Contact: Anne Lupardus, Deputy Press Secretary 608-260-2422
Wisconsin Veterans Stand with Governor Doyle
Praise Governor’s Accomplishments for Wisconsin Veterans, Men and Women in Uniform
MADISON – Hundreds of veterans from across Wisconsin, who have honorably served our nation in every war from World War II to Iraq, announced their endorsement of Governor Jim Doyle today for reelection. “Veterans for Doyle” lauded the Governor for his record of service to Wisconsin veterans and praised his record of accomplishments on behalf of the men and women in uniform.
“As the proud son of a World War II veteran, I am honored and humbled to have the endorsement of so many veterans from across the state,” Governor Doyle said. “Wisconsin And we owe them an incredible debt of gratitude.” veterans have sacrificed on behalf of all of us.
In the last four years, Governor Doyle has been a champion for Wisconsin veterans – cutting their taxes, signing legislation to protect the dignity of families mourning the loss of a soldier, and provided tuition free education for veterans, and surviving spouses and children of those brave men and women who are killed in the line of duty.
Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos said the Governor’s 2005–07 budget had “the most major changes for veterans in Wisconsin since the GI Bill of 1946." [Source: Capital Times, November 11, 2005, State Adds to Benefits for Veterans]
Wisconsin Veterans on Governor Doyle’s Leadership:
“It’s about doing the right thing – and Governor Doyle has done the right thing time and again during the last four years by taking a prominent leadership role and working across party lines to ensure that our Wisconsin veterans are properly honored for their service and sacrifice.”
– John Moses, a World War II veteran from Madison and former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs from 1962–1983.
“I have always appreciated the priority Governor Doyle places on health care. But when it comes to veterans’ health care in Wisconsin, the Governor has gone the extra mile.”
– Scott Berger, a Persian Gulf War veteran from Schofield
“I salute Governor Doyle for his leadership in banning appalling protests at military funerals. He has ensured that our military families and our communities have a peaceful place to grieve for the fallen – and for that we are all grateful.”
– Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman (AUS, Ret), a Korean War veteran from Milwaukee and former Commanding General of Milwaukee’s former 84th Division
“Governor Doyle understands that providing free education to veterans is more than just another benefit, it’s an investment in the future of Wisconsin.”
– Mike “Gunner” Furgal, a Vietnam War veteran from Monroe
“Wisconsin once had the unfortunate distinction of being one of only two states in the country that did not provide some property tax relief to veterans. Governor Doyle changed that by creating our state’s first veterans property tax relief for veterans. He has done so much to invest in Wisconsin veterans.”
– Keith Kreul, a Korean War veteran from Fennimore
Governor Doyle has fought hard for Wisconsin veterans and their families:
When shameful protesters disrupted funerals for Wisconsin soldiers who died in the line of duty, Governor Doyle signed legislation banning protests near military funerals, protecting the families who are in mourning. Wisconsin was one of the first states in the nation to enact such legislation. [Source: 2005 Wisconsin Act 114]
Governor Doyle signed legislation to provide qualified veterans, as well as surviving spouses and children of those killed in the line of duty, will have the chance to get an education, tuition-free, at one of Wisconsin’s great universities or technical colleges. [Source: 2005 Wisconsin Act 468]
Governor Doyle signed into law a refundable property tax credit to elderly disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. [Source: 2005 Wisconsin Act 25]
Governor Doyle has worked to improve access to health care for veterans and promote home ownership as well – authorizing the issuance of $61 million in bonds under the state’s Veterans Home Loan Program and expanding eligibility for the Veterans Health Care Aid Grant and Subsistence Grant Programs to help families of activated or deployed military personnel. [Source: DOA Press Release, July 13, 2006; 2005 Wisconsin Act 25]
Governor Doyle has fought for more resources for Union Grove and King veterans homes – adding 118 new positions to provide better quality care for Wisconsin veterans and building a new facility at Union Grove. [Source: 2005 Wisconsin Act 25]
§ Governor Doyle has ensured fair treatment for our soldiers when they are serving overseas – guaranteeing that state employees called to active duty will receive differential pay to offset lower military pay; preventing courts from using a parent’s active military duty against them with regard to custody agreements; and allowing members of the military called to active duty to cancel cell phone contracts without incurring penalties or extra fees. [Source: [2003 Wisconsin Act 162, 2005 Wisconsin Act 469; 2005 Wisconsin Act 471; and 2005 Wisconsin Act 473
While others pay lip service to the issues veterans care about, Governor Doyle has delivered for Wisconsin veterans. Congressman Mark Green’s actions in Washington show he is not the friend of veterans he claims to be:
Green voted to provide $228 billion in tax cuts over five years, while cutting veterans medical care at the same time. [Source: HCR376, Vote 158, 5/18/06]
Green voted against a budget proposal that would have provided $8.6 billion more over the next five years for veterans’ health care. [Source: HCR 376, Vote 157, 5/18/06]
Green voted against expanding access to health insurance for reservists and National Guard members. [Source: HR 1815, Vote 221, 5/25/05]
Green voted against additional job assistance to veterans returning from overseas. [Source: HR 27, Vote 47, 3/2/05; Statements of Reps. Kildee and Herseth, 109th Congressional Record, pg. H915, 3/2/05]
On top of his votes against veterans, Green has missed several important votes for veterans in Washington so he could shake down campaign donors in Wisconsin, including:
A measure to prohibit demonstrations at military funerals. [Source: HR 5037, Vote 129, 5/9/06]
A measure to improve retirement benefits for veterans. [Source: HRes803, Vote 128, 5/9/06]
A measure to expand veterans’ benefits, including job training, home loans, and life insurance. [Source: S1235, Vote 177, 5/22/06]
