SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, issued the following statement Wednesday after being sworn in for a new term:

LOVES PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, will welcome Comptroller Susana Mendoza and local leaders for a press conference advocating passage of the “Gold Star and Fallen Heroes Family Support Act,” a proposal that would guarantee funding for the benefits program designed to help families of Illinois’ fallen first responders year-round.

LOVES PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is encouraging residents to submit nominations for the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) annual Thomas Law Burroughs Award. Nominees for this award should be local school board members who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is inviting residents of Winnebago County to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides residents with assistance for energy, gas and other utility bills based on income and eligibility.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is teaming up with Comptroller Susana Mendoza on a proposal that will guarantee full funding for survivor benefits for fallen first responders – ending the possibility of a family having to wait for support because funds were exhausted during the state budget’s fiscal year.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is calling on dog lovers to come out for “Bark in the Park,” a free community gathering of local canine organizations that will include training demonstrations, pet safety tips and dog-related goods from local vendors.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In recognition of June being “National Adopt a Cat Month,” state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, will visit Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary today to meet with staff and learn about how the community can adopt or support animals at the sanctuary.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In advance of Memorial Day, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, will visit, celebrate and highlight local veteran organizations next week that dedicate their time to serve our local heroes.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A pair of proposals passed by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, aimed at developing incentives to recruit and retain quality officers have been signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A measure backed by state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, which is currently on the governor’s desk, would make the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) responsible for designing an off-hours child care program to meet the needs of first responders and other third shift workers.