As the governor gets ready to sign the 4-month overdue state budget, work begins on a new state Veterans Registry.
The yet-to-be-created list aims to quickly and easily notify all Wisconsin veterans of information pertinent to them, like available benefits, changing medical information and new programs. It would also let veterans know when County Veteran Service Officers are in their neighborhood.
"So if you did have the Supermarket of Veterans' Benefits, you could send a letter or postcard or call to the veterans that are out there, make them aware of it so they could take the time to go in to see what they're eligible for."
State Representative Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls) says the statewide Veterans Registry would provide a central repository of contact information for Wisconsin veterans, which would also help identify needs, and coordinate services. Musser, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, says the biggest concern he has is keeping the list secure.
"Now we just have to be assured that once you get this list it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, it's not sold, it's not publicly available. Just for official business to let the veterans know about veterans benefits. Not to get on some mailing list to buy some tea leaves in China or whatever the case may be."
The voluntary registry, part of the " Veterans Care Package " in the new compromise budget, would be administered by the WDVA.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:25 MP3)
