MADISON–Rep. Jodi Emerson (D–Eau Claire) joined Democratic colleagues today to announce the Veterans Promise package. The package includes investments in veterans’ mental health, funding for the UW Missing-in-Action Recovery Project, and legislation to make Veterans Day a state holiday. Rep Emerson issued the following statement:
“Wisconsin’s veterans deserve more than words of gratitude; they deserve meaningful action. This set of proposals reflects our commitment by investing in mental health services, honoring the fallen, and ensuring veterans have the housing and recovery support they need.”
Rep. Emerson previously introduced AB 383 this summer, a bipartisan bill that would have provided funding for theVeterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP), including funds to lease a new facility for the Chippewa Falls site due to long-term deficiencies at Klein Hall. Despite bipartisan support for AB 383, the Republican-controlled legislature failed to advance the measure before the Chippewa Falls and Green Bay sites closed
“Earlier this week, Republicans rolled out a so-called veterans bill, but it doesn’t reopen Klein Hall and leaves Chippewa Valley veterans out in the cold.
“Most of the folks behind that proposal actually signed onto our bipartisan plan months ago, the one that could have prevented the closure in the first place. Instead of fighting to get it passed, they walked away.
“Our veterans deserve better than political games. They gave everything for this country, and the least we can do is make sure they have a safe place to live, recover, and rebuild.
“If Republicans are truly serious about helping veterans, I encourage them to join us and support the Veterans Promise Package we’re putting forward today.”
