Happy Veterans Day!

November 11, 2024

I wanted to take a moment to honor and reflect on the courage and dedication shown by the veterans who have served our country. I’m committed to standing with our veterans and ensuring that support is always within reach. As the daughter of a Marine Corps Veteran, I understand the sacrifices our veterans have made for our nation.

In this newsletter, I’ll share ways I’m working for veterans, ways we can honor the veterans in our lives, and information on a variety of programs and services available to veterans and their families. 

If you’re looking for something specific and don’t see it here, please give my office a call at (630) 410-8466. My team and I are ready to lend a hand with whatever you need.

We’re truly grateful for your dedication and commitment, and we’re here to support you however we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Veterans, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made and the strength you’ve shown in service to our country.

Veterans Wall of Honor

To pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, you can submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 to 25 in honor of Veterans Day.

The tribute honors the brave men and women who have served their country, preserving their stories and sacrifices for future generations. Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.

Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 8 to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706.

A big thank you to the Senate Republicans for putting together this wonderful display!

Legislation Supporting Veterans

I’m proud to be proudly co-sponsoring the following legislation to benefit veterans:

HB 3538 to no longer require disabled veterans to submit an annual application for the homestead exemption.

HB 1222 to provide financial assistance for home modifications for disabled veterans.

HB 2334 to reduce vehicle registration fees for veterans.

HB 3463 to increase property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.

Resources for Veterans

AUTOMOBILES
Veteran Driver’s License
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office offers veterans the ability
to have a veteran identifier added to their driver’s license of State
ID card. To receive the “VETERAN” designation on the driver’s
license/ID card, veterans must obtain official certification from
the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). They can do
so by one of two means. They can visit one of the IDVA offices
throughout the state and provide a copy of their DD-214, a federal
veterans identification card, or Certification of Military Service
(NA Form 13038) or they may complete the process by mail.


Disabled Veteran License Plates and Parking
Disabled veteran license plates may be issued at no cost for
the first set of plates to any U.S. Armed Forces veteran if (1) the
veteran holds proof of a service-connected disability from the
U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (2) a licensed physician has
certified that because of the service-connected disability the
veteran qualifies for the issuance of a disabled placard or plate.


Special License Plates
Upon establishing proof of eligibility to entitlement, special
registration plates are available without fee. Military Retirees and
Armed Forces Reserves and National Guard soldiers are eligible
for registration plates for vehicles of the first or second division
upon establishing proof of eligibility and payment of a registration
fee. A universal veteran’s license plate is also available. A decal
applicable to the veteran’s service record may be affixed to the
license plate and must be purchased from the State Headquarters
of the American Legion, P.O. Box 2910, Bloomington, Illinois, 61701.


BONUSES
World War II
A bonus of $10 per month for domestic service and $15 per month
for Foreign Service is payable to Illinoisans who served on active
duty between September 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945, and
received an honorable discharge. Survivors are entitled to a
benefit of $900 if the veteran’s death was service-connected and
within the specified period.
Vietnam Survivors’ Compensation
Survivors are entitled to a payment of $1,000 if the veteran’s death
is service connected or the direct result of service connected
disabilities incurred in the period specified. A separate application
is required.


Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Conflict Bonus
A $100 bonus is payable for service during the following periods:
Korea – June 27, 1950 – July 27, 1953
Vietnam – January 1, 1961 – March 28, 1973
Vietnam Frequent Wind – April 29, 30, 1975
Persian Gulf – August 2, 1990 – November 30, 1995
The claimant must also be in receipt of one of the following
medals: Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam or the Southwest Asia
Service Medal; and have been a resident of Illinois for 12 months
immediately prior to entering service and have received an
Honorable Discharge. (Individuals currently on active duty who
served in the Persian Gulf may apply)

Survivors are entitled to a payment of $1000, if veteran’s death
is service-connected or the direct result of service-connected
disabilities incurred in the period specified.


POW Compensation
Persons on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States
or employed by the United States Government on or after January
1, 1961 who were residents of Illinois 12 months prior to entry, and
who were taken and held prisoner by hostile forces in Southwest
Asia, are entitled to $50 for each month or portion thereof while
being held captive.


