Commission created to help with veteran opportunity
Gov. Tony Evers visited the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls, Feb. 21, signing Executive Order 157 creating a Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. The executive order comes after the governor announced he would create the commission, during his State of the State address.
“Wisconsin veterans often face unique hurdles when they return to civilian life,” said Evers. “Through our budget investments over the last several years, we’ve worked to address the challenges facing our veterans, but we can’t stop there. These folks have given so much in service to our country, and especially over the last two years, so many have returned home at a time of increased isolation and uncertainty.
The commission will have the intentional involvement of veterans and their families, to take their lived experiences and input to find action-forward solutions, to help and support Wisconsin veterans.
Wisconsin is home to more than 300,000 veterans, who often face unique emotional and physical health challenges after completing their service. Veterans are also at increased risk for economic and housing insecurity, mental and behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorders, among other challenges.
The commission will be charged with developing comprehensive, long-term efforts to support Wisconsin’s veterans and address these challenges, which is essential for ensuring the well-being of veterans, and ensuring their success and opportunity.
“We can help reduce barriers to higher education, employment and job training, and streamline the licensure process for veterans who want to join our workforce,” said Evers. “We can help make sure we have sustainable, ongoing funding for programs that support these folks, by ensuring our Veterans Trust Fund remains solvent.”
The commission will use a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to identify gaps in existing services, opportunities for robust investment, areas for additional collaboration with federal and private partners, and obstacles to receiving services and program benefits designed for veterans, while reducing barriers to higher education, job training, employment, healthcare and affordable housing, among other key areas.
