It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I write to inform you that the Wisconsin State Assembly unanimously passed bipartisan legislation today that will extend worker's compensation benefits to officers diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the dangerous work they do and the horrific experiences they have to endure in service to their communities.  Part of a multi-year advocacy effort, the bill now heads to Gov. Evers' desk for his signature.  

In spite of all of the recent negative news coverage of law enforcement controversies arising outside of Wisconsin, the final passage of our PTSD bill is a tremendous achievement for our state's law enforcement community generally, and for the WPPA specifically.  Rest assured that this bill would not be heading toward certain enactment but for the leadership of this organization and those from within our membership that took the time to contact their lawmakers or testify before a legislative committee to share their personal accounts of the toll that law enforcement service takes on officers and their loved ones.  For far too long, Wisconsin's law enforcement community has deserved better.  When this bill is signed into law in the next few weeks, they will get it in a way that they never have before in our state's history.

To the extent that you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to let me know. In the interim, please stay safe and know that, regardless of the themes reflected in the news media, the service of Wisconsin's officers is valued and supported by the vast majority of those elected to lead our state.

Thank you.

Jim Palmer