SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - If your going by the Sioux Falls VA between 11 a.m. and noon today you'll see a protest against privatizing the government hospitals.
Jane Nygaard with the American Federation of Government employees says the Koch brothers are behind "Concerned Veterans of America" which is working to privatize the VA.
Nygaard asks why would the nation privatize VA hospitals when that act wouldn't provide the specialized care that veterans need. Further, she asks, why privatize when it would cost taxpayers a lot more money.
She says polls nationwide show that 80% of veterans say they do not want the VA privatized. She says the VA Commission on Care report says the VA gives the best quality care to veterans and for lesser cost to taxpayers.
Nygaard says 70% of doctors in the nation go through VA hospitals for training. She says other disciplines that go through the system include pharmacists, nurses, dieticians and social workers train at VA's.
Nygaard calls today's event an informational picket.
