Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI)
A Wisconsin Congressman is joining the list of those who want a federal review of at a state veterans home in King. In a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) calls for an investigation into the use of federal funds at the Wisconsin Veterans Home.
The request follows a report in the Cap Times about King, along with state plans to use funding for veterans homes to close a shortfall in the state Veterans Trust Fund. “Given the amount of federal dollars at stake, I think it’s something the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to look into,” the Wisconsin Democrat said.
Kind said he’s disturbed by recent reports about poor conditions and complaints about the quality of care at the facility. “There are certainly questions that need to be answered,” he said.
Governor Scott Walker’s administration has defended King, saying the facilities there are rated above federal requirements and that previous reviews have found nothing wrong. The state Department of Health Services’ quality assurance division will also be investigating the latest allegations.
A legislative committee plans to hold a hearing later this month on whether to order an audit of the veterans home. Assembly Democrats have also asked for a federal probe of the facility.