Keep vets services offices in each Wisconsin county

It looks like they are at it again. The state of Wisconsin again seems eager to cut corners when it comes to caring for our military veterans. An attempt was made in the last legislative session to regionalize what are now county-run Veterans Services Offices. Current law says each Wisconsin county must offer a Veterans Services Office, and it must be staffed by a military veteran. The attempt to regionalize was shouted down by county leaders, and veterans, and it never passed. But now Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos has said he wants to again consider a regional approach to serving veterans. Scocos argues that a regional approach could lead to better service for military vets, ensuring that those in all parts of the state receive equal treatment. But it seems that is what is already in place. Requiring each county to operate its own Veterans Services Office ensures equal access to service in all corners of the state. How does operating fewer offices, forcing military veterans to drive longer distances to get help, provide better treatment? The fact is, the idea of offering fewer veterans services offices was a bad idea when it was proposed a year ago, and it remains a bad idea today.