Time to do something about veterans’ issues

State auditors question King vet home

A Veterans Day in Wisconsin when veterans affairs are under a high level of scrutiny.

This comes after a whistletblower earlier this year sounded alarms about abuse and neglect at the state’s veterans home in King.

Onalaska state rep., Steve Doyle believes we should be paying a lot more attention to veterans’ issues.

“If somebody is willing to put their life on the line, we should, at least, treat them decently when they get back from service,” Doyle said.

Especially after those allegations of inadequate care at the state veterans home in King. Lawmakers have a role in fixing that, says Doyle.

“The legislature needs to continue to put pressure on the government, because the executive branch is what controls the operation of king,” Doyle said. “We certainly serve that oversight role too make sure that if there’s problems, they’re identified and being rectified.”

State auditors have begun questioning employees at the state veterans home after a whistleblower came through with claims of abuse and neglect at the home.  

“Things are moving in the right direction at this point, thanks to the publicity and persistence of a number of people,” Doyle said. “Our job right now is to monitor that and make sure that continues.”