

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Gr8ful
SE MN, MN

Posted on 10/26/2009 at 1:16:53 AM

Pawlenty for President…
He’s got a lot of common sense other politicians are lacking.

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aghast
jefferson, mn

Posted on 10/26/2009 at 5:28:42 AM

“How about hearings to crack down on all the rest of the wasteful spending going on?”

Hardly a “peep” on the cost of gasoline in Afghanistan.

$400 (FOur hundred) per gallon for the occupation forces!!

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jzee
rochester, MN

Posted on 10/26/2009 at 5:51:38 AM

A report by the Pentagon : the U.S. spends $400 per gallon for gasoline in Afghanistan. Who believes a government report? They typically underestimate these things. Who knows what it costs? $1500, $2000 per gallon?

Bring ‘em home.

http://snafu-ed.blogspot.com/2009/10/afghanistan-gasoline-costs-us-400-per.html

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Atilla
Rochester, Mn

Posted on 10/26/2009 at 7:10:34 AM

madrick,
When questioned about ACORN funding, 0bomba, the ACORN community organizer said he was
“unaware that ACORN was receiving significant Federal funds.”

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