45.353
45.353
Grants to veterans organizations. 45.353(1)(a)
(a) "Regional office" means the U.S. department of veterans affairs regional office in Wisconsin.
45.353(1)(b)
(b) "State veterans organization" means a state organization or department of a national veterans organization, which national organization is incorporated by an act of congress.
45.353(2)
(2) Upon application the department shall make a payment to any state veterans organization that establishes that it, or its national organization, or both, has maintained a full-time service office at the regional office for at least 5 of the 10 years preceding the date of application. The payment shall equal 25% of all salaries and travel expenses under
sub. (3) paid during the previous fiscal year by the state veterans organization to employees engaged in veterans claims service and stationed at the regional office, except that the sum paid to a state veterans organization annually shall not be less than either $2,500, or the amount of salaries and travel expenses paid by the state veterans organization to employees stationed at the regional office, whichever is less, nor more than $30,000.
45.353(3)
(3) Application by any such state veterans organization shall be filed annually with the department for the 12-month period commencing on April 1 and ending on March 31 of the year in which it is filed. An application shall contain a statement of salaries and travel expenses paid to employees engaged in veterans claims service maintained at the regional office by such state veterans organization covering the period for which application for a grant is made, which statement has been certified as correct by a certified public accountant licensed or certified under
ch. 442 and sworn to as correct by the adjutant or principal officer of the state veterans organization. The application shall also contain the state organization's financial statement for its last completed fiscal year and such evidence of claims service activity as the department requires. Sufficient evidence shall be submitted with an initial application to establish that the state veterans organization, or its national organization, or both, has maintained a full-time service office at the regional office without interruption throughout 5 years out of the 10-year period immediately preceding such application. Subsequent applications must be accompanied by an affidavit by the adjutant or principal officer of such state veterans organization stating that a full-time service office was maintained at the regional office by such state veterans organization, or by such state organization and its national organization, for the entire 12-month period for which application for a grant is made.
45.353(3m)
(3m) From the appropriation under
s. 20.485 (2) (s), the department shall annually provide a grant of $100,000 to the Wisconsin department of the Disabled American Veterans for the provision of transportation services to veterans.
45.353(4)
(4) The board may promulgate such rules as are necessary to administer this section.
45.353 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also ch.
VA 7, Wis. adm. code.
45.355
45.355
Biennial study of fiscal needs for veterans' housing. Biennially the joint committee on finance shall study and review the fiscal requirements for veterans' housing loans and the condition of the veterans trust fund and thereupon shall make report thereon to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the legislature under
s. 13.172 (2), with a view to recommending proper appropriations to adequately provide for such loans. All appropriations made by the legislature for veterans' housing loans pursuant to recommendations so made by the joint committee on finance shall be from the veterans trust fund or the general fund or both, as the needs may require.
45.355 History
History: 1981 c. 20;
1987 a. 186.
45.356
45.356
Veterans personal loans. 45.356(1)
(1) It is determined that the loan program established under this section is a special purpose credit program for an economically disadvantaged class of persons for the purposes of the federal equal credit opportunity act,
15 USC 1691-1691f.
45.356(2)
(2) The department may lend a veteran, a veteran's unremarried surviving spouse, or a deceased veteran's child not more than $25,000, or a lesser amount established by the department under
sub. (10). The department may prescribe loan conditions, but the term of the loan may not exceed 10 years. The department shall ensure that the proceeds of any loan made under this section shall first be applied to pay any delinquent child support or maintenance payments and then to pay any past support, medical expenses, or birth expenses.
45.356(3)
(3) The department may lend not more than $25,000, or a lesser amount established by the department under
sub. (10), to a veteran's remarried surviving spouse or to the parent of a deceased veteran's child for the education of a child.
45.356(3m)
(3m) To be eligible for a loan under this section, an applicant must be a resident of and living in this state on the date of the application.
45.356(4)
(4) The department may execute necessary instruments, collect interest and principal, compromise indebtedness, sue and be sued, post bonds and write off indebtedness that it considers uncollectible. If a loan under this section is secured by a real estate mortgage, the department may exercise the rights of owners and mortgagees generally and the rights and powers set forth in
s. 45.72. The department shall pay all interest and principal repaid on the loan into the veterans trust fund.
45.356(5)
(5) The department may charge loan expenses incurred under this section to a loan applicant. The department shall pay all expenses received under this subsection into the veterans trust fund.
