Bill at the State Capitol Would Restore Funding for Program that Assists Homeless Veterans in the State

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 -- 12:00 PM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) A bill circulating at the Capitol could restore funding for a program that assists homeless Wisconsin veterans.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, the Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program at sites in Union Grove, Chippewa Falls and Green Bay, with the latter two slated close next month. The legislation provides $1.9 million to maintain the program at those sites. Eau Claire area Democrat Jeff Smith is the bill’s state Senate author.

Interviewed at the Buffalo County Fair, Smith said it’s up to Republican leaders whether the facilities survive, by scheduling a public hearing and allowing the bill to be voted on if lawmakers return to the Capitol for a floor period next month.

The needed funding didn’t make it into the state budget, with Republican co-chairs on the finance committee saying Democratic Governor Tony Evers didn’t make it a priority during negotiations.

The Veterans Housing and Recovery Program provides transitional housing and support services to homeless veterans and veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless.

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