Wisconson Veterans Affairs Secretary Resigning in January

Scocos wants to "pursue other opportunities"

Wisconsin Veterans Affairs Secretary, John Scocos, has announced his resignation for January 2017.

A spokesman for Governor Scott Walker says Scocos wants to “pursue other opportunities.”

Scocos was appointed by Walker in August 2011 and also held the position from 2003-09, when he was fired from the Veterans Affairs Board for making decisions without its input. Scocos sued the state and settled the lawsuit for $325,000.

The Associated Press reports that the veterans agency in recent months has come under scrutiny for its operation of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. Criticism has centered on allegedly inadequate care and the transfer of millions of dollars form a facility to other veterans funds. Lawmakers approved this audit in September.

Scocos has defended the department’s running of the nursing home, citing its compliance with federal standards.