The Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity commission was announced during Governor Tony Evers 2022 State of the State address and created in the days following by Executive Order #157. The commission was charged with developing comprehensive, long-term efforts to support Wisconsin's more than 300,000 veterans and address challenges they may face, including increased risk for economic and housing insecurity, mental and behavioral health needs, and substance use disorders, among other challenges, which is essential for ensuring the well-being of the state's veterans and supporting their success and opportunity.
This commission used 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 presented a final report of recommendations to the governor’s office for potential inclusion in the governor’s forthcoming 2023-25 biennial budget proposal. The final meeting of the commission was August 31, 2022.
Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity Final Report