45.356(6)
(6) The department may provide a loan under this section to an applicant whose name appears on the statewide support lien docket under
s. 49.854 (2) (b) only if the applicant does one of the following:
45.356(6)(a)
(a) Provides to the department a repayment agreement that the applicant has entered into, that has been accepted by the county child support agency under
s. 59.53 (5) and that has been kept current for the 6-month period immediately preceding the date of the application.
45.356(6)(b)
(b) Provides to the department a statement that the applicant is not delinquent in child support or maintenance payments and does not owe past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, signed by the department of workforce development or its designee within 7 working days before the date of the application.
45.356(6)(c)
(c) Agrees to use the loan proceeds to pay any delinquent child support or maintenance payments and to pay any past support, medical expenses or birth expenses if the applicant fails to meet the requirements under
par. (a) or
(b).
45.356(7)
(7) The department shall promulgate rules for the distribution of loans under this section that include all of the following:
45.356(7)(c)
(c) Other provisions that the department determines are necessary to ensure efficient administration of this section.
45.356(8)
(8) No person may receive a loan under this section in an amount that, when added to the balance outstanding on the person's existing loans under s.
45.351 (2), 1995 stats., and s.
45.356, 1995 stats., would result in a total indebtedness to the department of more than $25,000.
45.356(9)(a)(a) The department may borrow from the veterans mortgage loan repayment fund under
s. 45.79 (7) (a) to obtain money to make loans under this section.
45.356(9)(b)
(b) The department may enter into transactions with the state investment board to obtain money to make loans under this section. Transactions authorized under this paragraph may include the sale of loans.
45.356(10)
(10) Subject to the limit established in
subs. (2) and
(3), the department may periodically adjust the maximum loan amount based upon financial market conditions, funds available, needs of the veterans trust funds, or other factors that the department considers relevant.
45.356(11)
(11) The department may periodically adjust the interest rates for loans made under this section, which may vary based upon the term of the loan, the type of security offered, the method of payment, or other factors that the department considers relevant.
45.356(12)
(12) Each loan made under this section, except a loan of $5,000 or less made to an applicant whose total indebtedness for loans made under this section is $5,000 or less, shall be evidenced by a promissory note and secured by a mortgage on real estate located in this state. A loan of $5,000 or less made to an applicant whose total indebtedness for loans made under this section is $5,000 or less shall be evidenced by a promissory note and secured by a guarantor or by a mortgage on real estate located in this state. A mortgage securing a loan made under this section is acceptable if the applicant has equity in the property subject to the mortgage equal to or exceeding a minimum amount that the department establishes by rule.
45.356 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also ch.
VA 12 and s.
VA 1.19, Wis. adm. code.
45.357
45.357
Veterans assistance program. 45.357(1)
(1) The department shall administer a program to provide assistance to persons who served in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces and who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The department shall provide assistance to persons whose need for services is based upon homelessness, incarceration, or other circumstances designated by the department by rule. The department shall designate the assistance available under this section, which may include assistance in receiving medical care, dental care, education, employment, and transitional housing. The department may provide grants to facilitate the provision of services under this section.
45.357(2)
(2) The department may charge fees for transitional housing and for such other assistance that is provided under this section as the department designates. The department shall promulgate rules establishing the fee schedule and the manner of implementation of that schedule.
45.357 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also ch.
VA 13, Wis. adm. code.
45.358
45.358
Wisconsin veterans cemeteries. 45.358(1)(a)
(a) "Dependent child" means any natural or adoptive child under 18 years of age, or under the age of 26 if in full attendance at a recognized school of instruction, or of any age if the child is unmarried and incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical disability.
45.358(1)(b)
(b) "Veteran" means a person who has served on active duty, except service on active duty for training purposes, in the U.S. armed forces.
45.358(2)
(2) Construction and operation of cemeteries. Subject to authorization under
ss. 13.48 (10) and
20.924 (1), the department may construct and operate veterans cemeteries in northwestern and southeastern Wisconsin and may employ any personnel that are necessary for the proper management of the cemeteries. The cemetery in southeastern Wisconsin is the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery in northwestern Wisconsin is the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The department may acquire, by gift, purchase, or condemnation, lands necessary for the purposes of the cemeteries. Title to the properties shall be taken in the name of this state. Every deed of conveyance shall be immediately recorded in the office of the proper register of deeds and thereafter filed with the secretary of state. All cemeteries operated by the department are exempt from the requirements of
ss. 157.061 to
157.70 and
440.90 to
440.95.
45.358(3)
(3) Eligibility. The following persons are eligible for burial at a cemetery constructed and operated under
sub. (2) or
s. 45.37 (15):
45.358(3)(a)
(a) A veteran who died while on active duty or who was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions and who was a resident of this state at the time of his or her entry or reentry into active service and his or her dependent children and surviving spouse.
