WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin wrapped up the first week of her “Delivering for Our Veterans Tour” with a meeting with veterans and advocates in Racine to discuss the new health care and disability benefits for veterans who have been harmed by toxic exposure. Veterans are now eligible for these benefits because of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) of 2022 that Senator Baldwin helped pass into law.
“Traveling the state and hearing these veterans’ stories has been so powerful. It was great to hear the stories of veterans who are finally getting the health care and disability benefits that they earned and also learn about the work we still have to do to help our heroes when they come back home from service,” said Senator Baldwin. “To me, this has always been a straightforward deal: when someone serves our country, we take care of them when they are back home. I am proud that our legislation to ensure toxic-exposed veterans get the care they earned has brought us one step closer to fulfilling our end of the bargain.”
Senator Baldwin speaking with a Racine veteran
In Racine, Senator Baldwin hosted her fourth roundtable of the week with local veterans and County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) to discuss the impact of the PACT Act, bring attention to the benefits veterans may be newly eligible for, and hear from veterans about other outstanding challenges. Senator Baldwin also held roundtables in New Richmond, Wausau, and Green Bay this week.
Senator Baldwin speaking with Green Bay veterans and local advocates
Senator Baldwin also discussed her bipartisan legislation, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, that would expand and support CVSOs, the community-based employees who work directly with veterans to inform them of eligibility for VA programs and services, file pension and compensation claims, and help them enroll in benefits. The legislation passed the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and now awaits a vote of the full Senate.
Senator Baldwin visits with veterans and their families in New Richmond, WI
In Wausau, Senator Baldwin also visited Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, an organization that educates and trains service dogs to help veterans combat mental health challenges. The dogs come at no cost to veterans.
Senator Baldwin visits with Patriot K9s of Wisconsin
Senator Baldwin at a roundtable with veterans in Wausau
