Madison, Wis. – On Wednesday, veterans, families and civic groups gathered at the State Capitol to press for Veterans Day, November 11, to become a regular paid holiday for Wisconsin state employees. While the state already recognizes the day, it is not listed among the nine paid holidays that workers receive automatically.
Governor’s proposal and legislative roadblocks
Governor Tony Evers included a request to add Veterans Day to the paid‑holiday calendar in his 2025‑27 budget plan, arguing that honoring those who have defended our nation should be reflected in state policy. However, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs reports that Republican members of the state’s budget committee removed the provision from the governor’s proposal.
Veterans share personal stories
Marine Corps veteran Will Jackson, who served eight and a half years including a deployment to Afghanistan, attended the ceremony after taking the day off work. “It could be something that legislation should work on,” Jackson said. “I believe wholeheartedly that every veteran is absolutely important to the fabric of our country.”
Mary Parker, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and state chair of America250, also spoke. Her father served 30 years, including three tours in Vietnam, before his death in April. “I wish they would make it a legal state holiday,” Parker said. “It’s good that we have time to come together because of this event, but it would be nice if it would be a state holiday.”
Current holiday policy for state workers
Wisconsin state employees currently receive an additional personal day that they can use at their discretion to honor Veterans Day, but the day is not automatically a paid day off. The lack of a designated holiday means many workers must choose between using personal leave or working on a day meant to commemorate sacrifice.
Why a paid holiday matters
Advocates argue that a paid holiday would send a clear message of gratitude and provide families the opportunity to gather without sacrificing income. “Veterans Day, for me personally, is a time to remember the sacrifice of so many,” Jackson added, emphasizing that the observance is about more than a day off—it is about recognizing the contributions of all who served.
Next steps
Supporters plan to continue lobbying the state budget committee and will seek bipartisan backing to restore the holiday provision in future budget negotiations. The push reflects a broader effort across the state to ensure that veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.
For more information on upcoming veterans’ events and how to get involved, visit the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
