The state budget crisis could push the opening of Fresno’s new veterans home to 2014.

The latest delay of up to a year was signaled by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday when he announced a 2012-13 budget that eliminates operating money for the $158 million home in southwest Fresno.

Builders plan to have the home finished this spring. State officials had expected the home to be furnished and staffed in time for opening late this year.

But in July, state lawmakers wrestling with red ink chopped about $7 million needed to staff and run the home at the southeast corner of Marks and California avenues. That pushed the opening back to early 2013.

Now Brown wants to take more money earmarked for staffing and operation to help balance the state budget. If the Legislature agrees with the newest cut, the home might not open until early 2014.

Local veterans advocates have worked for more than a decade to get a veterans home in the central San Joaquin Valley. Charlie Waters, a longtime supporter of the Fresno home, said he spent much of Thursday afternoon lobbying officials at the California Department of Veteran Affairs…

Read more at the Fresno Bee