Resolution supporting a strong, independent Department of Veterans Affairs and opposing privatization.

This resolution, sponsored by Supervisors Chan, Mandelman, and Wong, expresses the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' strong support for a robust, independent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system and their opposition to its privatization. The board highlights the VA's unique, integrated, and trauma-informed care model that benefits not only veterans but also the broader healthcare ecosystem through training and expertise.

The resolution cites a recent report indicating the VA cut 40,000 employees in 2025, including over 150 positions at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), leading to understaffing and impacting care quality. It argues that privatization efforts divert public resources to for-profit providers, disrupt continuity of care, and strain local healthcare systems, which is particularly concerning as over 300,000 veterans in the Bay Area rely on the VA.

Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the VA's critical role in medical training, noting that over 70% of US physicians and 50% of US psychologists train at the VA, along with thousands of nurses and social workers annually. Privatization would eliminate these vital training programs. The board calls on Congress and the VA to fully fund and staff the VA's internal capacity, recognizing VA healthcare workers and their unions as essential partners. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the San Francisco congressional delegation and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.