from Rep Schock's office..
Legislation will help Veterans Realize American Dream of Starting a Small Business
Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) has introduced legislation that will help veterans purchase small businesses. The Help Veterans Own Franchises Act, H.R. 2888, helps a veteran reduce the cost of owning a franchise by offering a tax discount to offset the associated franchise fees.
“There are close to 900,000 unemployed veterans in the United States. These individuals are highly skilled, well trained and motivated; qualities that make successful business owners. These veterans can provide the type of leadership we need to help create jobs and lead us toward an economic recovery,” said Schock, a member of the Ways and Means committee, the chief tax writing committee in the House. “By providing this financial incentive to veterans who want to open a franchise, we can grow our nation’s small businesses and stimulate economic growth.”
Schock first introduced his veterans’ jobs legislation last Congress as a member of the small business committee. He has again introduced the legislation with his colleague from Iowa, Democrat Leonard Boswell, a twenty year Army veteran and helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was encouraged to reintroduce the legislation again this year because of the large number of veterans who have already returned home and who are scheduled to return by the end of the year from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans has improved in recent months, from a high of 13.3 percent in July down to 9.8 percent in August, it’s still above the national average of 9.1 percent, and Schock stresses more can and must be done for returning veterans.
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans who served in the military at any time since September 2001 was 11.5 percent in 2010. Nearly 2.5 million men and women have left active duty in the Armed Forces since September 2001, accounting for 11 percent of the total U.S. veterans’ population. In Illinois, the unemployment rate among veterans was 9.8 percent in 2010. Many are concerned that while the economy continues to struggle, returning veterans will be faced with the daunting task of finding a job or seeking the training needed to find employment in the citizen world, and this problem is only expected to worsen.
Every year 200,000 active Armed Forces members are discharged and become veterans. Those numbers are only projected to increase as tens of thousands of service men and women return from deployment in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. Every year, 100,000 guard and reserve forces come back and are entering the workforce looking for a job. Veterans aged 18-24 are hit particularly hard with an unemployment rate of over 30 percent and those 25-29 have an unemployment rate of over 12 percent. A new report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) entitled, “Meeting the Needs of Veterans in Today’s Labor Force,” finds that veterans who have served on active duty since September 2001 face the highest unemployment rate among all veterans. Schock uses this report as a prime example for the need for additional congressional action to help veterans transition from military service to the civilian workforce.
The Help Veterans Own Franchises Act encourages veteran small business franchise ownership by providing a tax credit to veterans worth 25% of the franchise fees associated with the opening up of a new franchise, up to $100,000.
A recent report from the Small Business Administration (SBA) found that military service is highly correlated with self employment and business ownership and that veterans are at least 45 percent more likely to be self employed business owners than the general population. Another study found that one out of every seven franchise businesses are owned and operated by a veteran; this translates into more than 66,000 veteran owned businesses providing 815,000 jobs and roughly $41 billion in GDP. Overall there are roughly 2.5 million veteran owned firms employing almost six million people.
“Our veterans of all generations have been asked to make untold sacrifices in service to our country,” said Schock. “As the economy continues to struggle and our unemployment rate is stubbornly stuck above nine percent, we should be doing all we can to help incentivize the development and growth of small businesses. I believe this bill sends a strong message not only to our veterans that we are looking out for them when they return home, but that Washington is serious about job creation. This is the type of signal Congress can send to show that we want to put job creation in the hands of those who know how to do it best, and that’s not the federal government.”
This week, Senator Robert Casey of Pennsylvania introduced similar legislation in the Senate. Schock’s legislation has been referred to the House Ways and Means committee for further consideration, and he is hopeful the committee will take action on his legislation in the near future.
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
President Obama's Statement on the Passing of Frank Buckles, the Last American Veteran of World War I
Michelle and I were inspired by the service and life story of former Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I and the oldest known World War I era veteran in the world, who passed away yesterday at the age of 110. A decorated soldier in the Great War, he also survived more than three years in Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War.
