Issue Position: JB's Plan to Support Illinois Veterans

Issue Position

When we support our Veterans, we are building stronger families and communities across our state. Supporting Illinois Veterans means increasing opportunities for their families to build better lives.

As the son and grandson of Navy Veterans, I have a very personal commitment to uphold the sacred obligation to those who risk their lives so that we can live in a free and democratic society.

Illinois should help smooth the transition for Veterans and their families as they return to communities as civilians, and we also need to make sure that once they are home they are supported with housing, employment, healthcare, education and any additional services they need. To make this a reality, we need to increase access to social and economic opportunity. We must make it easier for Veterans and their spouses to get and keep good paying jobs so they can take care of their families. Access to affordable housing and healthcare options for Veterans and their families must also be increased.

It is unacceptable that our Illinois Veterans' homes -- homes that care for our frail, elderly Veterans -- have caused the death of over a dozen Veteran heroes. Over the past three years, we have lost too many Veterans to Legionnaires Disease and deaths continue to be reported. Our heroes deserve to live out their remaining years in dignity, not in fear of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions. We must address ongoing health and safety issues in Illinois Veteran's homes. It's unacceptable that cases of Legionnaires disease continue to be reported, and that lives continue to be lost.

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