Tom Cullerton's new law gives Illinois veterans better access to benefits

VILLA PARK- Illinois' returning veterans will now have better access to services and employment opportunities, thanks to State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park).

House Bill 2647, a collection of comprehensive recommendations to ensure veterans have better access to services, treatment for mental trauma and depression as well as better access to employment opportunities, is now law.

"One veteran lost to suicide is one too many," Cullerton said. "This new law applies common-sense solutions to eliminate barriers between veterans and the state resources they qualify for. I'm proud of the work that went into this measure and honored to be part of this monumental effort."

According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the U.S.

A common theme throughout the process is finding ways to access veterans' resources promised to the state as well as addressing the disconnect between federal and state resources. House Bill 2647 creates a connection between the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense to help streamline and remove redundancies when returning veterans redeem benefits.

Some of the provisions in House Bill 2647 include:

The DVA will be required to reach out to the U.S. DoD to identify veterans returning from units that have experienced heavy casualties, served in high-conflict areas or have at least one member who possibly committed suicide following their service. After identifying veterans DVA will create a proactive line of communication.

DVA will be required to proactively reach out to the U.S. DoD to develop a system to allow veterans to file DD Form 214 (discharge papers immediately upon discharge). This is the required form for veterans to receive benefits.

Lastly, creating collaboration between local chambers of commerce and DVA to create an employer training program to focus on the needs of veteran employees and identify veteran friendly businesses.

Cullerton, chairman of the Task Force on Veterans Suicide and a veteran himself, hosted multiple hearings throughout the state to hear from veterans, their spouses and community organizations to hear concerns and recommendations to ease some of the struggles returning veterans experience.

"This initiative wasn't compiled in haste but over hours and weeks of testimony, input and concerns raised by veterans, their loved ones and veterans' organizations throughout the state," Cullerton said. "This is a true testament to their hard work and dedication to our nation's heroes."

House Bill 2647 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support. The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2018.