45.358(3)(b)
(b) A veteran who was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions and who was a resident of this state at the time of his or her death and his or her dependent children and surviving spouse.
45.358(3)(c)
(c) The spouse or dependent child of a veteran who is serving on active duty at the time of the spouse's or dependent child's death if the veteran was a resident of this state at the time of the veteran's entry or reentry into active service.
45.358(3)(d)
(d) The spouse or dependent child of a veteran if the veteran was a resident of this state at the time of his or her entry or reentry into active service and was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions.
45.358(3)(e)
(e) The spouse or dependent child of a veteran who was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions if the veteran and spouse or dependent child were residents of this state at the time of the spouse's or dependent child's death.
45.358(3)(f)
(f) A person who was a resident of this state at the time of his or her entry or reentry into service in any national guard or in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces or who was a resident of this state for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding his or her death, and the person's spouse, surviving spouse and dependent children, if the person is eligible for burial in a national cemetery under
38 USC 2402.
45.358(3)(g)
(g) A veteran who was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions and who was a resident of the state for at least 12 consecutive months after entering or reentering service on active duty.
45.358(3m)
(3m) Fees. The department may charge a fee for burials under this section and may promulgate rules for the assessment of the fee.
45.358(4)
(4) Gifts, grants, and bequests. The department may accept for the state all gifts, grants, and bequests for the purposes of maintenance, restoration, preservation, and rehabilitation of the veterans cemeteries constructed under
sub. (2).
45.358 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also ch.
VA 14, Wis. adm. code.
45.36
45.36
Release of information and records by the department and by county veterans' service offices. 45.36(1)(1)
Definitions. In this section:
45.36(1)(b)
(b) "Duly authorized representative" means any person authorized in writing by the veteran to act for the veteran, or a legally constituted representative if the veteran is incompetent or deceased. Where for proper reason no representative has been or will be appointed, the veteran's spouse, an adult child, or, if the veteran is unmarried, either parent shall be recognized as the duly authorized representative.
45.36(1)(c)
(c) "Service office" means a county veterans' service office.
45.36 Cross-reference
Cross Reference: See also s.
VA 1.10, Wis. adm. code.
45.36(2)
(2) Separation documents. Separation documents and copies thereof evidencing service in the armed forces of the U.S. are confidential and privileged. Examination of such records in the possession of the department or service office will be limited to authorized employees of the department or service office and information entered thereon will be disclosed only to veterans and their duly authorized representatives or to interested governmental agencies for the purpose of assisting veterans and their dependents to obtain the rights and benefits to which they may be entitled.
45.36(3)
(3) U.S. department of veterans affairs records. Records and papers in the possession of the department or service office which are released to the department or service office by or from the U.S. department of veterans affairs or which contain information provided by the U.S. department of veterans affairs are confidential. Release of information from such records or papers may be made only pursuant to regulations of the U.S. department of veterans affairs.
45.36(4)
(4) Investigation. All reports of investigation made by employees of the department or at the direction of the department for official departmental purposes are only for the use of the secretary and staff. Materials and information which disclose the investigative techniques of the department or the identity of confidential informants and material received in confidence by representatives of the department may not be released.
45.36(4m)
(4m) Vital records. The service office may obtain a copy of a vital record under
s. 69.30 (2) and may transmit the copy to the department or to the U.S. department of veterans affairs to assist a veteran or his or her dependent in obtaining a benefit to which he or she may be entitled.
45.36(5)
(5) Disclosure of monetary benefits. The department shall disclose, to any person who requests, the amount of any grant or loan made by the department to any applicant. A person seeking such information shall be required to sign a statement setting forth the person's name, address and the reason for making the request and certifying that the person will not use the information obtained for commercial or political purposes.
45.36(5m)
(5m) Disclosure of loan status information. The department may disclose to a consumer reporting agency, as defined in
15 USC 1681a (f), the current repayment status of, the balances due on, and other relevant information pertaining to department loans that is readily accessible from current department computer tapes on any loans on which balances are due and owing the department. The department may charge consumer reporting agencies requesting these computer tapes an amount sufficient to cover all the costs of preparation and delivery of the tapes.
