CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – As part of her commitment to reduce property taxes, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, supported a measure to make it easier for seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities to access property tax relief.

“As families are still overcoming the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic, increasing property taxes place an additional burden on working families, particularly on those living on a fixed income,” said Ness. “We must do more to provide property tax relief to those who need it most, so this session I helped pass legislation to ensure that individuals who are eligible for property tax exemptions are able to receive that relief in full.” 

Ness helped pass House Bill 3289, which will allow chief county assessment officers to automatically approve 2021 homestead exemptions for those who received the exemption in 2020, including veterans and residents with disabilities and senior citizens. House Bill 3289 received bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by the governor. 

“As I meet and talk to residents in our community, high property taxes are consistently an area of top concern,” said Ness. “This measure is a good step in ensuring that our more vulnerable residents are receiving the property tax relief that is available to them, but the work cannot end here. I will continue to work across the aisle and support legislation to bring the needed property tax relief to families in our community.”

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is hosting a veterans’ issues panel alongside state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Aurora, on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gillerson’s Grubbery, located at 33 W. New York St. in Aurora.

“I am extremely proud that we have such an active veteran community here in my district, with many different organizations and local leaders coming together daily to help address the issues facing veterans and other military personnel,” said Hernandez. “These brave men and women hold the highest honor of having served our country, and I am honoring this service by working hard to ensure they have the necessary benefits, aid and other important services they need. I encourage all veterans, serving military personnel, and military families to come to this panel to listen, ask questions about what we are doing in Springfield to properly serve them.”

Hernandez and Kifowit will be joined by acting director of Veterans’ Affairs, Linda Chapa LaVia, a long-time Aurora resident, as well as Hernandez’s seat predecessor in the Illinois House of Representatives. Additional panel members include Michael Wallace of Vet Tech US, Celia Rodriguez of the Aurora Veteran’s Council and members from Hernandez’s Veterans Citizens Advisory Committee. The panel will consist of 30 minute presentations from the panelists, followed by 30 minutes of open discussion from attendees. This event is free and open to the public.

“I hope that by providing a space for local veteran’s to discuss their issues and concerns with me can further advance the work we are doing in Springfield to address their needs,” said Hernandez. “These men and women have sacrificed so much in serving our country, and I am committed to doing everything I can to give back to this community. There is still more work to be done to address concerns of housing, healthcare, and financial stability for veterans, and I look forward to continuing that conversation right here in the district.”

For more information on this event, or to RSVP, please contact Hernandez’s constituent services office at 630-270-1848 or email RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com. 

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, will host a free Senior and Veteran Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, located at 8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park.

“It’s critical that lawmakers assist area seniors and veterans in connecting with programs and benefits that are available to them,” Welch said. “There are a lot of programs out there that are meant to give seniors and veterans a helping hand, but not everyone is aware of them. I encourage folks to come by and see what resources they’re eligible for.”

Welch’s free Senior and Veteran Resource Fair will feature two timeslots of activity. From 10 a.m. until noon, residents will be able to meet with various vendors and service providers to answer questions about programs. Additionally, free health screenings and other resources, including free help with drafting wills and estate plans will be available to attendees. The second part of the fair, from noon until 2 p.m. will feature free lunch, bingo and other prizes.

“It’s a top priority of mine to advocate for seniors and veterans,” Welch said. “In addition to supporting policies that protect funding critical programs seniors and veterans rely on, it’s important to me that I connect folks in the area to resources that are available to them. I encourage local seniors and veterans to come by, learn about assistance they are eligible for, and participate in some of the fun activities we have planned.”

LOMBARD, Ill. – State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, recently met with members of the VFW Lilac Post 5815, to talk about issues that are important to local veterans and announce her partnership in their annual drive to send gifts and personal items to servicemembers who are spending the holidays on active duty overseas.

“We are fortunate to have so many veterans living in our communities, inspiring us with their patriotism and commitment to service,” said Costa Howard, who serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “It’s important for our state government to recognize our veterans’ service by providing adequate medical and mental health services, assuring the safety of our veterans’ homes, and expanding job opportunities for veterans and their spouses. I’m grateful to our local veterans for taking time to share their concerns and supporting my efforts to better represent their interests in Springfield.”

