Baldwin Legislation to Help Veterans Access Earned Benefits Advances in the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that her bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act passed the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The legislation would expand and support County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO), the community-based employees who work directly with veterans to inform them of eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services, file pension and compensation claims, and help them enroll in job, housing, disability, and education benefits. Out of the estimated 19 million veterans in the United States, only a small fraction utilize the care and benefits they are entitled to.

“I am thrilled that my legislation to do right by our veterans and help ensure they can get their hard-earned benefits is one step closer to becoming law of the land,” said Senator Baldwin. “This bipartisan legislation will help reach more veterans – particularly those in rural areas and those living on tribal land – and connect them with local advocates to get the benefits and support that they are owed.”

“I would strongly encourage your support and passage of this 'first of its kind' legislation to expand and continue to provide CVSO services to those who have served our great country,” said Joseph Aulik, Brown County CVSO Veterans Service Office Director.

“CVSOs are the ‘boots on the ground’ for veterans and returning service members. They serve as local, responsive advocates connecting those in need with services. Every additional dollar CVSOs nationwide would receive could assist in outreach and claim submission, and improve access to VA mental health, homeless services and healthcare our nation’s veterans richly deserve. Furthermore, local CVSO offices would be able to hire additional staff to keep up with rising demand. I am very hopeful the CVSO Act will be passed by Congress to assist our returning heroes in obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled,” said Phillip Landgraf, St. Croix County Director of Veterans Affairs.

A one pager on the legislation is available here.

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