45.36(6)
(6) Disclosure of other information. Except as provided in
subs. (2) to
(5), all files, records, reports, papers, and documents pertaining to applications for benefits from the department, and information contained therein, shall be released by the department or service office only pursuant to rules of the department. The rules must provide for the furnishing of information required under
sub. (5m) and for official purposes by any agency of the U.S. government, by any agency of this state, by any law enforcement or public welfare agency of any Wisconsin county, or by members of the state senate and assembly. The rules will otherwise provide for release of personal information pertaining to or contained in any application for benefits, whether pending or adjudicated, only when authorized in writing by the applicants or when necessary to assist applicants in securing veterans benefits that the applicants may be entitled to or when necessary for the efficient management of loans made by the department.
45.365
45.365
Wisconsin Veterans Home at King and southeastern facility; management. 45.365(1)(a)3.
3. "Southeastern facility" means any of the residential, treatment or nursing care facilities operated by the department in southeastern Wisconsin under
s. 45.385.
45.365(1)(am)
(am) The department shall operate the home, and employ a commandant and the officers, nurses, attendants, and other personnel necessary for the proper conduct of the home. The department may employ a commandant for the southeastern facility. In compliance with the compensation plan established pursuant to
s. 230.12 (3), a commandant may recommend to the director of personnel charges for meals, living quarters, laundry, and other services furnished to employees and members of the employees' family maintained at the home and the southeastern facility. Complete personal maintenance and medical care to include programs and facilities that promote comfort, recreation, well-being, or rehabilitation shall be furnished to all members of the home under the policy of the department.
45.365(1)(b)
(b) All money received in reimbursement for services to home or southeastern facility employees under
par. (a) or in payment for meals served to guests at the home or southeastern facility shall be accumulated in an account named "employee maintenance credits" and shall be paid into the general fund within one week after receipt and credited to the appropriation under
s. 20.485 (1) (gk).
45.365(1)(d)
(d) The home and southeastern facility shall include a geriatric evaluation, research and education program. The program staff shall be funded from the appropriations under
s. 20.485 (1) (hm),
(j) and
(mj).
45.365(2)
(2) The department may acquire, by gift, purchase or condemnation, lands necessary for the purposes of the home. Title thereto shall be taken in the name of this state and shall be held by and for the uses and purposes of said home so long as used for the present objects and purposes thereof. No payment shall be made out of the state treasury or otherwise for any such land until the title has been examined and approved by the attorney general. Every such deed of conveyance shall be immediately recorded in the office of the proper register of deeds and thereafter filed with the secretary of state.
45.365(2a)
(2a) The department may use moneys appropriated pursuant to
s. 20.485 (1) (h) to purchase, erect, construct or remodel buildings, and to provide additions and improvements thereto, and to provide equipment therefor and to provide materials, supplies and services necessary for the purposes of the home and southeastern facilities, and for such expenses as may be necessary and incidental to acquisition of property pursuant to
s. 45.37 (10) and
(11).
45.365(2b)
(2b) The department may accept gifts, bequests, grants or donations of money or of property from private sources to be administered by the department for the purposes of the home and southeastern facility. All moneys so received shall be paid into the general fund and are appropriated therefrom as provided in
s. 20.485 (1) (h), except that gifts or grants received specifically for the purposes of the geriatric program at the home and southeastern facility are appropriated as provided in
s. 20.485 (1) (hm). The department shall not apply to the gifts and bequests fund interest on certificate of savings deposits for those members who do not receive maximum monthly retained income. The department shall establish for such persons upon their request individual accounts with savings and interest applied pursuant to such member requests.
45.365(2m)(a)(a) The department may enter into agreements for furnishing and charging for water and sewer service from facilities constructed at and for the home to public and private properties lying in the immediate vicinity of the home.
45.365(2m)(b)
(b) Agreements under this section shall be drafted to hold harmless the department, to require all expense thereof to be paid by the applicant, and to be terminable by the department when other water and sewer services become available to the applicant.
45.365(3)
(3) A commandant and employees designated by the commandant may summarily arrest all persons within or upon the grounds of the home or southeastern facility who are guilty of any offense against the laws of this state or the rules and regulations governing the home or southeastern facility. For this purpose, a commandant and deputies have the power of constables.
45.365(5)
(5) The fire department at the home or southeastern facility in response to emergency fire calls may make runs and render fire fighting service beyond the confines of the home or southeastern facility.
45.365(6)
(6) The home and the nursing care facility within the southeastern facility are subject to
ch. 150,.
45.365(7)
(7) The department may develop a program to provide stipends to individuals to attend school and receive the necessary credentials to become employed at the home or the southeastern facility. If the department does develop a stipend program under this subsection, the department shall promulgate administrative rules related to the program, including the application process, eligibility criteria, stipend amount, repayment provisions, and other provisions that the department determines are necessary to administer the program.
