Wisconsin VA secretary calls King veterans home a ‘gem’

Wisconsin Veterans Affairs Secretary Dan Zimmerman says the embattled King veterans home is a “gem” and has been unfairly maligned.

Zimmerman testified Wednesday before the Legislature’s budget-writing Joint Finance Committee. He clashed with Democratic state Rep. Katrina Shankland, saying that “morale is not low at King.” He says the staff has been unfairly criticized and they are passionate about addressing issues at the home.

Shankland says heard “some of the worst stories I’ve ever heard” from workers at King. She says their mental health is on the line as they are forced to work overtime on low pay.

Zimmerman promises that his top priority is increasing staffing at King and reducing forced overtime.

Around 700 residents receive care at King, which provides them with nursing, counseling and social activities. The facility has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement.

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