GOVERNOR: Governor Walker’s Budget for Veterans - Promises Kept

Governor Walker’s Budget for Veterans - Promises Kept

Restoring the Wisconsin GI Bill:

In 2006, a promise was made to the men and women who sign up to serve our nation in the military.  Since that time they have fought, been injured and far too many have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.  While these heroes were fighting, a benefit promised to them was taken away.  The Wisconsin GI Bill, a landmark piece of legislation was effectively eliminated.

In Governor Walker’s budget, the Wisconsin GI Bill is ‘fully’ restored.  Not only is the Wisconsin GI Bill restored, but it is expanded and clarified to include distance learning and online courses.  

By protecting the Wisconsin GI Bill so veterans can retrain and rebuild their resumes they will be in a better position to find gainful employment and provide for their families that have also sacrificed so much for our nation.  

There is no greater benefit to our veterans struggling to find employment than the restoration of the WI GI Bill.  The restoration of the Wisconsin GI Bill is part of creating 250,000 jobs and keeping a promise to our honored veterans.

Ensuring the Solvency of the Veterans Trust Fund:

The solvency of the Veterans Trust Fund has been an issue for the better part of a decade.  When Governor Walker took office the balance of the trust fund was on a steady decline and projections had it in deficit at the end of the second fiscal year.  

Governor Walker’s budget provides $5 million general fund tax dollars to the Veterans Trust Fund.  This is the largest injection of general fund dollars to the fund since 1972.  The Governor’s budget also provides $416,800 in GPR to repay the raid on the fund by the previous administration and Legislature.

Governor Walker’s budget also gives the WDVA, with Legislative oversight, the flexibility to shift funds in surplus within the department to ensure the VTF remains a strong tool to assist our needy and honored veterans into the future.  The budget also requires WDVA to report a long term solvency plan for the fund to the Governor and Legislature.

Funding for Wisconsin’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery King:

Governor Walker’s budget provides $66,500 general fund revenue for maintenance of the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King.  Previously, money from veteran’s estates and nursing home operations funds were used to maintain the 14 acre cemetery. 

Caring for More Veterans and Creating Jobs at No Cost to State Taxpayers:

The Governor’s budget keeps a promise made by the state to create a veterans home in Northwest Wisconsin.  The Chippewa Falls Veterans Home complements Wisconsin’s two existing Veterans Homes in King and Union Grove, bringing additional resources to our aging veterans in Northwestern Wisconsin.  Through construction of this facility, Wisconsin will be able to not only honor our aging heroes, but offer them a unique community built to address their unique needs.

In addition, the Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls is an economic win for the local community and taxpayers, providing a long term economic boost to the region.  It will help add vitality and opportunity to the Chippewa area’s construction industry.  The home will also create permanent health care jobs.

The Chippewa Veterans Home is a $20 million construction project that is estimated to create 90 full‐time professional jobs in the area without requiring any state general fund tax revenue.  A federal grant along with ongoing revenues from the home will pay for the entire project’s cost.  The home is also required to achieve a four star rating similar to the King and Union Grove homes ensuring our veterans are properly cared for.

By constructing the veteran’s home in Chippewa Falls, the Governor is continuing to fulfill our responsibility to the men and women who served their country and state so well.

Fully Funding the Veterans and Surviving Spouse Tax Credit:

In the Governor’s budget, the Veterans and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit is fully funded without reducing eligibility.  The tax credit benefit offered to our most vulnerable veterans and their spouses will increase to $39 million in the next biennium (2011‐13).  That is a $23.8 million increase in property tax credits over the next two years for eligible veterans.

Continuing the Disabled Veteran Business Certification Program:

Governor Walker’s budget continues the new disabled veteran business certification program.  The program will be housed in the new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Extending a Property Tax Relief Program to Veterans: 

Governor Walker’s budget allows eligible veterans to now participant in the property tax deferral loan program operated by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.  

Fully Funding Military Funeral Honors:

The Governor fully funds military funeral honors in the “bill to pay the bills”.  Assembly Bill 148 fully restored and funded $68,900 for military funeral honors.  Because military funeral honors were funded in AB 148, the repetitive language in the biennial budget bill was not needed and
therefore removed.

Joint Finance Votes to Fully Restore, Expand Wisconsin G.I. Bill Tuition Remission

 

(davwi.org) - During the last day of budget deliberations last week, the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance approved a 10-page motion that included a powerful affirmation of the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission and an expansion for WisGIBill-eligible students in the UW System.