Costa Howard is partnering with VFW Lilac Post 5815 and its Auxiliary by collecting donations to for holiday packages to send to servicemembers on active duty overseas. She is asking community members to donate travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste and razors), Halloween candy, nonperishable snacks (beef jerky, pepperoni, trail mix and salami), and crossword and word search puzzle books.

Costa Howard will accept donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at her constituent services office, at 913 S. Main St. in Lombard. Residents may contact her to arrange an alternative donation time by calling 630-812-9292 or emailing RepTCH48@gmail.com. Donations will be accepted through October and November.

“It’s an honor to partner with Lilac Post 5815 to support the men and women serving our country overseas,” Costa Howard said. “These boxes bring a little bit of joy to our military personnel as they spend the holidays away from the people they love. These gifts may seem small, but they let our brave men and women in uniform know that we’re thinking about them and we’re grateful for their service and dedication.”

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To connect veterans with local, state and federal resources, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will be holding a Veterans’ Fair in conjunction with a Community Blood Drive. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Legion Post 365, located at 1022 Vandalia St. in Collinsville.

“Those who have served our country deserve to be aware of all of the programs and services we can offer to them here at home,” said Stuart. “In Springfield, I work on legislation to improve professional, educational, and health services for veterans’ and their family members. However, it’s equally important to raise awareness about the great resources we have locally for veterans to get help as soon as they need it.”

Stuart’s Veterans’ Fair will host various local program and service providers. While the services are primarily for veterans, people of all ages can attend to receive information that can benefit their families and neighbors. While at the fair, attendees can donate blood through the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Appointments to donate can be made at www.bloodcenterimpact.org/donor. In addition to vendors, a representative from Stuart’s office will be collecting old cell phones to donate to the program ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers.’ This event is open to the public and free to attend, no RSVP required.

“By gathering all of these organizations and services under one roof, the Veterans’ Fair will act as a one-stop-shop for a variety of questions anyone may have,” said Stuart. “I’d like to thank all of the organizations dedicating their time to set up a table at the fair and educate our community.”

If you are interested in registering your organization as a vendor, contact Stuart’s constituent service office at RepKatieStuart@gmail.com or 618-365-6650. Vendor registration will end on Oct. 30.

JOLIET, Ill. – Will County-area legislators, including state Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, will sponsor their third annual Veteran Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 9.

“It is our privilege to honor the service of veterans and their families,” said Walsh. “We will once again welcome veterans and their families to a free breakfast at the Stone City VFW Post 2199, which provides a wonderful breakfast and celebration atmosphere.”

“Almost 300 veterans and family members attend our event each year,” Walsh added. “It is always great to talk with them and hear their stories from being in the armed forces, as well as to learn about how their commitment to community service and country continued after their military service. So many of our veterans are leaders in their communities. We look forward to greeting old and new friends at the Veteran Appreciation Breakfast.”

“I applaud Rep. Walsh for again taking the lead in organizing this Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, a celebration of the patriotism of our veterans and the gratitude of us legislators,” added state Sen. Pat McGuire.

Veterans and their families are invited to the free event, Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Stone City VFW Post 2199, 124 Stone City Circle in Joliet. For reservations, call or e-mail Walsh’s district office at 815-730-8600, statereplarrywalshjr@gmail.com.

 

Who:               State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., State Sen. Pat McGuire, State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Rep. Natalie Manley and State Rep. John Connor

What:              Veteran Appreciation Breakfast

Free for Veterans and their Families

When:              Saturday, Nov. 9

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Where:            Stone City VFW Post 2199

124 Stone City Dr., Joliet

RED BUD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is backing a new law which will create an internship program for training new correctional officers as well as grow job opportunities for veterans entering the profession.

“Our correctional facilities need high quality workers to staff them, and our veterans need good jobs to help them build a new life once they have returned from duty,” Reitz said. “We are helping build skills for guards at our prisons and jails, including the correctional facility at Menard, as well as creating employment opportunities for the brave men and women who most deserve them.”

Reitz backed Senate Bill 2148, which establishes the Correctional Officer Intern Program to train new recruits to be correctional officers. The legislation also requires correctional officer and law enforcement training programs to give preference to people who have served in the U.S. military. It received strong bipartisan support and is now law.

