Letter: Thanks to Illinois for assisting veterans
As we approach Memorial Day it is the time to recognize the General Assembly's response to our veterans' needs. It passed 10 bills that affect the lives of our nation's defenders and their families.
Changes to the veterans cash grant program opened up more money to not-for-profits that provide mental health and emergency services to veterans and their families. Including surviving spouses to the disabled veterans homestead exemption was a major step. Strengthening the veterans assistance commission included more funding for emergency assistance. The designation of a Veterans Affairs Inspector General is to ensure the best care is given to those living in veterans homes. The 36 deaths at the LaSalle veterans home showed the need to strengthen supervision.
U.S. Highway 20 was named Medal of Honor Highway. It stretches from Oregon to Massachusetts and will be a reminder that freedom isn't free and our nation's 3 million people who serve in the Armed Forces will defend our freedoms.
Michael P. Peck
Chairman, Illinois Veterans Advisory Council
Mundelein