Frank Buckles lived the American Century. Like so many veterans, he returned home, continued his education, began a career, and along with his late wife Audrey, raised their daughter Susannah. And just as Frank continued to serve America until his passing, as the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation, our nation has a sacred obligation to always serve our veterans and their families as well as they’ve served us. We join Susannah and all those who knew and loved her father in celebrating a remarkable life that reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans.
Frank Buckles lived the American Century. Like so many veterans, he returned home, continued his education, began a career, and along with his late wife Audrey, raised their daughter Susannah. And just as Frank continued to serve America until his passing, as the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation, our nation has a sacred obligation to always serve our veterans and their families as well as they’ve served us. We join Susannah and all those who knew and loved her father in celebrating a remarkable life that reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Illinois Honors Those Lost in Desert Storm
SPRINGFIELD – In honor of the 19th anniversary of the cease fire announcement of the Persian Gulf War, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) held a memorial service today at the Capitol Rotunda in Springfield for the 14 Illinois service members who lost their lives during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Governor Pat Quinn issued a proclamation declaring Sunday, February 28th, 2010 as Desert Storm Remembrance Day in Illinois and encouraged all Illinoisans to join in on the worthy observance.
“With Sunday marking the 19th anniversary of the end of Operation Desert Storm, we take time to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives during the conflict,” IDVA Director Dan Grant said. “The state of Illinois lost fourteen courageous service members during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and today we renew our vow to always honor their memories and dedication to this nation.”
The text of the Governor’s proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, since the birth of this great nation, millions of brave American men and women have courageously answered the call to defend their country’s ideals of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, eighteen years ago, over 600,000 members of the United States Armed Forces risked their lives in the Persian Gulf to liberate Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, some making the ultimate sacrifice for their country; and
WHEREAS, the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during Operation Desert Storm have earned the gratitude and respect of their nation; and
WHEREAS, the observance of the 19th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm allows citizens throughout Illinois, and across the country, the opportunity to honor those who served during this conflict for their valor and selflessness:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim February 28, 2010 as DESERT STORM REMEMBRANCE DAY in Illinois, and urge all citizens to honor those who courageously served their country during Operation Desert Storm.
“With Sunday marking the 19th anniversary of the end of Operation Desert Storm, we take time to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives during the conflict,” IDVA Director Dan Grant said. “The state of Illinois lost fourteen courageous service members during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and today we renew our vow to always honor their memories and dedication to this nation.”
The text of the Governor’s proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, since the birth of this great nation, millions of brave American men and women have courageously answered the call to defend their country’s ideals of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, eighteen years ago, over 600,000 members of the United States Armed Forces risked their lives in the Persian Gulf to liberate Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, some making the ultimate sacrifice for their country; and
WHEREAS, the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during Operation Desert Storm have earned the gratitude and respect of their nation; and
WHEREAS, the observance of the 19th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm allows citizens throughout Illinois, and across the country, the opportunity to honor those who served during this conflict for their valor and selflessness:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim February 28, 2010 as DESERT STORM REMEMBRANCE DAY in Illinois, and urge all citizens to honor those who courageously served their country during Operation Desert Storm.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Proft: What Veterans Day Means to Me
From the Campaign Office of Dan Proft for Governor
"I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Captain Nathan Hale, a 21-year old officer in the Continental Army and a Yale man, uttered those famous words upon his execution at the hands of British forces.
233 years later--and in all the years in between--those words define the spirit of America's servicemen.
Our young men and women in the armed forces are quite a precocious bunch by trade.
They choose to answer a transcendental calling. They fill the void left by the patriots of previous generations to provide the vigilance required to preserve freedoms that may be God-given on paper but have always been hard-won in practice. They have an innate sense of history that evades the comprehension of tenured faculty at many of our nation's universities.
How many 20-year-olds do you know who are prepared to sacrifice their dreams and lay down their lives to advance the rights and dreams of strangers? The only ones I have ever met have been in uniform.
Their love of country has often and ashamedly gone unrequited. But no matter how many times our soldiers were under-funded in battle and under-rewarded at home, they have steadfastly served as exemplars for what America is and should be.