The committee affirmed the Governor’s budget proposal to fully and retroactively restore the WisGIBill to its original intent, a top priority for DAV and other veterans service organizations.

The committee further strengthened and clarified the Governor’s language to ensure veterans get the full amount of remission they are due from the state, that their WisGIBill benefits are only reduced by a pro-rated partial amount in the event their federal benefits only cover a partial amount of the total tuition and fees due, and to ensure that UW campuses are able to get the full amount of federal payments they may be due under the provisions of the federal Chapter 33 Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Finally, the committee included a requirement that the UW System remit the full amount of tuition and fees charged for any degree credit course, including distance education courses, online course, and cost recovery courses, to all eligible veterans, children, and spouses. 

Following implementation of the WisGIBill, the UW System developed policies to prevent the WisGIBill from applying to these courses, leaving veterans taking online courses footing the entire bill for each online, distance, and “cost recovery” course.  Earlier this year, DAV had alerted key legislators and staff including in the Governor’s office of this troubling issue.

The Wisconsin Technical College System never adopted similar restrictive measures, and the WisGIBill has always been able to be used for online, distance, and similar type courses at Wisconsin’s technical college campuses.

Last week’s committee action, if adopted by the full legislature, would provide important restorations of the WisGIBill to its full original intent fully consistent with DAV’s legislative goals.

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GOVERNOR’S PROPOSAL

Require the Board of Regents, each technical college district board, and the proposed UW-Madison Board of Trustees to grant a full remission of resident tuition and segregated fees for 128 credits or eight semesters, whichever is longer, but not less the amount of any tuition or segregated fees paid under the federal Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, to certain veterans, children, and spouses. Specify that this provision would take effect retroactively on January 1, 2010, and would first apply to students who enrolled in the spring, 2010, semester.

LEGISLATIVE ADDITIONS TO GOVERNOR’S PROPOSAL

Adopt Alternative #A2 of LFB Budget Paper #749 which would modify the Governor’s recommended statutory language to clarify legislative intent. Specify that: (a) the Board of Regents and the technical colleges could continue to receive payments under the federal Post-9/11 G.I. Bill; (b) credits or semesters for which the amount paid under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill covered 100% of resident tuition and fees would not be counted against the 128 credit or eight semester limit; and (c) in the case that the amount paid under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill covered less than 100% of resident tuition and fees, the proportion of tuition and fees that were remitted by the institution would be counted against the 128 credit or 8 semester limit.

In addition, specify that the Board of Regents should remit the full amount of tuition and fees charged for any degree credit course, including distance education courses, online course, and cost recovery courses, to eligible veterans, children, and spouses.  Consistent with current law, specify that the amount remitted should be reduced by the amount paid under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and certain other federal education programs.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Joint Finance Omnibus Motion, University of Wisconsin System
• LFB Budget Paper #749
• Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission program

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--Anthony Hardie, Madison, Wis.

UW-Madison Spinoff Proposal Absent in Final Budget

 

(davwi.org) -- The joint proposal by Governor Scott Walker, a conservative, and UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin, a liberal, to spin off the Madison campus from the rest of the UW system is absent in the final state budget proposal. 

The original proposal included a provision that would have provided the campus campus with the autonomy to do away with the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission program for state veterans and dependents of deceased and seriously disabled veterans.  Biddy issued a statement in support of the continuation of the program and called any attempt to quash it, “unthinkable.”

According to an article by Kate Elizabeth Queram in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram and a statement from the UW System, the UW-related changes in the final budget include the following:

• The entire UW System gains greater autonomy in spending through a “block grant” system and “new leadership flexibilities in budgeting, financial management, personnel, and purchasing”
• UW-Madison is not spun off from the UW System
• Total cuts in state support to the UW System over the biennium will total $250 million
• UW-Madison’s portion of the cuts will be at $94 million over the biennium, less than the original $125 million proposed

The legislature’s Joint Finance Committee approved the final budget on Friday along party lines by a 12-4 vote.

The budget now goes to both houses of the state legislature.  The state constitution sets a June 30th deadline for the budget to be complete.

According to the UW System, ““UW leaders will continue working with legislators and the Governor to ensure that new flexibilities are not diluted in any way during the remainder of the budget-making process. At the same time, they hope to address specific issues in the budget bill to achieve the best possible outcomes for all UW institutions.” 

