Governor Evers Signs Executive Order Creating
Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity
MILWAUKEE, WIS. – The Veterans Business Outreach Centers at Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (VBOC@WWBIC) announces that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed an executive order creating a Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. Evers signed Executive Order #157 on February 21st at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls. The order comes on the heels of Evers’ announcement of the planned commission during his State of the State address earlier in February.
“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,” said Evers. “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.”
Wisconsin is home to more than 300,000 veterans, who often face unique emotional and physical health challenges after completing their service. Veterans are also at increased risk for economic and housing insecurity, mental and behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorders, among other challenges. The commission will be charged with developing comprehensive, long-term efforts to support Wisconsin’s veterans and address these challenges, which is essential for ensuring the well-being of our veterans and ensuring their success and opportunity.
“This is monumental – the full support of our state government allows us to truly leave no man or woman behind,” said Dan Newberry, VBOC@WWBIC Co-Director. “The state of Wisconsin is a pioneer in serving the veteran community. Helping veterans become business owners not only helps veterans, but helps strengthen communities as well.”
This commission will use a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to identify gaps in existing services, opportunities for robust investment, areas for additional collaboration with federal and private partners, and obstacles to receiving services and program benefits designed for veterans, while reducing barriers to higher education, job training, employment, healthcare, and affordable housing, among other key areas.
Under Executive Order #157, the commission will make recommendations to Governor Evers later this year to potentially be included in the forthcoming 2023-25 biennial budget proposal.
