Cook County veterans commission needs funds

As Veterans Day approaches, Cook County leaders will thank veterans for their service. The better thanks is keeping the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) funded.

Our original fiscal year 2027 request was $5.6 million. We negotiated it down to $4.6 million, the bare-bones minimum, and our membership voted on it. Then the county cut another $500,000. At that level, we will run out of money after the second quarter.

The cut makes no sense. VACCC is a county agency that brings federal dollars in. In FY2026, with only two functioning Veterans Service officers, we secured nearly $16 million in annual federal Veterans Affairs compensation for Cook County veterans. In just two quarters, we completed 2,511 claim actions and recovered nearly $790,000 in retroactive back pay. We have since added six more officers and expect to bring in $20 million to $30 million next year. That money circulates through local businesses and families.

We also help veterans in crisis the same day. In one quarter, we provided 582 emergency services: food, utilities, rent, mortgage and transportation help. Veterans have among the highest suicide rates in the nation, and a paid utility bill or a stopped eviction can be the difference between stability and tragedy.

I am disappointed that our Veterans Committee commissioners weren’t heard. I urge the Cook County Board to restore the $500,000 and fund VACCC at $4.6 million before the budget is finalized.

Dutch DeGroot, Mount Prospect