MIDDLETON – Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) applauded the announcement this week by Governor Tony Evers of a $10 million investment in veterans programs in Wisconsin, following the recommendations made last month by the governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. This includes funding to support veteran housing, increase mental health supports, and expand access to skills and job training.
“As a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, I’ve seen firsthand how critical these investments will be toward helping Wisconsin’s more than 300,000 veterans,” said Hesselbein. “It is wonderful to see such a comprehensive plan to support veterans that builds on the great work already done by Governor Evers’ administration.”
The plan includes:
· $4.5 million to support veteran mental health initiatives, including supporting community-based programs, increasing access to emergency services, and investing in peer support programs
· $2 million to create a rental assistance program for homeless veterans
· $1.5 million for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP)
· $1.5 million for county veteran service offices (CVSOs) and tribal veterans service offices (TVSOs)
· $500,000 for the Department of Workforce Development’s (DWD) Hire Heroes Program
These programs will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“Wisconsin veterans have no greater champion that Governor Evers and I am pleased to see this game-changing investment for some of our most worthy residents,” said Hesselbein. “I’m looking forward to working with Governor Evers in the future to build on this investment and continue to support veterans and their families.”