As someone who never served in the military, I know that not even Steven Spielberg can convey a true appreciation for the valor, the sense of honor, and the shared experience of America's freedom warriors.
Veterans Day for me then is a time to recall the sacrifice, honor the memory, and celebrate the lives of Nathan Hale and the tens of millions of American soldiers, including my departed grandfather, who for nearly two-and-a-half centuries have formed the soul of the greatest nation the world has ever seen.
+++
Consider Operation Homefront-Illinois
Over the last couple of years, I have had the privilege to serve on the board of Operation Homefront-Illinois. Operation Homefront is a national non-profit with 30 state chapters that serves active duty military families with a spouse overseas and wounded warriors coming home. I currently serve as the Board Chairman of the Illinois chapter.
Our niche in the constellation of exceptional charities that serve military families is to provide tangible constituent service to Illinois servicemen and their families. We’ll get a leaky roof repaired, replace a broken water heater, pay a cell phone bill, get the transmission replaced in the family car: the exigencies of everyday life that many of us take for granted but present urgent challenges to military families.
Working with Homefront has been both an uplifting and a frustrating experience. The uplifting part is the toughness of military families who sacrifice so much and desire very little in return. The uplifting part is seeing volunteers come forward to help organize and run events like our Back-to-School Backpack Brigade program where we distribute school supplies to children of active duty military in Illinois.
The frustrating part has been to witness the struggles military families have in Illinois, particularly when those struggles come as the direct result of political leaders at the state and federal level who fail to keep our promises to our veterans. We want to do more.
I would invite you to learn more about Operation Homefront-Illinois by visiting: www.operationhomefront.net/illinois.
We cannot content ourselves to remember our veterans solely on holidays. Please consider getting involved to support Operation Homefront-Illinois, your local VFW post or American Legion hall, or another organization that serves our military families in your community.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dan Proft
Candidate for Governor
"I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Captain Nathan Hale, a 21-year old officer in the Continental Army and a Yale man, uttered those famous words upon his execution at the hands of British forces.
233 years later--and in all the years in between--those words define the spirit of America's servicemen.
Our young men and women in the armed forces are quite a precocious bunch by trade.
They choose to answer a transcendental calling. They fill the void left by the patriots of previous generations to provide the vigilance required to preserve freedoms that may be God-given on paper but have always been hard-won in practice. They have an innate sense of history that evades the comprehension of tenured faculty at many of our nation's universities.
How many 20-year-olds do you know who are prepared to sacrifice their dreams and lay down their lives to advance the rights and dreams of strangers? The only ones I have ever met have been in uniform.
Their love of country has often and ashamedly gone unrequited. But no matter how many times our soldiers were under-funded in battle and under-rewarded at home, they have steadfastly served as exemplars for what America is and should be.
As someone who never served in the military, I know that not even Steven Spielberg can convey a true appreciation for the valor, the sense of honor, and the shared experience of America's freedom warriors.
Veterans Day for me then is a time to recall the sacrifice, honor the memory, and celebrate the lives of Nathan Hale and the tens of millions of American soldiers, including my departed grandfather, who for nearly two-and-a-half centuries have formed the soul of the greatest nation the world has ever seen.
+++
Consider Operation Homefront-Illinois
Over the last couple of years, I have had the privilege to serve on the board of Operation Homefront-Illinois. Operation Homefront is a national non-profit with 30 state chapters that serves active duty military families with a spouse overseas and wounded warriors coming home. I currently serve as the Board Chairman of the Illinois chapter.
Our niche in the constellation of exceptional charities that serve military families is to provide tangible constituent service to Illinois servicemen and their families. We’ll get a leaky roof repaired, replace a broken water heater, pay a cell phone bill, get the transmission replaced in the family car: the exigencies of everyday life that many of us take for granted but present urgent challenges to military families.
Working with Homefront has been both an uplifting and a frustrating experience. The uplifting part is the toughness of military families who sacrifice so much and desire very little in return. The uplifting part is seeing volunteers come forward to help organize and run events like our Back-to-School Backpack Brigade program where we distribute school supplies to children of active duty military in Illinois.