The UW System has proposed a plan called the Wisconsin Idea Partnership for which it is seeking legislative implementation.

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--Anthony Hardie

UW-Madison Pledges Continued Support for Wisconsin G.I. Bill

Even with the verbal support below, so there is no ambiguity in the future the Governor's office says they still support making it perfectly clear in the law that UW has to abide by the WI GI Bill.

http://www.news.wisc.edu/19286 

UW-Madison to continue support of veterans

April 19, 2011      

The University of Wisconsin-Madison will continue to support veterans under the Wisconsin GI Bill, Chancellor Biddy Martin said today in response to a legislator's criticism.

"As a land-grant university, we have a long history of backing military veterans who are seeking a degree, of supporting their academic careers and in helping them achieve their educational goals," said Martin.

"Our commitment will not change when UW-Madison is given public authority status," Martin added. "It is unthinkable that we would not continue to support veterans as they seek a university education."

UW-Madison was named to a list of military friendly schools compiled by GI Jobs magazine. The university, which is home to all three ROTC branches, enrolls more than 600 students with military experience and is making continued outreach effort to veterans.

WDVA Monthly Legislative Update–April 2011

The update below is provided by Max Dulberger, WDVA’s young and talented (albeit non-veteran) Executive Assistant. DAV and other veterans service organizations have been calling for top WDVA positions to be filled exclusively with veterans, preferably service-disabled veterans.

A letter to the federal VA from former Sec. Ken Black cited in the update below is in direct opposition to the position of DAV and many other veterans organizations, which call for the full restoration of the Wisconsin G.I. Bill and rescinding the current law requirement that causes Wisconsin veterans using the federal Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) to simultaneously experience a direct credit-for-credit deduction in their Wisconsin G.I. Bill benefits.

In addition to the Governor’s budget proposal, a bill introduced by Democratic legislators would also provide the requested tfull restoration to the Wisconsin G.I. Bill.

Mr. Black resigned as WDVA’s Secretary effective April 1, 2011, following immense pressure from DAV and many other veterans service organizations.

--A.H.

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VETERANS LEGISLATION MONTHLY UPDATE

April 2011

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is launching the Veterans Legislation Monthly Update to notify veterans advocates on relevant legislative developments relating to Wisconsin veterans.

State Budget Update:

• Budget Introduction – On March 1, 2011, Governor Scott Walker introduced his 2011-2013 Biennial State Budget to the State Legislature.

• Veterans Budget – See the Governor’s Veterans Budget for detailed information from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

• Joint Finance Public Hearings – The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee has scheduled four public hearings on the Budget. This is an opportunity for veterans advocates to show support for veterans issues. The dates, times and location of the hearings are:

• Thursday, April 7 (10 am – 6 pm). UW-Stevens Point (Quandt Fieldhouse) 2050 Fourth Street, Stevens Point.
• Friday, April 8 (10 am – 5 pm). UW-Superior (Wessman Arena) 2701 Catlin Avenue, Superior.
• Monday, April 11 (10 am – 6 pm). State Fair Park, Expo Center Hall A, West Allis.
• Wednesday, April 13. (10 am – 6 pm). Arcadia High School Auditorium, Arcadia.

• Written Testimony on Budget – Written testimony can be emailed to the Joint Finance Committee at budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov or sent by US mail to Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53703.

State Veterans Legislation:

• WDVA Secretary Appointed by Governor; WDVA Board Composition and Powers (LRB 1026-3) – Representative Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca) recently distributed LRB 1026-3 for co-sponsorship by other legislators. Under this proposal, the Governor would appoint the WDVA Secretary, not the WDVA Board. Before appointing the Secretary, the Governor must consult with the presiding officers of at least six Wisconsin veterans organizations. Also, this proposal expands the Board to nine members, one from each of Wisconsin’s eight congressional districts and one serving at large. In addition, the proposal stipulates that all Board members must have served on active duty, but need not have served in any particular war or conflict. Finally, the proposal grants the WDVA Secretary the authority to promulgate administrative rules after consulting the Board – approval would no longer be required. Legislators have until April 14 to co-sponsor the proposal before introduction.

