Halpin Supports Bills Aiding Military Members and their Families, Promotes Appreciation Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is continuing his support for military members, veterans and their families by promoting Military Families Appreciation Month to recognize their contributions to their country.

“We often recognize the debt of gratitude we owe to service members and veterans, but their families make significant sacrifices as well, and they deserve our thanks,” Halpin said. “Military members and veterans need support from their loved ones, during and after service, and spending that much time away from a loved one can take a toll. We should all be using this opportunity to show our appreciation to military families, as well as those in the armed forces.”

Halpin has aggressively pursued legislation to benefit veterans and their families. He spearheaded SB 1907, a law to expand financial aid for higher education programs for veterans and their families. Halpin supported Senate Bill 1468, which allows military families to take advantage of the Veterans and Military Personnel Discount Program to receive discounts on a wide-range of important products. Finally, he helped pass House Bill 3424, which creates the Veterans’ Disability Compensation Task Force to evaluate Illinois’ disability compensation system and to investigate the outbreak of Legionnaires at the Quincy VA home.

“We have made a lot of great progress giving military members and their families the support they have more than earned, however we should not be satisfied with what we’ve accomplished, because it isn’t enough,” Halpin said. “I will continue to work to ensure that these people get the help they need and recognition they deserve.”