The frustrating part has been to witness the struggles military families have in Illinois, particularly when those struggles come as the direct result of political leaders at the state and federal level who fail to keep our promises to our veterans. We want to do more.
I would invite you to learn more about Operation Homefront-Illinois by visiting: www.operationhomefront.net/illinois.
We cannot content ourselves to remember our veterans solely on holidays. Please consider getting involved to support Operation Homefront-Illinois, your local VFW post or American Legion hall, or another organization that serves our military families in your community.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dan Proft
Candidate for Governor
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on Veteran’s Day
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
“Today we honor those soldiers who have bravely served our country and all those around the world and at home who continue the fight to protect our country and freedom.
“Our gratitude for their sacrifice is deep and one that continues throughout every day of the year.”
“Today we honor those soldiers who have bravely served our country and all those around the world and at home who continue the fight to protect our country and freedom.
“Our gratitude for their sacrifice is deep and one that continues throughout every day of the year.”
Friday, October 9, 2009
Durbin, Bean: Lovell Health Center Legislation Nears Full Congressional Approval
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin - Thursday, October 8, 2009
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL) today announced that the language necessary to complete the James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center has cleared a major legislative hurdle. Earlier today the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 281-146 the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act giving authority to the Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly operate the new Federal Health Care Center. The legislation must now be passed by the Senate and sent to President Obama for his signature.
“Today the House of Representatives approved legislation to create the Lovell Health Center in North Chicago,” said Durbin. “This innovative partnership between the VA Medical Center and the Naval Health Clinic could be replicated across the country as we continue to look for new ways to increase quality care while reducing cost to taxpayers. I thank Representatives Bean and Kirk for their commitment to this legislation and I look forward to working toward its approval in the Senate before sending it to the President for his signature.”
“I was proud to join my House colleagues in passing this provision, and commend Senator Durbin in working to include it in the Senate authorization bill. By combing the VA Medical Center with the Naval Health Clinic, we will provide quality care to active duty personnel, veterans, and military retirees while saving the taxpayers $80 million in construction costs, using our resources efficiently and effectively.”
Durbin first introduced Lovell legislation in November 2008 and Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL) introduced similar legislation – co-sponsored by Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) – in the House of Representatives earlier this year. The approval of today’s language, as part of the Defense Authorization Act, represents a collective effort by Congress, the VA, Navy, and labor to address the complex issue of combining two federal hospitals. When complete, the Lovell Federal Health Care Center will be the first health care facility in the nation to be operated jointly between the VA and the Navy, saving taxpayers millions of dollars that would otherwise have been needed to rebuild or renovate the Navy’s nearby hospital.
After the VA announced plans in 1999 to close the North Chicago VA Medical Center, Durbin brought Illinois House and Senate members together to request an investigation into the possibility of having the Navy and the VA enter into a joint agreement for use of the facility. Senator Durbin later passed language requiring the Navy to expand the use of the hospital and to work with the VA to finalize site selection for the joint ambulatory care center and construction design. Today’s legislation is the final legislative piece that will allow beneficiaries who had previously received care at the Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes to be eligible for care and not required to make a co-pay.
Earlier this year, Durbin and Bean joined the Secretary of the VA, Eric Shinseki, at the Lovell Center for a round table discussion on the need for legislative language to clear the remaining hurdles in merging the Navy and VA hospitals at North Chicago. Secretary Shinseki’s visit followed a January meeting with Durbin, who stressed the importance of the efforts in North Chicago on the eve of Shinseki’s confirmation.
For the last year, Durbin and Bean have worked tirelessly with stakeholders to fine-tune language that will allow the North Chicago facility to operate as has been envisioned for years--as an integrated facility of the armed services and the VA. Additionally, Durbin worked with the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee Daniel Akaka (D-HI) to encourage the VA to address this issue in the agency’s 2010 budget. In May, it was announced that the VA did exactly that, making it easier for Congress to work with the Administration to complete the North Chicago project.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Statement from State Veterans' Affairs' Director Dan Grant
From the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
CHICAGO – “On behalf of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, I’d like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Tammy Duckworth for being confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
As the former Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Tammy was a tremendous advocate and leader for Illinois’ Veterans and their families. We all know first-hand how committed Tammy is to making sure that this country lives up to its promise to care for our Veterans and we couldn’t be more proud of her.