• Restoration of the Wisconsin GI Bill (Senate Bill 53) – Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) recently introduced Senate Bill 53 to fully restore access to the Wisconsin GI Bill after a veteran exhausts their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. This bill would create the same result for student veterans as the provision included in the Governor’s budget proposal (see item #13 in the UW System Budget and item #8 in the Tech College Budget). SB 53 differs in that it modifies state appropriations to provide that universities and colleges are fully reimbursed for the cost of tuition and fee remissions. SB 53 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Veterans & Military Affairs.

• County Blanket Bonds (Assembly Bill 60) – Representative Karl Van Roy (R-Green Bay) recently introduced Assembly Bill 60 to expand county blanket bonds to veteran service officers and veterans service commissions. The legislation passed out of the Assembly Committee on Urban & Local Affairs on April 5, and now it’s awaiting a referral to the full Assembly by the Rules Committee.

• Contact Your State Legislators – Contact your State Legislators

Federal Veterans Legislation:

• Implementation of Post-9/11 GI Bill Improvements Act (S. 3447) – A section of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Improvements Act of 2010 (S. 3447) creates a direct conflict between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Wisconsin GI Bill as to which program is the payer of last resort. As confirmed by staff attorneys at the Wisconsin Legislative Council, “Wisconsin may lose the ability to require veterans to use Post-9/11 benefits before accessing Wisconsin GI Bill benefits. Further, veterans may have benefits paid under the Wisconsin GI Bill offset by corresponding reductions in federal benefits.” See Leg Council Memo and WDVA Letter to USDVA.

USDVA is in the process of establishing administrative rules to specify how these provisions will be implemented. If an adverse interpretation is codified in the administrative rules, Wisconsin veterans will lose access to a significant federal benefit simply because they hold entitlement to a state benefit. In addition, this interpretation would substantially increase the financial burden on Wisconsin universities.

WDVA partnered with the CVSO Association, the UW System, and Wisconsin Technical Colleges to send a joint letter to USDVA Secretary Shinseki. Since then, WDVA has been in direct contact with the USDVA Division of Intergovernmental Affairs, reiterating our belief that it was not the intention of Congress to penalize states like Wisconsin that have made a special commitment to help educate our veterans. The USDVA Division of Intergovernmental Affairs reports that the USDVA General Counsel is currently reviewing the issue.

• Allow Veterans to Refinance Mortgages (H.R. 834) – Representative Susan Davis (D-California) recently introduced H.R. 834 to expand access to state veterans home loan programs and allow veterans to use the program for refinancing purposes. Wisconsin is one of five states authorized to issue federally tax-exempt Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMBs), but under current law, the QVMB program can only be used for the purchase of a primary residence, not to refinance. For more info, see WDVA’s Paper on Federal Legislation to Help Vets with Homeownership.

In March, WDVA leadership met with six members of Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation, including Senator Ron Johnson, Representative Paul Ryan, Representative Ron Kind, Representative James Sensenbrenner, Representative Sean Duffy, and Representative Reid Ribble, to focus their attention and advocate for their support on this legislation. WDVA also sent supporting materials to the additional members of Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation.

H.R. 834 is currently awaiting action in the House Committee on Ways and Means. Accordingly, Representative Ron Kind sits on this committee, and WDVA is working with his office to identify steps to advance the proposal through the committee process.

• Expand Eligibility to Veterans Home Loans by Removing the 25-Year Limit (In Drafting)– Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) is in the process of reintroducing legislation (H.R. 2319 from the 111^th Congress) to allow all veterans to receive state home loans regardless of when they separated from service. Under current law, veterans have 25 years after separating from military service to access a state home loan under the QVMB program. This provision excludes most veterans above the age of 45, including over 140,000 Vietnam War era veterans that reside in Wisconsin. Not only would this legislation ensure that all Wisconsin veterans have equal access to this important benefit, this legislation would revitalize the state’s veterans mortgage program and help ensure that the program can operate in future years. Once introduced, this legislation is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

• Contact Your Federal Legislators – Contact your Federal Lawmakers

For additional updates and information on veterans legislation, visit www.WisVets.com/Legislation. Otherwise please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Thanks for your commitment to better serve our veterans,

Max Dulberger

Executive Assistant

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

608-267-0784

Max.Dulberger@dva.state.wi.us

Victory for Veterans: Governor Walker’s Budget Restores Wisconsin G.I. Bill, Protects Our Veterans

Victory for Veterans: Governor Walker’s Budget Restores Wisconsin G.I. Bill, Protects Our Veterans

New Berlin – Governor Scott Walker met with veteran service organizations today to proudly announce that the proposed 2011 – 2013 Biennial Budget restores the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, ensures the solvency of the Veterans Trust Fund, and fully funds veteran assistance programs. 

