Bill that would assist homeless veterans introduced at state capitol

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – State Senator Jamie Wall introduced a bill to the Wisconsin Legislature Wednesday that would restore nearly $2 million to a veteran housing program.

According to a news release, Senator Wall was joined by Representatives Ryan Spaude and Amaad Rivera-Wagner in presenting the bill. The legislation would provide $1.9 million in funding toward the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) – an initiative that transitions homeless veterans into permanent housing.

The funding would be utilized to prevent the closure of the Bellevue VHRP location.

Senator Wall, Representative Spaude and Representative Rivera-Wagner spoke in support of the bill in statements.

“I am proud to support homeless veterans here in Brown County with this bill,” stated Senator Wall. “It’s a shame that it’s necessary after Senate Republicans voted down my amendment to fund the program in the recent budget.”

“Assembly Democrats offered Republicans plenty of opportunities to fund the VHRP and ensure that the essential services of the centers it funds can continue” Representative Spaude commented. “Now we are seeing the direct consequences of inaction from our legislative majorities in Green Bay.”

“In the face of federal cuts that just passed in Congress, it’s disrespectful to leave those who have served our country out in the cold, at a time where they have the most need” added Representative Rivera-Wagner. “Our veterans deserve better.”