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Wisconsin veterans affairs secretary resigning in January

Posted at 7:10 AM, Nov 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-10 08:10:12-05
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos is resigning in January.
 
A spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker says Scocos wants to "pursue other opportunities."
Scocos was appointed by Walker in August 2011. He also held the position from 2003-2009, when the Veterans Affairs Board fired him for making decisions without its input. Scocos sued and the state settled the lawsuit for $325,000.
 
The Wisconsin State Journal reports 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 on the transfer of millions of dollars from the facility to other veterans funds. Lawmakers approved an audit in September.
 
Scocos has defended the department's running of the nursing home, citing its compliance with federal standards.