Line of Duty Compensation
This is a benefit administered by the Illinois Court of Claims.
It provides approximately $347,904 for surviving next of kin of
Illinois service members killed in the line of duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism.


The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) provides monetary
grants to Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents
serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Components and
their families, who were called to active duty as a result of the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. IMRF grants are intended
to help Service Members and their families defray the costs of
food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expenses that
become difficult to afford when a wage earner has temporarily left
civilian employment to be placed on active military duty. The fund
also provides for those wounded in combat.
Global War on Terrorism (Operation Iraq Freedom/
Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation New Dawn)


Bonus Payment
A $100 bonus is payable to veterans who served on or after
September 11, 2001 and were residents of Illinois for 12 months
immediately prior to entering service.
The claimant must also have served at least 30 consecutive or 60
nonconsecutive days of foreign or sea service and be in receipt of
one of the following medals:
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Global War
on Terrorism may apply prior to discharge by also including the
Armed Forces Certificate.

BURIAL BENEFITS
Cartage and Erection Fees
When the federal government has furnished a headstone or
marker, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs pays up to $25
for the setting of such marker within Illinois.


Graves Registration
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall maintain a
card file “Roll of Honor” of all veterans buried in the State of
Illinois. Every person, firm or corporation owning or controlling
any cemetery or burial place in the state is required to keep
a permanent record of the burial of each U.S. war veteran or
memorial marker erected for this purpose.


Indigent Veterans
The county Veterans Assistance Commission shall provide burial
for any honorably discharged indigent veteran, or their mothers,
fathers, spouse or surviving spouse, or minor children without
sufficient means to defray the funeral expenses. The expense of
such burial shall not exceed the sum of $900.00.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Educational Opportunities for Children (10- 18 Yrs): Financial aid
is provided annually for each child between the ages of 10 and 18
years of a veteran who died or became totally disabled as a result
of service in the Armed Forces during World War I, or II, the
Korean and Vietnam Conflicts or beginning February 1, 1955, until
such individuals are no longer eligible for induction under the
Universal Military Training and Service Act. Attendance means a
state educational institution of elementary grade and middle or
junior high school, a high school or Business College, vocational
training school or other educational institution.


MIA/POW Scholarship
Dependents of a veteran who bas been declared by the
Department of Defense or U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs to be a prisoner of war; missing-in-action; to have died as the result
of a service-connected disability; or be permanently disabled from
service-connected causes with 100% disability; and, who was
an Illinois resident or was an Illinois resident within six months
of entering service may be eligible for the scholarship. Eligible
dependents are entitled to full payment of tuition and certain
fees to any state supported Illinois institution of higher learning
consisting of the equivalent of four (4) calendar years of full-time
enrollment including summer terms (i.e., 120 points).


State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Education
Approves training for veterans in the areas of higher education,
apprenticeship training, vocational training, on the job training,
license and certification, tests and entrepreneurship programs
covered under the G.l. Bill.


Illinois Veterans’ Grant
The Illinois Veterans’ Grant (IVG) Program pays tuition and
certain fees at all Illinois state universities or community colleges.
Applications and additional information are available from field
offices of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, college
financial aid offices, or the Illinois Student Assistance Commission,
1755 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois 60015 or by phone at
847-948-8550 or 800-899-4722 or via the web at www.isac.org.


Illinois National Guard Grant
Any enlisted person, Lieutenant, or Captain with at least one
(1) year service in the Illinois Army/Air National Guard may
participate. Available for eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarters
of full-time or part-time undergraduate study or graduate study at
any Illinois state controlled university or community college.
Recipient is entitled to payment of tuition and certain fees.
Applications and information on the scholarship may be obtained
from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, 1755 Lake Cook
Road, Deerfield, Illinois 60015 or by phone at 847-948-8550 or
800-899-4722 or via the web at www.isac.org.


Honorary Scholarships
Each county in the state shall be entitled, annually, to one
honorary scholarship at the University of Illinois, for the benefit of
children of veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Conflict
periods, the Gulf War and the War on Terror with preference
being given to the children of deceased and disabled veterans.
Details may be obtained from the University of Illinois’ Financial
Aid Office by calling 217-333-0100.

