Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

passed both · Wisconsin · Assembly Sep 9, 2025

AJR 48: Relating to: commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War.

AJR 48 is a ceremonial resolution designating May 14 annually as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. It honors Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, particularly those recruited by the CIA and U.S. military, and recognizes their post-war displacement and resettlement in Wisconsin. The resolution builds on 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, which already established May 14 as a day to thank these veterans, and encourages schools to include their service in Vietnam War education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy changes and serves solely to recognize their contributions.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors Hmong-Lao veterans' service in Vietnam War, recognizes contributions and post-war resettlement, aligning with veteran recognition indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 254: Relating to: funding for the War Memorial Center and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 254 creates a $9 million annual appropriation to fund war memorials in populous counties. Memorial boards must provide at least 50% matching funds to request support for operations, maintenance, construction, or improvements of memorial facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs reviews requests within 60 days and disburses approved funds within 30 days. Boards must submit annual reports detailing fund usage to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates $9M annual appropriation for war memorial funding, directly increasing state budget allocation for a specific program.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds war memorials for veteran recognition, directly advancing service acknowledgment per bill's $9M annual appropriation for memorial operations and maintenance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Memorials & Recognition

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 542: Relating to: special registration plates for persons awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. (FE)

SB 542 creates a new special vehicle registration plate category for individuals awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, adding it to existing plate designations under statute 341.14(6r)(f)19g. The bill establishes a $15 fee for these plates, with excess funds above $23,700 (or production costs) directed to the Veterans Trust Fund. It specifies that these plates must display the required design elements and wording under existing statute rules for special group plates, without altering current plate design standards or other categories. This is a procedural change to expand eligible special plates for veterans, not a substantive policy shift.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $15 plate fee with excess funds directed to Veterans Trust Fund, funding a public service program under fiscal management.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates special plate for GWOT medal recipients and directs excess fees to Veterans Trust Fund, advancing recognition and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 250: Relating to: funding for the War Memorial Center and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 250 allocates $9 million annually from the Veterans Affairs budget to fund war memorials in populous counties. Memorial boards must provide a full matching contribution to request funds, which can cover operations, maintenance, construction, or facility improvements. Boards must report annually to the legislature on fund usage and remaining balances. The bill creates a formal process for memorial boards to access state funding while requiring transparency in how funds are spent.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $9M from VA budget for memorials with transparency requirements, an explicit budget appropriation under fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllocates $9M from Veterans Affairs budget for war memorials, directly recognizing veteran service through state funding95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 70: Relating to: proclaiming June 12, 2025, as Women Veterans Day.

SJR 70 is a ceremonial resolution designating June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Day" in Wisconsin. It directly recognizes Wisconsin's over 29,000 women veterans, who currently make up about 10% of the state's veteran population. The resolution commemorates the anniversary of President Truman signing the Women's Armed Services Integration Act (June 12, 1948) and acknowledges women veterans' service and unique challenges like higher rates of PTSD and unemployment. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new programs or alter existing laws - it simply urges the state legislature to formally honor women veterans on this date.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates Women Veterans Day to recognize service and challenges of women veterans, directly aligning with 'recognizes veteran service' indicator for support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 617: Relating to: the establishment of November 11 as a day on which the offices of the agencies of state government are closed. (FE)

SB 617 designates November 11 (Veterans Day) as an official state holiday when offices of Wisconsin state government must close. It adds November 11 to the list of required closing days in state statute (230.35(4)(a)5m) and amends existing provisions to include Veterans Day as a paid holiday for state employees. The bill specifies that all state employees (except limited-term hires) will receive 9-10 paid holidays annually, with Veterans Day now counting toward that total. This change takes effect January 1 following publication, aligning Wisconsin state government operations with Veterans Day observance.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Veterans Day as a paid state holiday, directly recognizing veteran service through official recognition and employee benefits per bill's purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 101: Relating to: declaring November as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

SJR 101 is a symbolic resolution declaring November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It highlights Wisconsin's veteran suicide statistics (134 deaths in 2023, accounting for 15% of state adult suicides) and aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges veterans face during civilian transitions. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but encourages the state to recognize veterans' service and promote existing resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by drawing attention to their mental health needs through official state recognition.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDeclares November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health Awareness Month to highlight suicide statistics and promote existing resources, advancing recognition of veterans' mental health needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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