I look forward to working with Tammy in her new position as we strive to meet the needs of the Veteran population and continue to work hard to fight for all of Illinois’ Veterans.”
CHICAGO – “On behalf of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, I’d like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Tammy Duckworth for being confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
As the former Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Tammy was a tremendous advocate and leader for Illinois’ Veterans and their families. We all know first-hand how committed Tammy is to making sure that this country lives up to its promise to care for our Veterans and we couldn’t be more proud of her.
I look forward to working with Tammy in her new position as we strive to meet the needs of the Veteran population and continue to work hard to fight for all of Illinois’ Veterans.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Senate Confirms Duckworth for VA Position
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
April 22, 2009
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate approval of Tammy Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“President Obama and America’s veterans now have Tammy Duckworth as their advocate and champion,” said Durbin. “I know Tammy will bring the same level of commitment to the VA that she has shown in fighting for her country and representing Illinois veterans.”
Duckworth was injured when the Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting over Iraq was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade. In the attack, she lost her left leg and her right leg has since been amputated. She spent months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, facing multiple surgeries, extensive rehab and continuous upgrades of her prostheses. Duckworth was presented with a Purple Heart and awarded an Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Durbin invited Duckworth as his guest to the State of the Union in 2005. In 2006, she was appointed the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA’s public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.
April 22, 2009
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate approval of Tammy Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“President Obama and America’s veterans now have Tammy Duckworth as their advocate and champion,” said Durbin. “I know Tammy will bring the same level of commitment to the VA that she has shown in fighting for her country and representing Illinois veterans.”
Duckworth was injured when the Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting over Iraq was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade. In the attack, she lost her left leg and her right leg has since been amputated. She spent months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, facing multiple surgeries, extensive rehab and continuous upgrades of her prostheses. Duckworth was presented with a Purple Heart and awarded an Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Durbin invited Duckworth as his guest to the State of the Union in 2005. In 2006, she was appointed the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA’s public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
American Ex-Prisoners of War & Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs’ to Co-Host American Ex-Prisoners of War Recognition Day Ceremony in Springfield
From the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
SPRINGFIELD – In conjunction with National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and the Department of Illinois, American Ex-Prisoners of War will co-host the American Ex-Prisoners of War recognition day ceremony outside the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield on Thursday, April 9th. The ceremony will honor all Illinois Ex-POWs for their courage and service to our nation and will include musical selections by the Springfield Municipal Band, Taps, a 21-gun salute, the raising of the POW/MIA flag, and a yellow-ribbon ceremony around the White Oak tree.
Dozens of Illinois Ex-POWs and their families will participate in the special ceremony. Members of the United States Army Reserve 724th Transportation Company in Bartonville will also be in attendance in honor of Staff Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin who was the first POW/MIA of the Iraqi Freedom War. Staff Sgt. Maupin was captured and taken prisoner by Iraqi insurgents on April 9, 2004 and was laid to rest in April of 2008.
The Department invites and encourages all Veterans, families and friends to join them at this very special ceremony.
WHO:
SPRINGFIELD – In conjunction with National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and the Department of Illinois, American Ex-Prisoners of War will co-host the American Ex-Prisoners of War recognition day ceremony outside the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield on Thursday, April 9th. The ceremony will honor all Illinois Ex-POWs for their courage and service to our nation and will include musical selections by the Springfield Municipal Band, Taps, a 21-gun salute, the raising of the POW/MIA flag, and a yellow-ribbon ceremony around the White Oak tree.
Dozens of Illinois Ex-POWs and their families will participate in the special ceremony. Members of the United States Army Reserve 724th Transportation Company in Bartonville will also be in attendance in honor of Staff Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin who was the first POW/MIA of the Iraqi Freedom War. Staff Sgt. Maupin was captured and taken prisoner by Iraqi insurgents on April 9, 2004 and was laid to rest in April of 2008.
