Group of state lawmakers want Wisconsin to save two homeless Veterans programs that lost federal funding

A group of democrats issuing a letter to the Joint Finance Committee is Madison, urging Wisconsin to step in and save two homeless Veterans programs, including Union Grove's Cottage 16.

It is yet another development CBS 58 News is following since first reporting a cut in federal funding that will result in the closing of the facilities.

The group, which includes Milwaukee Senator Lena Taylor, says funding for Veterans takes precedence over expanding school vouchers or tax exemptions and that since the state budget isn't finalized, now is the time to act. 

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is stepping in after federal funding cuts to two Wisconsin homeless programs for Veterans, including Cottage 16 in Union Grove.

"Both Union Grove and King are excellent facilities," Congressman Ryan said Monday during a visit to Milwaukee."We were a little surprised by this. That's why I asked Secretary Shulkin for some answers and we're trying to get to the bottom of that."

David Shulkin is the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs who was nominated by President Donald Trump and unanimously confirmed.

The grant committee will only say that Wisconsin's applications didn't score high.

That's according to Wisconsin Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dan Zimmerman who spoke with CBS 58 News on Friday, revealing that is asking the federal government to restore funding.

Zimmerman said an identical application was accepted for the Homeless Veterans program in Chippewa Falls.

With this up in the air, no new Veterans are being accepted at Cottage 16 and the ones who remain are being transitioned to other programs.

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is leading the charge for the public to make some noise with their local lawmakers.

To see earlier reports click here