OSHKOSH, WI – Winnebago County Executive and State Senate Candidate Mark L. Harris made the following statement regarding a recently proposed bill (LRB4524/1) that would allow for a regionalization of County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) and eliminate the requirement that each county maintain its own Veteran Service Officer. It also appears to eliminate the requirement that the CVSO be a veteran.

“I strongly oppose any change that would reduce veteran’s access to their CVSO and I would urge legislators not to cosponsor this bill,” said Harris. “County Veterans Service Officers play an essential role in helping veterans become informed of the benefits to which they are entitled. They also help veterans navigate the application process for these benefits. CVSOs serve as an advocate for the veterans and their spouses through the difficult process of documentation. Most veteran claims in Wisconsin originate from County Veteran Service offices.”

Mark L. Harris is a Democratic candidate for the open 18th Senate District that includes parts of Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Dodge Counties.

Harris currently serves as Winnebago County Executive and lives in Oshkosh with his wife Susan. To learn more please visit www.harrisforwisconsin.com.