Veterans Appear at Peril in Scott Walker's Budget

Tim Russell, Scott Walker and Brian Pierick
"Don't think for a minute that Walkergate
or its effect will end ... ."

The Wisconsin political world knows Scott Walker doesn't think too likely of veterans, treating them as props from whom his political cronies can embezzle $10,000s. (Bice, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

But Walker's budget coming out of the Joint Finance Committee has Walker apparently aiming at "needy veterans programs."

Budget Item 40 reads:

Veterans Affairs - Assistance for Needy Veterans Program Eligibility. Delete all provisions in the bill relating to changes in eligibility for benefits under the assistance for needy veterans program, as the administration indicates that the provision, with the modification adopted by the [Joint Finance] Committee at the request of the administration, is unnecessary to accomplish the Department's intent. [via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel graphic from July 4, page one editorial]

Vague but Scott Walker's record with veterans is terrible, hence this is concerning.

As for Item 41 below, readers' guess is as good as mine.

With Walker's tendency to play games with veterans and other peoples' lives, Walker may swoop in with a partial veto, have a flack send out a PR, and declare himself champion of veterans.

Nothing in Joint Finance Committee Motion 999 is there without Scott Walker's consent and awareness.

Stay tuned.

What is Scott Walker up to now with veterans?