“The veterans who have risked their lives to serve our country should have plenty of prospects for good careers when they get home,” Reitz said. “A steady job is the foundation of a stable life, and that opportunity is the least we can give them.”

MARSEILLES, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, hosted his first meeting of his Veterans Advisory Council meeting at the Marseilles American Legion to help local veterans understand their benefits and rights in Illinois.

“I want to make sure that local veterans are able to access the services that are owed to them by Illinois,” Yednock said. “These selfless men and women sacrificed so much to keep our communities safe and protected from tyranny. Events like these are one way we can give back to our veterans.” 

“Representative Yednock has vowed to be a fighter for our local veterans, and it is my hope that his colleagues in Springfield will work toward bipartisan solutions that help our local veterans,” said Steven Kreitzer, Superintendent of the LaSalle County Veterans Assistance Commission. “There will be more meetings for veterans and advocates to attend throughout LaSalle County. I encourage everyone who has an stake in veterans issues to participate and voice their concerns.”

Yednock partnered with the LaSalle County Veterans Assistance Commission to update Illinois Valley veterans on the benefits that are available to them as well as assist them with critical property tax exemptions and more. Yednock wants to hear directly from local veterans in an effort to create new legislation to further benefit them. Yednock’s Veteran Advisory Council Meetings are as follows and each will start at 6 p.m.:

Yednock will be hosting additional meetings for his Veterans Advisory Council, which are free to attend:

• Wednesday, November 20 at the Ottawa VFW located at 1501 La Salle St.
• Wednesday, January 22 at the LaSalle VFW located at 2325 Donahue St.

RED BUD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steelville, recently sent another collection of donated cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a charity which helps service members who are stationed overseas stay connected with their families in the U.S., as part of his local drive for the organization.

“The brave men and women serving our country in the armed forces deserve to be able to stay in touch with their family, friends and loved ones, which can be a challenge in some situations,” Reitz said. “My office is partnering with Cell Phones for Soldiers to help service members and their families stay connected. If anyone has a cell phone that they are no longer using, I encourage them to donate it to this cause through my district office. That phone is worth the cost of an invaluable connection to home for a soldier fighting overseas.”

Reitz has volunteered his office as a drop off point for used cell phones to give to the non-profit, Cell Phones for Soldiers, which recycles old cell phones to fund the purchase of calling cards for soldiers stationed abroad. If you have a cell phone that is no longer being used, and would like to join the effort, you can drop it off at Reitz’s district office, located at 124 Locust Street in Red Bud.

“It’s wonderful to see so many community members who are joining together to help with this important cause and donating many old cell phones to help connect soldiers and their loved ones,” said Reitz. “My office will continue to collect phones to donate, especially as we begin to enter the holiday season when many of our soldiers overseas are giving up time with their family and friends to help keep us safe.”

For more information, please contact Reitz’s constituent service office at 618-282-7284 or by email at RepNReitz@Gmail.com. 

CHICAGO – Continuing her Mental Health Monday event series, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is inviting local veterans to a Veteran Wellness Seminar.

“Our men and women that have served in uniform have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms here at home,” said Hurley. “It is incredibly important to ensure that our veterans are aware of the many resources available to them, especially those for their mental health and overall wellness.”

Rep. Hurley is partnering with the Road Home Program, which provides confidential mental health services for veterans and their families, for her Mental Health Monday event series. Local veterans and their families are invited to Hurley’s Veteran Wellness Seminar on Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., at her district office, located at 10402 S. Western Ave. in Chicago. Experts from the Road Home Program will provide an informational session about mental health and wellness resources available to veterans.

“Many veterans suffer from invisible wounds,” continued Hurley. “Adjusting back to civilian life can be extremely difficult for those that have served, so it is critical that veterans have access to counseling and other resources that can help protect their wellbeing. I encourage local veterans, caretakers and family members to join me for my Veteran Wellness Seminar.”

If you are in immediate need of help, call 911 or the Veteran Crisis Center at 800-273-8255 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8235. All lines are available toll-free 24 hours every day. For more information, contact Hurley’s constituent service office at 773-445-8128 or RepFranHurley@gmail.com.