Comparison with rules in adjacent states:
Illinois: Does not have existing administrative rules pertaining to grant funds available for a veterans transition program.
Iowa: Does not have existing administrative rules pertaining to grant funds available for a veterans transition program.
Michigan: Does not have existing administrative rules pertaining to grant funds available for a veterans transition program.
Minnesota: Does not have existing administrative rules pertaining to grant funds available for a veterans transition program.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies:
The Department deems it necessary to amend current rule language in order to assist veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. The existing policies relevant to the proposed rules are administered under the current entrepreneurship grant program in s. VA 2.08 (5) and limits award of grants to organizations that provide “entrepreneurship training, technical or business assistance, financial assistance, or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs to improve employment outcomes.” The rule will expand these policies for the implementation and administration of the veterans transition grant program to meet the statutory charge and limitation “to improve employment outcomes for veterans in this state.” Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis:
The rule will be posted to solicit economic impact comments.
Fiscal Estimate:
The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.
Effect on small business:
These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Stats. Agency contact person:
Mindy Allen, Department of Veterans Affairs
Place and deadline for submission of comments:
Comments may be submitted to the contact information listed above no later than the date of the public hearing. The date, time, and place of the public hearing will be published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register.
TEXT OF RULE
section 1.
VA 2.08 (3) (c), (km), (mm), (p), (q), and (r), and (6) are created to read: VA 2.08 (3) (c) “CIC” means Community Integration Coordinator. A “CIC” is a Wisconsin nonprofit organization that supports the coordination of peer sponsors that are paired with transitioning service members and veterans to facilitate community integration throughout Wisconsin.
(km) “HAP” means the VHA National Center of Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships.
(mm) “Transitioning servicemember” means a veteran who has separated from active military, naval, or air service in the U.S. armed forces to return to life as a civilian, and meets any of the following criteria:
1. The veteran's date of discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service is not more than 2 years prior to the date on which the grant was awarded to the nonprofit organization.
2. The veteran is actively enrolled in an accredited continuing education program.
3. The veteran has been approved by the department to receive services from the program.
(p) “VHA” means the USDVA Veterans Healthcare Administration.
(q) “VISN” means the Veterans Integrated Service Network.
(r) “VSPN” means the Veteran Sponsor Partnership Network.
(6) Veterans transition program grant. (a) Purpose. The veterans transition program will partner with the VHA regional offices to form partnerships with community organizations to help transitioning servicemembers and their families access federal and state veterans services and state community resources to improve employment outcomes.
(b) Eligibility criteria. A CIC is eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the organization meets all of the following conditions:
1.
It is a Wisconsin nonprofit organization. 2.
It is current on all federal and state tax obligations.3.
It is a financially viable nonprofit organization.4.
It is registered and in good standing with the Wisconsin department of financial institutions.5.
It has a signed agreement between the VHA and the VA great lakes healthcare system. 6.
It is listed on the HAP and in the VSPN, or the VSPN’s successor organization.7.
It has been in existence for a minimum of 5 consecutive years preceding the application and currently serves veterans or their families, or both. (c) Grant application requirements. A representative of the applicant having authority to act for the applicant shall sign the application, ensure that it is complete, and submit it by the deadline. Applications shall include all of the following:
1.
Application on a form approved by the department.2.
Proof of the organization’s nonprofit status.3.
Grant request cover letter that includes a synopsis of the grant proposal and amount of grant requested.4.
Most recent annual report or other literature summarizing the organization’s programs.5.
List of board members and executive officers including titles and affiliations.6.
Income statement and balance sheet for the most recent fiscal year, as well as a budget and income projection for the grant period, as disclosed in the notice described in par. (d).7.
Signed current letter of support from the VHA regional office. 8.
Copy of certificate showing completion of CIC training from a department-approved organization that provides CIC training.
