Dems push veteran services as a budget priority
GOP cuts restrict program access and deny economic opportunities
MADISON – As Republicans continue reducing veteran benefits to balance their $2.2 billion budget deficit, Democrats have argued against these cuts in favor of pro-growth initiatives to preserve economic opportunities and access to health care for returning veterans.
“Wisconsin veterans and military families have already sacrificed for our state,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “As Democrats, we believe that our men and women in uniform have earned these benefits and they should not be taken away simply because Republicans dug themselves into a $2.2 billion budget deficit.”
During the budget debate, Democrats put forward several motions to support veterans and expand economic opportunities. These motions included investments in veteran skill training and job placement assistance, support for mental health and AODA treatment and preventing a new cap being placed on travel expenses for veterans. All of these motions were rejected by the Republican majority.
“Wisconsin has a jobs problem and we need to do everything we can to invest in worker training, raise family wages and expand access to affordable health care,” added Shilling. “Instead of cutting services and eliminating support programs, we should expand economic opportunities by making worker training assistance for veterans a priority.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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