EMPLOYMENT
State Veterans’ Employment Preference
Preference is given in Central Management Services entrance
examinations to honorably discharged veterans who served in
times of hostilities and peacetime. Visit work.illinois.gov to apply.


Education Waiver for Illinois State Police and the
Illinois Conservation Police
The education requirements needed to join the Illinois State Police
will be waived for veterans who have been honorably discharged
with a campaign medal of service in Afghanistan or Iraq. All other
requirements to join the Illinois State Police will still apply. For
further information, please contact the Illinois State Police.


Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
In connection with the licensure of EMTs, the Illinois Department
of Public Health (IDPH) has the authority and responsibility to
review applications for EMT licensure from honorably discharged
service members with military discharge and shall contain
certain identifying information that clearly demonstrates that the
training and experience meets prescribed standards. For further
information, please contact the Illinois Department of Public
Health.


Jobs for Vets
The Department of Employment Security provides a trained
“Veterans Representative” to help you get the training and job
you need. In cooperation with the Department of Employment
Security a system is used describing in excess of 8,000 job titles.
The Department of Human Services provides services for veterans
with mental/physical disabilities that assist them in returning
to gainful employment. The Illinois Department of Commerce
and Community Affairs have a number of small business
administration loan and job training programs. Visit ides.illinois.
gov/jobs-workforce/veterans.html for more.

HEALTH CARE
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
This program provides confidential assistance for Illinois veterans
as they transition back to their everyday lives after serving our
country.
The helpline is available 24 hours a day by dialing 988 and then
pressing 1. Help is available for veterans with symptoms associated
with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and to provide
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) screenings.


Veterans’ Care Program
Provides affordable, comprehensive health care to Illinois’
uninsured veterans. Call the agency at 1-800-437-9824 to apply for
the program.

HOUSING
Prince Home
Located in Manteno, Illinois, is a residential therapeutic program
for homeless veterans. The program provides services, treatment
and support enabling the veterans to regain their independence.
information.


Specially Adapted Housing
Assistance is provided for service-connected disabled veterans for
the purpose of acquiring and remodeling suitable dwelling units
with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the
veteran’s permanent and total service-connected disabilities.


Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption
The Returning Veterans’ Homestead Exemption provides
qualifying veterans a one-time $5,000 reduction to their homes’
equalized assessed value (EAV). Qualifying veterans who return
from active duty in an armed conflict involving the U.S. armed
forces can file an application upon their return home to receive
this exemption. To apply for this exemption, please contact or visit
your local County Assessor’s Office.

Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption
The Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption provides
a reduction in a property’s EAV to a qualifying property owned by
a veteran with a service-connected disability. A $2,500 homestead
exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected
disability of at least 30% but less than 50%; a $5,000 homestead
exemption is available to a veteran with a service-connected
disability of greater than 50% but less than 70% and veterans with
a service-connected disability over 70% are exempt from paying
property tax on their primary residence. Qualifying veterans must
file an annual application by their counties’ deadlines to continue
to receive this exemption. To apply for this exemption, please
contact or visit your local County Assessor’s Office.


Illinois Veterans’ Homes
Illinois veterans with one day or more of service during any
wartime period recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans’
Affairs as a period of war may qualify. Veterans must have entered
military service from the State of Illinois or been a resident for
one year prior to applying to an Illinois Veterans’ Home. Applicants
must pass background checks through the Illinois Department of
corrections and the Illinois State Police. Illinois Veterans Homes
are located in Quincy, Anna, LaSalle and Manteno with a future
Home to be located in Cook County. A spouse, or surviving
spouse, may also qualify for admittance to the Quincy or Anna
Veterans’ Homes.

VETERANS’ HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers
affordable mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers and veterans
in Illinois. To apply, homebuyers must contact one of IHDA’s
participating lenders to assist with the application process. Visit
www.ihda.org or call 312-836-5200 for more information.

STATE CONTACT
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
1-800-437-9824/TDD 217-524-4645
www2.illinois.gov/veterans

Additional Veterans Resources

Please click on the links below to find valuable federal, state, and local resources available to veterans and their families:

Illinois Veterans Hotline, 1-800-382-3000 (Illinois Attorney General’s Office)

Ways You Can Honor a Veteran