Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB26

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/13/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The bill creates a designated appropriation for the MIA Recovery Project, allowing for ongoing financial support for missions that serve a significant purpose in identifying and recovering veterans who are missing. This initiative not only provides needed funds but also formally recognizes the role of the University of Wisconsin in aiding this cause, thereby fostering closer ties between academic institutions and veteran affairs.

Summary

Assembly Bill 26 pertains to the University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project (MIA Recovery Project), which aims to allocate funding for missions to recover and identify Wisconsin veterans who are missing in action. Under this bill, the MIA Recovery Project can request $180,000 from the Joint Committee on Finance (JCF) for each fiscal year of the 2023-25 biennium to support such missions. The funding requests must be accompanied by a research prospectus and a detailed spending plan.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on veterans, it may also be subject to scrutiny regarding the effectiveness and actual needs of the missions funded by this appropriation. Questions may arise about accountability measures, particularly how the funds are expended and what outcomes are achieved. The approval process for funding is designed to include various legislative bodies, ensuring that multiple channels provide oversight over financial dispersal. Additionally, the requirement for detailed reporting may mitigate concerns by establishing transparency regarding funding usage.