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 employment and transition support 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 was posted for 14 days to solicit economic impact comments. No comments were received.
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 a 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.
(mg) “Program” means the veterans employment and transition support grant program.
(mr) “Transitioning service member” 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 a CIC.
(p) “VHA” means the USDVA Veterans Health Administration.
(q) “VSPN” means the Veteran Sponsor Partnership Network.
(6) Veterans employment and transition support grant program. (a) Purpose. The veterans employment and transition support grant program will partner with the VHA regional offices to form partnerships with community organizations to help transitioning service members 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 Health Care System. 6.
It is listed as an active community partner by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships, and is a member of 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.
An application on a form approved by the department.2.
Proof of the organization’s nonprofit status.3.
A grant request cover letter that includes a synopsis of the grant proposal and amount of grant requested.4.
The most recent annual report or other literature summarizing the organization’s programs.5.
A list of board members and executive officers including titles and affiliations.6.
An income statement and balance sheet for the most recent fiscal year, as well as a budget and income projection for the grant period.7.
A signed current letter of support from the VHA regional office. 8.
A copy of certificate showing completion of CIC training from a department-approved organization that provides CIC training. 9.
A capability statement outlining how the nonprofit organization will support the program. 10.
Information that demonstrates that the applicant has achieved all of the following required program goals during the previous year:a.
Developed or possesses a peer-to-peer network focused on establishing sponsor relationships between VA-trained volunteers and transitioning service members. b.
Connected transitioning service members with relevant employment opportunities proportionate to the transitioning service member’s level of skill, training, education, and experience attained through military service and personal development. c.
Collaborated with other agencies to strengthen the delivery of programs, resources, and services to transitioning service members. d.
Conducted outreach to underserved geographic areas of the state and underserved transitioning service member populations. 11.
Disclosure of any other grant funds received from any other state agency for the same or a similar purpose.12.
A signed verification of matching funds form, if required by the department.
