Hartford — Veterans organizations from across the state gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to urge state lawmakers, as they negotiate a final budget deal, to keep intact $2 million in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"We're here to reaffirm the importance of this funding, to make sure that as budget negotiations continue, this funding stays in place because it's crucial for the veterans of Connecticut," said Steve Kennedy, a former Army infantryman and the Connecticut Team Leader for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

The state VA's budget was to be slashed by $1 million for the new fiscal year starting July 1. Over the past decade, the department's budget has been cut by more than 35 percent, resulting in understaffing and negative impacts on the veterans' home in Rocky Hill and restrictions at the veterans' cemetery, the veterans groups said.

The budget passed by the General Assembly during the 2017 special session included a proposal from the governor to change the license of the Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center, a 125-bed facility that provides care to veteran patients with chronic and disabling medical conditions, from a chronic disease hospital to a skilled nursing facility. The licensure change was expected to save $2 million. Critics of the proposal, including some veterans who receive care at the center, worried about the change's impact on patient care and about the possible displacement of patients.

The plan to change the license was scrapped after officials learned that it would jeopardize millions in federal reimbursements. Still, the $2 million cut remained on the table.

On Friday, Democratic and Republican legislators unveiled their proposals for the next state budget, both of which restore the funding. The Veterans Affairs Committee also proposed legislation to restore the $2 million.

"It's inexcusable, really, the type of cuts that have happened to our veterans over the years. I'm sure when they stood up and they raised their hand, they took that oath, they weren't expecting this kind of treatment when they came back to Connecticut," said Rep. Charles Ferraro, R-West Haven, ranking member of the Veterans Affairs committee.

Ferraro said he was confident the funding would stay intact in the final budget deal. The session ends on May 9.

Veterans organizations that were represented Tuesday at the Capitol include: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Marine Corps League, Jewish War Veterans, the Franco American War Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Catholic War Veterans.

"There are a lot of organizations here, all united. Expect to see this more going forward," said Kennedy, the head of the Connecticut chapter of IAVA.

j.bergman@theday.com