Kifowit Champions New Laws Supporting Veterans and Military Families

Aurora, Ill – State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) announces that several key pieces of legislation have been signed into law that will significantly enhance support for Veterans, servicemembers, and their families throughout Illinois. This comprehensive legislative package passed with unanimous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and underscores Illinois’ commitment to recognizing and addressing the unique needs of those who have served our country.

House Bill 4757, an initiative backed by the AFL-CIO and the United Steelworkers, requires the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) to create a poster detailing the full range of benefits, services, and protections available to Veterans and servicemembers. This poster will be distributed and made available at no cost via the Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) website. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that Veterans and servicemembers are fully aware of the support and resources accessible to them, helping them navigate the various programs designed to assist them and their families.

“Providing our Veterans and servicemembers with accessible information about their benefits and services is crucial,” said Representative Kifowit. “We owe it to them to make sure they are aware of the support available to them and their families. This law will help ensure that Veterans and their families have the tools they need to access critical resources.”

House Bill 4934, led by Naperville VFW Post 3873, addresses the issue of preserving the legacy of Veterans who have passed away over a century ago. This bill amends the Cemetery Protection Act to allow Veterans’ organizations to place markers on the graves of Veterans who have been deceased for more than 100 years, even in cases where next of kin cannot be located. The legislation provides that if a Veterans’ organization identifies the human remains of a veteran and wishes to place a marker, they may do so without the need for permission from the deceased’s heirs, provided a good faith effort is made to contact them. This initiative ensures that the graves of these Veterans are properly marked and maintained, honoring their service and sacrifice.

“Honoring the memories of our Veterans is a sacred duty. This legislation helps to ensure that even those who served over a century ago are not forgotten,” Representative Kifowit emphasized. “By allowing Veterans’ organizations to step in and place markers on these graves, we are preserving their legacy and showing our deep respect for their sacrifices.”

House Bill 5655, supported by organizations such as Northern Illinois University and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, mandates that public institutions of higher education in Illinois develop policies to accommodate students who are members of the National Guard or Reserve. Under this new law, these students will be allowed to submit missed classwork and assignments without penalty, ensuring they can fulfill their academic obligations while participating in required drills or other military duties.

“Our student servicemembers should not have to choose between their education and their military service,” Kifowit stated. “This law provides them the flexibility they need to succeed in both arenas, ensuring they can meet their educational goals while serving our country.”

Senate Bill 2959, introduced by State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) in the state senate and sponsored by Representative Kifowit in the state house, offers special recognition and benefits to Gold Star families. This bill allows qualified family members to receive a Gold Star Family designation on their state IDs and driver’s licenses, granting them free admission to public museums. Additionally, the bill creates a special vehicle decal for the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), with proceeds from the decal sales supporting grants for the Illinois Detachment of the SAL.

“This legislation is a meaningful way to honor the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Representative Kifowit. “By providing Gold Star families with special recognition and access to public museums, we are acknowledging their loss and the tremendous service their loved ones have given to our nation.”

Kifowit’s legislative efforts reflect a deep commitment to supporting Veterans and their families, ensuring that they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. “Ensuring that our Veterans, servicemembers, and their families have access to the resources and recognition they deserve is a top priority,” she added. “These new laws reflect our deep gratitude and commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.”

As a Veteran of the U.S. Marines and the only female Veteran serving in the Illinois General Assembly, Representative Kifowit has dedicated her public service career to supporting Veterans and their families. Her efforts continue to drive legislation that honors the sacrifices of those who have served and ensures their contributions are never forgotten.