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Budget shortfall postpones Wisconsin Army National Guard drills

MADISON, Wis. - Thousands of Wisconsin Army National Guard members won't be participating in drills this weekend, as they have traditionally done the first weekend of September.

The National Guard's $101 million budget shortfall has caused states to cancel or postpone the drill weekend at armories and firing ranges. That means the guard members' paychecks for the weekend will also be postponed or canceled. They can range from a couple hundred dollars to more than $700, depending on rank and years of service.

The Journal Sentinel says Wisconsin has sent $2.5 million to help the national bureau reduce the shortfall.

Wisconsin Army National Guard's Maj. Paul Rickert says members will train instead on the last weekend of the month. The budget shortfall does not include the Air National Guard.

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