Wimberger’s Bill Would Release Funds the Evers Administration Repeatedly Refused to Use to Support Wisconsin’s Homeless Veterans
MADISON – Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Gillett) released the following statement after the Wisconsin State Senate passed Senate Bill 608, legislation he authored with Representative Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere) to ensure funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) is used to help nonprofits provide housing and support to homeless veterans across Wisconsin:
“Today, the Senate voted to do what Governor Tony Evers should have been doing from the start: spending already-appropriated funds under his control to help care for Wisconsin’s homeless veterans. But since he closed two VHRP facilities and has repeatedly refused to spend the money available to him, the Legislature is stepping in to deliver a solution and ensure the important work of supporting our state’s homeless heroes is done.
My bill will ensure not only that these funds are spent, but that the State of Wisconsin is actively collaborating with the private sector to deliver these vital services to our veterans after their service to our country.”
The Legislature increased VHRP funding by 15 percent in the 2025-27 State Budget. Despite this, last year, Governor Evers closed two facilities for homeless veterans located in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay. Senate Bill 608 would redirect $1.9 million in already-appropriated funding into a new state grant program. The program would award a $25 per diem payment per veteran housed to nonprofits and other non-governmental entities that provide housing and support to homeless Wisconsin veterans.
Senate Bill 608 will help the nonprofits that are currently housing veterans across Wisconsin, and encourage more groups and organizations to step forward to provide these vital services to veterans in need.