“Protecting Wisconsin’s most courageous citizens is of the highest priority, and restoring the Wisconsin G.I. Bill is a promise that I am proud to keep,” Governor Walker said.  “In addition to restoring the G.I. Bill, our budget will ensure that the Veterans Trust Fund is solvent so that future generations can keep their promise to our heroes.  Our honored veterans fought so that we can be free.  It is our duty to provide them with the opportunities and care that they rightfully deserve when they return home.”

Disabled America Veterans State Commander John Hoeft: “Governor Scott Walker’s proposed budget would restore a promise to Wisconsin’s veterans by fully reversing enacted cuts to the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, provide for a new veterans nursing home in Chippewa Falls, and maintain funding for key state veterans programs and services. This budget proposal is good for veterans.”

WI MOPH Department Commander William F.Hustad: “The Military Order of the Purple Heart- Department of Wisconsin is pleased to announce its support of Governor Walker's 2011-13 proposed budget that restores full funding for the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission program.Specifically, the Survivor and Dependent program which provides full tuition remission for the dependents of veterans who are federally rated with a 30% or greater service connected disability and also to the dependent survivors of our brave men and women who are killed in action.

Restoring the Wisconsin G.I. Bill

In the recent economic downturn, many veterans were left unemployed without the tools to successfully reenter the workforce. Restoring this promise and benefit to our veterans will provide them with the opportunity of pursuing advanced degrees or retraining in new fields that assist in their transition from active duty to civilian employment.  It will also allow for remission of academic credits and tuition.

Ensuring the Solvency of the Veterans Trust Fund

The Veterans Trust Fund has experienced cash flow shortfalls since 2003 and a structural deficit since fiscal year 2006. Without action, the fund was on the road to bankruptcy by 2013.

The Governor’s 2011-2013 budget ensures solvency by providing sufficient funds to support vital programs that veterans rely on, and gives the Department of Veterans Affairs the flexibility to reallocate revenues within the agency to best meet the needs of Wisconsin’s veterans.  The Governor’s budget also allocates $416,800 in new General Purpose Revenue(GPR) to repay past raids on the fund.

Increased Funding for Veteran Outreach

Many veterans return home without knowing the benefits that they are eligible to receive, and many are reluctant to ask for assistance.  By increasing funding for outreach, we will be able to help them transition to civilian life.

Creation of a Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls

A new veterans home will be created in Chippewa Falls. Funding for its creation will be provided by the federal government (65%) and program revenue-supported state general obligation bonds (35%).  Ongoing operations will be funded by the home’s revenue.

Increased Funding for Cemetery Maintenance and Staff

Due to increased demand for services, the Governor’s budget provides for additional funding to meet the needs of veterans and their families.

In addition to the reforms above, Governor Walker’s budget calls for a reorganization and consolidation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide greater administrative efficiency and improved oversight.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and AMVETS endorse these measures and were included in today’s meeting with Governor Walker.

DAV State Commander Says Governor’s Budget Proposal Good for Veterans

Restoration of Wisconsin G.I. Bill is key, but legislative proposals don’t go far enough in restoring accountability and public trust in WDVA

(Green Bay, Wis. – March 17, 2011) - “Governor Scott Walker’s proposed budget would restore a promise to Wisconsin’s veterans by fully reversing enacted cuts to the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, provide for a new veterans nursing home in Chippewa Falls, and maintain funding for key state veterans programs and services,” said DAV State Commander John Hoeft, a service-disabled Vietnam War veteran from Omro, Wis. “This budget proposal is good for veterans.”

Reversing cuts made in the last biennium to the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission for veterans has been a top goal of DAV and other state veterans service organizations.

“Our veterans community fought tooth and nail in the last biennium to try to prevent these cuts to the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, the state’s cornerstone program for the successful reintegration and retention of our newest generation of veterans,” said Hoeft. “We are pleased the Governor has heard us and has included a proposal to fully reverse those cuts.”

The Governor’s budget recommendations also includes continued full GPR funding for the Wisconsin G.I. Bill and the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit for totally and permanently disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and the spouses of military service members killed in the line of duty – something Hoeft says if enacted, “would also be exceptional news for veterans.”

