Some lawmakers like to use their military service to their political advantage. Rep. Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, isn't one of them.
Hilgenberg didn't bring up his service often during his two successful campaigns for State Assembly's 51st District. But he's a veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served as a Specialist during the Vietnam War era through 1969.
So Hilgenberg is a fitting chairman of the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs for the next legislative session. Hilgenberg earned the appointment from new Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, on Monday.
It's an honor for the sophomore legislator, who maintained a relatively low profile during his first term in Madison. During those first two years, Hilgenberg authored the Veterans Interim Health Care Bill, which would have created a health care insurance program veterans who don't qualify for any state or federal Veterans Administration programs and who don't have access to employer-based insurance. The bill would provided access to 24 months of insurance with low monthly premiums and conservative co-pays, Hilgenberg said.
Unfortunately, that bill never made it to the Assembly floor for a vote. But Hilgenberg has veterans issues at the front of his mind for the second term. He said he will work to ensure veterans receive their benefits.
He's an appropriate choice for the committee, and we expect he will serve veterans well in the role.
Hilgenberg didn't bring up his service often during his two successful campaigns for State Assembly's 51st District. But he's a veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served as a Specialist during the Vietnam War era through 1969.
So Hilgenberg is a fitting chairman of the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs for the next legislative session. Hilgenberg earned the appointment from new Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, on Monday.
It's an honor for the sophomore legislator, who maintained a relatively low profile during his first term in Madison. During those first two years, Hilgenberg authored the Veterans Interim Health Care Bill, which would have created a health care insurance program veterans who don't qualify for any state or federal Veterans Administration programs and who don't have access to employer-based insurance. The bill would provided access to 24 months of insurance with low monthly premiums and conservative co-pays, Hilgenberg said.
Unfortunately, that bill never made it to the Assembly floor for a vote. But Hilgenberg has veterans issues at the front of his mind for the second term. He said he will work to ensure veterans receive their benefits.
He's an appropriate choice for the committee, and we expect he will serve veterans well in the role.
