Manley-Backed Legislation Requiring More Oversight of Veterans Homes Passes Committee

JOLIET, Ill. – In response to the ongoing outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease at the Quincy Veterans Home, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is advancing a measure requiring the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide more information to legislators.

“Legislators are still searching for answers from the Rauner Administration about what exactly happened at the Quincy Veteran Home and why any response to fix the situation has taken so long,” Manley said. “While finding these answers is important, we must also take steps to make sure that it doesn’t happen in the future.”

Manley introduced House Bill 5784, which would require the department to provide legislators a quarterly update on the health and well-being of veterans in each of the four state-run veteran homes. The report must include the number of complaints made by residents, their families or their power of attorney. Additionally, the report will note any diseases reported at the facility, as well as the effort taken to prevent future cases.

“We have a responsibility not just to our veterans, but to their family and friends to show that we are taking care of them,” Manley said. “This legislation will provide transparency and accountability regarding our veteran homes that has been lacking.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.