(The Center Square) – A pair of Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a bill to create a $25 per diem payment to nonprofits or non-governmental entities that house homeless veterans.

Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, said the bills are in response to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers electing to close veterans homes in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay, citing budgetary issues.

But Wimberger said that Evers chose to not use $1.9 million in appropriated funds, what he said was a 15% increase in funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program.

Wimberger and Rep. Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere, are looking for co-sponsors for the legislation through Friday afternoon.

“This legislation will do what Governor Evers has failed to do: spend the money we already set aside to house homeless veterans,” Wimberger said in a statement. “Increased funding was appropriated in the budget to support the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program, yet Gov. Evers chose to shutter these facilities.

“If the Governor’s Administration won’t do this work, the Legislature will move to do what’s right and work with nonprofits and other organizations to house veterans in need across our state.”

The VHRP recipients are also receiving federal per diem payments for homeless veterans.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation,” Franklin said in a statement. “This proposal works, and will support our homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness. Earlier this year, the bipartisan budget included a 15 percent increase to the VHRP program, and this legislation takes that commitment a step further.”