Russ Feingold: In the News

Washington, D.C. – Following today’s announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that a new Vet Center will be established in La Crosse County, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold released the following statement:

“Vet centers provide private, quality care that is essential to easing the transition for our veterans from active service to civilian life. By providing care to combat veterans from former combat veterans, these centers provide a unique service in helping veterans through a difficult transition. But for too long, veterans in Wisconsin, and in particular western Wisconsin, have had to travel long distances for this care. So I am very pleased the VA responded to our request for a Vet Center in western Wisconsin that will bring the care our veterans deserve closer to where they live. While we can never fully repay our veterans for their service and sacrifice, I will continue to do all I can to ensure they receive the care and services they have more than earned.”

In February 2009, Senator Feingold led an effort by the Wisconsin congressional delegation in support of establishing additional Vet Centers in western Wisconsin. Citing the fact that the veteran population in western Wisconsin remains one of the most underserved in the state, the delegation pointed out that establishing a Vet Center in western Wisconsin would provide access to care for tens of thousands of veterans and ensure that 82 percent of Wisconsin’s veterans are within an hour drive of these vital services. A copy of the letter is available here: http://feingold.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=308254.

In late 2007, Feingold led the push for the establishment of additional vet centers in Wisconsin. In July 2008, it was announced that one would be established in Brown County and that center is scheduled to hold its open house on Monday, August 24th. More information on Senator Feingold’s work in support of establishing the Brown County Vet Center is available here: http://feingold.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=305641.