Evers creates Veterans Trust panel

Gov. Tony Evers' push for the state's highest office included a promise to create a commission to study solvency issues for the Veterans Trust Fund.

The fund finances the majority of the programs for the state's Veterans Affairs department, but has faced significant structural deficits in recent years. It was originally funded through a loan program for veterans, but that shut down in 2011.

The 2019-21 budget keeps the trust fund in the black by transferring $29.6 million from the state's general fund over the two year-period.

Keeping this promise would mean convening the committee, holding regular meetings and ultimately taking action or making a report.

So far, Evers has not taken any action on the commission, which could be created by executive order. In other words, it does not need the support of the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff said to look for progress on this in the coming months.

In 2019, we rated this promise Stalled. 

But on Feb. 21, 2022, Evers signed an Executive Order creating the Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. 

"Wisconsin veterans often face unique hurdles when they return to civilian life. 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," Evers said in a news release. "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. This commission will have the intentional involvement of veterans and their families, so we can take their lived experiences and input to find action-forward solutions to help and support Wisconsin veterans." 

The rating is now changed to Promise Kept.