Andre Jacque introduces legislation to fund veterans programs

GREEN BAY, WI (WGBW) – With the approval and implementation of the state’s new biennial budget came the announcement that the Green Bay Veterans Housing and Recovery Program would have to close by September 30, due to budget shortfalls.

Now, Republican State Senator Andre Jacque of New Franklin introduces legislation to rectify the situation.

Jacque is offering the Respect Our Wisconsin Veterans Service Act for lawmakers’ consideration when they return to the Capitol next month. Jacque said the measure could give lawmakers a chance to readdress veterans’ issues that were not included in the state budget. 

Jacque has included over $1.9 million to keep open facilities in Green Bay and Chippewa Falls that offer the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. 

Other provisions include expanded eligibility for a refundable property tax credit for veterans and surviving spouses, and directing the Board of Regents to fund the UW Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project to recover and identify MIA Wisconsin veterans.

Following news that the new Wisconsin budget cut funding to the Veteran Housing and Recovery Program, Senator Jamie Wall and Representatives Ryan Spaude and Amaad Rivera-Wagner introduce a bill to restore funding and save the VHRP in Bellevue

Three other Northeast Wisconsin legislators have also introduced a bill to restore $1.9 million to the Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP). That bill by Senator Jamie Wall (D-Green Bay), Representative Ryan Spaude (D-Ashwaubenon), and Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) was introduced in mid-July.

The VHRP provides temporary housing, job training, and resources to veterans facing homelessness.