That could change thanks to months of letter-writing, phone calls, and a large group of veterans that left Fresno on Wednesday morning to speak before the subcommittee.
Lawmakers voted to restore $10.6 million in the state's new budget to hire 100 people to open and maintain the two new veterans homes being built in Fresno and Redding. The hope is that veterans could start receiving care at the facilities next July.
"It's just the first step in a long process. There's still a long way to go. But it's a very positive step," said Assemblyman Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno).
Two months ago, veterans spoke out at a town hall meeting in Fresno shortly after Governor Jerry Brown released his latest budget proposal. It would have potentially pushed the home's opening date to 2014.
"We're here to tell this governor to go straight to hell if he doesn't open this home," said veterans advocate Charlie Waters during that town hall.
Money has already been set aside for a skeleton crew to help maintain the two veterans homes until they opens.
After years of waiting, veterans hope that happens sooner than later.
"They made promises when we came back and we just want them to hold their word to it," said Rudolph.
Several more votes are needed in the legislature before Governor Brown can sign off on the state's new budget.