Veterans (Memorials & Recognition) in Wisconsin

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 777: Relating to: Veterans Benefits Education Week.

AB 777 designates the week containing November 11 (Veterans Day) as "Veterans Benefits Education Week" each year. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation highlighting veterans' entitlements during this week. This procedural measure directly informs veterans about available benefits and establishes an annual observance, with no changes to actual benefit programs. (AB 777, introduced December 17, 2025)

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 718: Relating to: free state park admission for veterans and gold star families. (FE)

SB 718 would provide free admission to Wisconsin state parks for veterans and gold star families. Specifically, it allows free entry for vehicles (excluding motor buses) occupied by individuals who can verify their status as a veteran (per federal law) or as a family member of a service member who died in action (a "gold star" family). The bill creates a new statute requiring parks to honor this exemption upon presentation of valid proof. It directly affects veterans, their families, and state park operations by adding this specific access benefit. The policy change is limited to admission fees, not other park services or costs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 717: Relating to: Veterans Benefits Education Week.

SB 717 designates the week of November containing November 11 (Veterans Day) as "Veterans Benefits Education Week" in state law. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation during this week highlighting veterans' entitled benefits. It directly affects veterans by providing a dedicated period to learn about available benefits through state-led awareness efforts. The measure creates no new benefits or programs, only establishing a recurring observance to improve information access for veterans.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 744: Relating to: free state park admission for veterans and gold star families. (FE)

AB 744 would provide free vehicle access to Wisconsin state parks for veterans and gold star families. The bill creates a new statute allowing any vehicle (excluding motor buses) occupied by a veteran - verified using the federal definition in 38 USC 101 - or a family member meeting gold star lapel button criteria (per 10 USC 1126) to enter parks without paying admission fees. It directly affects eligible veterans and surviving family members of service members who died in combat. The policy change removes a fee requirement for these groups when entering parks by private vehicle, with proof of eligibility required at the park entrance. The bill is currently in committee review after its December 2025 introduction.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 720: Relating to: veterans cemetery caretaker positions and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 720 increases funding to hire three additional full-time caretaker positions at the state's three veterans cemeteries. The bill allocates $131,800 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $170,800 for fiscal year 2026-27 under the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. These positions will directly support the maintenance and care of veterans cemeteries, addressing staffing needs for cemetery operations. The measure makes a concrete budget adjustment without altering eligibility or benefits for veterans.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 107: Relating to: declaring November as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

AJR 107 is a symbolic joint resolution designating November 2025 as "Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by raising public awareness of their elevated mental health challenges and suicide rates, citing that 134 veterans died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2023 (15% of all adult suicides despite veterans comprising only 5% of the adult population). The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight existing resources like the Wisconsin Veterans Crisis Line and honor veterans' service. It was introduced by multiple legislators and cosponsored by numerous senators, reflecting legislative recognition of veteran mental health as a priority.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 521: Relating to: highway signs for the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial. (FE)

SB 521 requires the state transportation department to install and maintain two directional highway signs along both eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 18 for the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial. The bill creates a new statute (86.19(1g)(i)) mandating this signage to improve navigation to the memorial site. This procedural bill directly affects the department's highway signage responsibilities but does not alter memorial funding, design, or public access. It has no fiscal impact beyond standard maintenance costs.

Topics ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 89: Relating to: honoring Wisconsin’s Hispanic veterans.

AJR 89 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, directly affecting approximately 8,500 Hispanic veterans residing in Wisconsin. The resolution recognizes their service in U.S. military conflicts from the Civil War through recent wars, noting they represent 18.4% of the armed forces and include 61 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. It formally resolves that the Wisconsin Legislature "recognize and honor the bravery and sacrifice" of Hispanic veterans during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). This resolution has no funding, policy changes, or enforcement mechanisms - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 55: Relating to: recognizing the United States Army’s 250th birthday.

SJR 55 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It symbolically honors the Army's history of service, sacrifice, and dedication since its founding in 1775, with specific emphasis on Wisconsin's connections - including over 10,000 Army personnel stationed in the state, 100,000 veterans, and Fort McCoy's $1.4 billion economic impact. The resolution has no binding policy changes or financial obligations; it serves only as a formal statement of appreciation from the Wisconsin Legislature. It does not directly affect any individuals or programs, as ceremonial resolutions like this typically express support without altering laws or funding.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 67: Relating to: honoring Anna Mae Robertson for her extraordinary achievements and service to our nation.

SJR 67 is a resolution honoring Anna Mae Robertson, a Milwaukee resident and member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (the "Six Triple Eight") during World War II. It recognizes her service in clearing a 17-million-piece mail backlog in England in 1945, her post-war work as a nurse's aide in Milwaukee, and her legacy as one of the last surviving members of the all-Black, all-female battalion. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions, extends condolences to her family following her death at age 101, and commemorates her recognition with service medals and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2025.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

All veterans bills