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 Introduces Bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act
Jun 19th, 2019 by State Rep. Katrina Shankland"At some point in their lifetime, almost all women will depend on birth control for their health or family planning."
Rep. Shankland: Statement on Joint Finance Committee’s Vote on UW System
May 29th, 2019 by State Rep. Katrina Shankland"I am thankful to Governor Evers for his leadership in investing in the UW System, and I know he will keep pushing for funding the tuition freeze and investing in our UW System."
Rep. Shankland: No Time to Wait for Clean Water
May 14th, 2019 by State Rep. Katrina Shankland"Water quality is a vital issue that affects every community in our state, and we should be working together to ensure that everyone has access to clean drinking water."
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.