Reitz Pushes to Include Military Families in Veterans’ Discount Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Spouses and child of active-duty military service members and veterans will qualify for discounts on a wide range of purchases including necessities such as auto parts or clothing, under a bill recently passed by state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steelville.

“Military spouses and children share in the sacrifice of their loved one defending our freedom in the military, and we must share our gratitude with them as well,” Reitz said. “This savings program not only acknowledges the courage of our service members, but it helps them provide for their families as well. It’s only right that their families are still able to receive these savings when their loved one is serving overseas.”

Reitz is supporting Senate Bill 1468 so that military families can take advantage of the Veterans and Military Personnel Discount Program, which offers discounts on a wide-range of products for service members who show a military ID. Currently, the veteran has to be present to receive the discount; however, this bill would allow dependents and spouses to use the program if they have the ID of their related service member. Retailers across the state voluntarily participate in the discount program, which offers significant savings on both routine and major purchases – ranging from discounts at Advanced Auto Parts, Old Navy and Nike stores, to a $500 cash rebate on the purchase of a new Ford car or truck.

“Receiving these savings should not be difficult for any military families,” Reitz said. “This legislation ensures that they don’t have to clear layers of red tape to get what we owe to them.”