Rep. Shankland: Statement on Walker’s Veto of DVA Oversight
"I’m disappointed Governor Walker was unwilling to take even one step forward on an issue so critical to qualify of life for our veterans."
MADISON – This afternoon, Governor Walker announced his vetoes for the 2017-19 state budget. Included is his veto of a budget motion that would have provided additional legislative oversight over the Veterans Trust Fund and State Veterans Homes.
The motion, which instates Joint Finance Committee approval of Veterans Trust Fund transfers and requires DVA to submit accountability reports to the legislature, was passed by the Committee on a unanimous bipartisan vote. Governor Walker claimed the DVA reports would be “administratively burdensome” as a justification for his veto. In response, Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point), a member of the Joint Finance Committee, released the following statement:
“Time and time again, the Department of Veterans Affairs has prioritized cost-cutting and pet programs over veterans home residents. In recent years, the department has raided $33 million from state veterans homes to support the non-solvent Veterans Trust Fund, impacting quality of care at facilities like the Veterans Home at King.
“While the budget motion did not accomplish all the accountability measures that Democrats have advocated for, it was a step in the right direction. I’m disappointed Governor Walker was unwilling to take even one step forward on an issue so critical to qualify of life for our veterans.”
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Rep. Katrina Shankland
Rep. Shankland Commends Governor Evers on The People’s Budget
Feb 28th, 2019 by State Rep. Katrina Shankland“Tonight, Governor Evers delivered a vision for Wisconsin that clearly reflects the priorities and will of the voters."
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Republicans Continue Pattern of Unfunded Mandates, Attacks on Local Control
Feb 6th, 2018 by State Rep. Katrina Shankland"Do they really want to add even more attacks on local control to this list?"
Rep. Shankland Introduces Bipartisan Clean Water Legislation
Nov 21st, 2017 by State Rep. Katrina Shankland"Clean and safe drinking water is vital to our quality of life and public health."
Why is this news. If Walker does not benefit with bags of money or caring about veterans then it will become another scam. As Milwaukee county exe. Walker had Russell still money from vets and their families. Nothing new here.