Representative Jagler introduces legislation to honor Veterans Day

Madison: This week Representative Jagler (R-Watertown) introduced for co-sponsorship a bill that would make Veterans Day a state holiday. Wisconsin is the only state that does not recognize November 11th as a state holiday. Currently, Veterans Day is recognized as a floating holiday, which state employees can schedule at any time.

“Our veterans didn’t have the ability to choose their service when it was convenient for them” Rep Jagler said. “My hope is that because, like the rest of the nation, we will mark this holiday on November 11th more people will choose to take part in the many Veterans Day events throughout the state.”

“The RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research has found that 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Our veterans sacrifice not only their physical comfort, but their mental health in order to serve our country. It is time we created a day to honor their service” said Rep. Jagler.

The idea for the bill was proposed by local area veterans. Senator Roger Roth (R-Appleton) is the bill’s co-author and will be introducing the Senate companion to the bill. The bill is accepting co-sponsors until March 8th, 2017 and then will be formally introduced.