“The Governor’s proposed budget also includes a needed increase in funding and staffing for the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, sites that honor the service and memories of thousands of our fellow veterans, including our WWII and Korean War veterans,” said Hoeft. “And, I am pleased to see the Governor’s budget also includes additional federal revenues from an increased federal burial plot allowance, a major legislative victory sought by DAV and others for many years,” he said.

However, Hoeft expressed concern about the current leadership of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. “But these legislative proposals do not go far enough in restoring veterans trust, faith, and confidence in the broken leadership at the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Hoeft.

Recent legislative audits have exposed serious current mismanagement of the Wisconsin Veterans Homes at the highest levels within WDVA. And, recent news about WDVA has highlighted the agency’s flawed decision to ban all dogs from state veterans homes (later reversed under public pressure), a series of lawsuits by disabled veterans fired or passed over for less experienced non-veterans, and forcing veterans and widows out of the state’s veterans homes due to astronomical rate increases while retaining millions of dollars in unexpended surpluses.

“Just as is already being done in many other states, the Governor’s proposal to contract out the new Home at Chippewa Falls sounds like an excellent way to balance veterans’ care needs, major new job creation, and fiscal accountability – something that is sorely lacking at WDVA under its current management structure.”

And, DAV volunteer leaders have had an unusual battle with current WDVA leadership for nearly two years – over increasing the agency’s hiring of veterans of all things. Despite those efforts and in spite of a state law mandating the agency hire veterans and preferably disabled veterans, out of 136 hires last year WDVA hired just 15 veterans. Of those 15, just three were disabled veterans.

“That’s just simply unacceptable,” said Hoeft, noting that increasing WDVA’s hiring of disabled and other veterans was made a DAV top priority at its annual statewide convention last summer.

Hoeft also addressed the recent comments of WDVA Secretary Ken Black regarding the “solvency” of the Veterans Trust Fund, which has not had a steady funding source since the early 1950’s.

“How this veterans program or that veterans program gets funded has really been a red herring for far too long. What is truly important is that Wisconsin has top quality long term care, first rate programs and services to aid and honor our service-disabled and other veterans, and final resting places that remain a tribute to their service,” he said.

“As Commander of the state’s largest organization of service-disabled wartime veterans, I am generally pleased with the Governor’s budget recommendations affecting our state’s disabled, wartime, and other veterans,” said Hoeft. “While we have a little tweaking to do with a ‘bed tax’ issue, I’m confident that with this highly positive starting point, we’ll wind up with an excellent final budget for Wisconsin veterans programs and services,” he said.

Hoeft had a final message for the Governor, however. “I recognize that the budget bill is limited only to fiscal items, but we in the veterans community look forward to prompt action to ensure leadership change to restore accountability, transparency, and effective management to WDVA and return the state’s veterans agency to the veterans for whom it was created,” said Hoeft.

“…Because if we don’t fix the current mess at WDVA, all the money in the world won’t make a bit of difference,” he concluded.

State may lose ability to require use of Post-9/11 GI Bill before using WisGIBill

WI_Legislative_Council_Memo_--_Impact_of_Changes_in_Post_9-11_GI_Bill

DAV National: Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act Passes Congress, Sent to President

S. 3447 Passed House and Sent to President

Thank You for Your Action and Support!

S. 3447, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, passed the House and was sent to the President on December 16, 2010. We have been working with both chambers of Congress to improve the Post 9/11 GI Bill, particularly in making a housing stipend available to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) participants. It is largely due to your efforts that this bill was passed during this Congress.

This bill will expand and improve upon the Post 9/11 GI Bill that went into effect last year and it will simplify and improve benefits in a fiscally responsible way. Specifically, the Act will enable veterans to now use their benefit for vocational and on-the-job training, expand eligibility for the benefit to National Guardsmen who are activated for domestic assistance, provide Active Duty troops with additional assistance to purchase books, and provide severely injured veterans and their caregivers with additional time to use their benefits. Section 205 of S. 3447 would allow veterans with service-connected disabilities that participate in a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, who are also entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, to choose whether to receive the monthly housing stipend payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill or a monthly subsistence allowance. This bill is in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 099, passed at our most recent National Convention.

As always, DAV thanks you for your advocacy on behalf of sick and disabled veterans.