The Department invites and encourages all Veterans, families and friends to join them at this very special ceremony.
WHO:
- IDVA Director Dan Grant
- IDVA Assistant Director Sergio Estrada
- Robert Foster, Illinois Commander of American Ex-POWs
- Marianne Roenna, Chaplain, Illinois American Ex-POWs
- State and Local Elected Officials
- Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County
- Springfield Municipal Band
- Members of the 114th Regiment IL Volunteer Infantry, 40 & 8 Voiture 344, and the 724th Transportation Company
WHAT: American Ex-Prisoners of War recognition day ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 2009, at 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Executive Mansion Lawn
410 East Jackson Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Veterans’ Affairs Director Dan Grant Asks Taxpayers to Share their Refunds with Illinois’ Veterans
From the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
CHICAGO – As Illinoisans continue to fill out their state tax returns, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Director Dan Grant is reminding residents about an easy and effortless way to help the state’s military heroes. Taxpayers can share their refunds by completing Step 10 on their Illinois tax return and donating to the four Illinois Veterans’ Homes.
“Times are tough, and we need all the help we can get to ensure that the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedoms are receiving the best care, services and treatment that we can give them. I want to encourage all Illinoisans, when completing their 2008 income tax returns, to fill out Step 10 and make a donation to the Illinois Veterans’ Home fund. This is a simple way to support our Veterans and a way to say thank you for all that they have done,” said IDVA Director Dan Grant.
The Illinois Veterans’ Home fund was added to the state’s list of voluntary contribution funds in 2004. The money raised through the fund is used to purchase much needed supplies and equipment to enhance the lives of the nearly 1,000 residents of the state’s four Veterans’ homes located in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Last year, Illinois residents generously donated more than $141,700 to the fund. Examples of some of the purchases made thanks to the donations include bicycles and accessories, digital cameras, computers and monitors, and custom cabinets.
Residents must complete Schedule G to identify the charitable organization the donation in Step 10 of the IL-1040 tax form is to be made to. Using electronic filing makes completing this form much easier and provides the added benefit of processing the donation more quickly.
“Our Veterans stood forward when this country needed them the most. They risked their lives to defend us. Now, we all have a responsibility to care for them when they return home and for the rest of their lives. So please – make a donation to the Illinois Veterans’ Home fund from a portion of your 2008 income tax refund and help support our Veterans,” Director Grant added.
For more information, please call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Senator Burzynski Reminds Veterans' Children About University of Illinois Tuition Waiver
From the Office of State Senator Brad Burzynski
ROCHELLE, Ill. – State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) reminded students who are the children of veterans to apply for the University of Illinois' Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver.
This tuition waiver provides a free, four-year tuition waiver to any natural or adopted child of a veteran. Up to six waivers per Illinois county are awarded each year, one for each of the following conflicts for which the Veteran served: World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Southeast Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Eligibility is limited to permanent residents from any of Illinois' 102 counties. Awards are limited to one per county and per conflict. The tuition waiver is good for any University of Illinois system school or degree program.
Burzynski encouraged children of veterans to act quickly; students need to apply before March 1, 2009. For further information go to Sen. Burzynski's website: www.burzynski.senategop.org or call the University of Illinois, Office of Student Financial Aid at 1-217-333-0100.
ROCHELLE, Ill. – State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) reminded students who are the children of veterans to apply for the University of Illinois' Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver.
This tuition waiver provides a free, four-year tuition waiver to any natural or adopted child of a veteran. Up to six waivers per Illinois county are awarded each year, one for each of the following conflicts for which the Veteran served: World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Southeast Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Eligibility is limited to permanent residents from any of Illinois' 102 counties. Awards are limited to one per county and per conflict. The tuition waiver is good for any University of Illinois system school or degree program.
Burzynski encouraged children of veterans to act quickly; students need to apply before March 1, 2009. For further information go to Sen. Burzynski's website: www.burzynski.senategop.org or call the University of Illinois, Office of Student Financial Aid at 1-217-333-0100.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)