Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Scocos to Leave State Service January 2017
“It has been a distinct privilege to work for the betterment of my fellow veterans as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Secretary Scocos said.
Madison – Governor Scott Walker today announced Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary John A. Scocos will resign from his position effective January 7, 2017.
“Without the dedication and commitment of our veterans, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we have today,” Governor Walker said. “From fully restoring the Wisconsin G.I. Bill to providing more funding for veterans’ services, we have accomplished a great deal since 2011. I thank John for serving as a tireless advocate for Wisconsin’s veterans throughout his time at the department, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
“It has been a distinct privilege to work for the betterment of my fellow veterans as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Secretary Scocos said. “We have made an unprecedented difference for Wisconsin’s veterans over the last six years, and I thank Governor Walker for the opportunity to serve.”
Honoring Wisconsin’s Veterans
Since 2011, Governor Walker has made Wisconsin’s veterans a top priority for his Administration. The following is a list of just a few of the accomplishments achieved for our veterans since Governor Walker took office.
- Unemployment for veterans in Wisconsin has gone down from an annual average of 9 percent in 2010 to 3.6 percent in 2015. (Press Release, “Employment Situation Of Veterans- 2014, Table 6A,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3/22/16)
- Fully restored and expanded the Wisconsin G.I. Bill. (2011 Wisconsin Act 32)
- Improved the long-term solvency of the Veterans Trust Fund by providing more than $10 million since 2012, the first general fund appropriation for the fund in nearly 30 years. (1988) (DOA, State Budget Office)
- Invested $500,000 to match $500,000 from the Wisconsin Technical College System to align veterans with training and jobs. (2015 Wisconsin Act 55)
- Extended eligibility for military financial aid to members of the immediate family of a service member who is a Wisconsin resident and a service member who is a Wisconsin resident and is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including any reserve unit or the Wisconsin National Guard. (2013 Wisconsin Act 45)
- Granted veterans or active duty service members priority when registering for courses at any University of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Technical College campus. (2013 Wisconsin Act 56)
- Added more than 100 new full-time direct care staff for Wisconsin’s veterans homes to ensure our heroes receive the care they need and deserve. (2013 Wisconsin Act 20)
- Invested nearly $100 million, including the construction of a new residence hall, for the Veterans Home at King. (DOA, State Building Commission)
- Extended the Veterans and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit to unremarried surviving spouses whose husband or wife died of a service-connected disability. (2013 Wisconsin Act 20).
- Exempted our state veterans homes from the nursing home bed tax, which saves our homes an estimated $4 million over the biennium. (2013 Wisconsin Act 20)
- Increased funding to Camp American Legion to continue to provide free services to military members and their families suffering from physical or psychological conditions. (2013 Wisconsin Act 20)
- Increased funding to our state veteran service organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families. (2013 Wisconsin Act 20)
- Made funds for Military Funeral Honors sum sufficient to ensure resources are available now and into the future. (2013 Wisconsin Act 20)
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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