A Democratic state lawmaker wants to prevent future funding from being taken away from the state’s veterans homes.
Democrats say the state plans to raid $18.6 million out of funds used for state veterans facilities, in order to help close a deficit in the state’s Veterans Trust Fund. Assistant Assembly Minority Leader Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) says that shouldn’t be allowed to happen. “Lawmakers in both parties need to commit to ensuring that our veterans get the best care, and that means keeping the money that’s intended for King Veterans Home at King Veterans Home.”
Shankland says she is looking at introducing legislation that would either segregate funding for veterans nursing homes or require that a certain percentage is spent on their care. She hopes to introduce a bill during the next legislative session.
Questions about funding for King have been raised, following a recent report by the Cap Times that highlighted concerns about staffing at King and the quality of care for residents. Governor Scott Walker and the Department of Veterans Affairs have said residents are well cared for and that King offers facilities that are rated above federal requirements.