--Lisa Bogle, Legislative Staff, DAV, Washington, DC

Improvement of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Allowances Needed Take Action!

DAV National:  Please Contact Your Representative Today!

We have been working with both chambers of Congress to improve the Post 9/11 GI Bill, particularly in making a housing stipend available to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) participants. As a result of our efforts, the U.S. Senate passed S. 3447, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.

Disabled veterans need your help to get this legislation passed into law this year. DAV has testified in support of certain provisions of this bill. Resolutions adopted by our membership emphasize the need to provide veterans greater assistance under the VR&E program in Chapter 31 as contrasted to those participating in the post-9/11 educational assistance program under chapter 33. Section 205 of S. 3447 would allow veterans with service-connected disabilities that participate in a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States Code, who are also entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, to choose whether to receive the monthly housing stipend payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill or a monthly subsistence allowance.

DAV urges you to call on your Representative and request they take up the provisions of S. 3447 before Congress adjourns later this week, most likely on December 18. Please call your Representative or send a prepared e-mail today. Please emphasize the urgency of these provisions for disabled veterans.

As always, DAV thanks you for your advocacy on behalf of sick and disabled veterans.

Commander’s Letter to Governor Doyle on Wisconsin G.I. Bill Tuition Remission

TO:  Governor Jim Doyle, State Capitol 115 East, P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI  53707

RE: Assembly Bill 781

Dear Governor Doyle,

Thank you for your previous and continued support for the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission, a program that is a premier State of Wisconsin state-level economic development, educational investment, veterans readjustment and veterans benefits program worthy of emulation by all the States.

On behalf of the members of the Department of Wisconsin Disabled Veterans, I am writing you to formally request that you use your power as Governor to request a special session of the Wisconsin State Legislature to consider Assembly Bill 781, a bill introduced by Rep. Steve Hilgenberg to make full restoration to the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission. You may be aware that the University of Wisconsin System has interpreted statutory language in the last state budget act, signed into law by you, to make substantial cuts to the original benefits under this veterans’ remission.

As you may know, the DAV is the authoritative voice for our nation’s service-connected disabled veterans, including the young men and women wounded or injured as a result of the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. And, the spirit of our members in support of our legislative initiatives is essential to our efforts to secure and enhance the programs that benefit veterans, particularly disabled veterans.

You may also be aware the U.S. Department of Labor reported in March 2010 that one in three veterans under age 24 is unemployed; that the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans has jumped to 14.7%, half again as high as the national employment rate of 9.7%; that the March unemployment rate of 30.2 percent for veterans aged 18 to 24 is a big increase from February’s figure of 21.7 percent; and, that this data shows that veterans are bearing the brunt of the economic downturn.

You may also be aware of veteran suicide rates that have now reached an average of 950 suicide attempts per month among veterans receiving some sort of treatment from the VA and an average of 18 veteran suicides per day. According to one study, “specifically, the risk for suicide appears highest among younger veterans -- the reverse of what's seen in the general population.”

We have learned that studied risk factors for suicide have been stated to include military service (double the suicide rate of those without military service), diminished social environment support, and loss of security. We have also learned that many studies have found an association between unemployment and suicide, and that a report from the CDC states that suicide rates are inversely related to the level of education, meaning higher education is associated with lower risk of suicide. Of course, there are many other risk factors for veterans’ suicide, particularly mental health and physical impairment issues, no strangers to many of our disabled veterans.

It is our position that the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission program provides an exceptional opportunity for reintegration for veterans returning from military service before entering the full-time workforce as better prepared citizens.

As disabled veterans ourselves, we believe that the opportunity to pursue higher educational goals under the Wisconsin G.I. Bill – restored to its full benefit, which never should have been allowed to be cut in the first place – and on the socially and intellectually engaging campuses of Wisconsin’s UW and technical college campuses is good not just for veterans, particularly newly returning and reintegrating veterans, but it is good for Wisconsin, particularly Wisconsin’s economy. The program clearly leads to a better educated workforce, very likely able to take Wisconsin’s economy to new heights.

Again, thank you for your continued support for the Wisconsin G.I. Bill tuition remission program, a critically important, cost-effective investment in the future of our state and our veterans.

Please let me know if you need additional information or want to discuss this request. On behalf of DAV-WI, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Holly Hoppe, Commander

DAV Department of Wisconsin