Fix bill for disabled vets' families

When the Illinois General Assembly goes back into session on Nov. 15, the veterans of Lake County hope that the House Rules Committee will assign Senate Bill 3042 to another House Committee so it can be passed by the full House of Representatives.

SB 3042 will provide the Standard Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans to the surviving spouse of our disabled veterans. This bill has already been passed by the Illinois Senate with a vote of 55-0. However, SB 3042 now sits in the House Rules Committee where it has languished since May 3.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County is urging all voters to contact their state representative and ask for a firm commitment to pass Senate Bill 3042 in November. As a proud nation of nearly 325 million citizens, we should all remember that we are defended by less than 1 percent of the population, the 3 million brave, young men and women of our Armed Forces.

These magnificent warriors need to know that we have their backs and that their families will be cared for in the event of their death. SB 3042 is just a small step in the process to ensure that their surviving spouse does not live in poverty.

After all, this bill really does nothing more than correct a legislative oversight when the original law was enacted. Please give our Illinois veterans and their families a true thank you on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11.

Michael P. Peck, Superintendent Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County