Carla Rapps

Discussions covered legislative updates, including the approval of an initiative to change the outdated veterans volunteer force requirement regarding paper applications. The Director's report highlighted the upcoming grand opening of the new Quincy veterans home on October 20th, initial resident movement, and aggressive hiring efforts to reach budgeted headcount, noting that Veteran Service Officers have seen nearly 11,000 clients and completed approximately 9,000 claims since the last meeting. A discussion ensued regarding the monetary impact of claims processed by IDVA VSOs. Committee updates included requests for a legislative brief on eligibility changes for veterans homes and a demonstration of the updated website's features. Member reports addressed potential legislation concerning the definition of a Gold Star Family, the status of the ROTC program at Western Illinois University, and the need for a state-level veteran hiring recognition program. The Bylaw Committee reported progress on housekeeping and definition clarification.

The meeting included legislative updates, budget discussions, and reports on veterans' services. Discussions covered legislative initiatives affecting veterans, including those related to nursing home care and changes to personnel codes. The budget allocated funds for safety and security enhancements, dental grants, and the rollout of the Chicago home. The council also discussed transition assistance for veterans, focusing on connecting them with available services and resources.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the reconstruction of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and improving benefits for veterans in Illinois. Discussions covered initiatives to support homeless combat veterans in Chicago, address suicide and mental illness among veterans, and organize a summit in 2021. Updates were provided on the construction of the Chicago Veterans Home, water management in existing homes, and ongoing capital projects at various Illinois Veterans' Homes. Legislative updates included the signing of the Cold War License Plate bill and support for SB 110 and SB 1255. The meeting also touched on the success of the state fair, the Medal of Honor Highway, and plans for the annual report.

The meeting included updates on the status of veterans' homes, with a focus on managing COVID-19 cases and implementing testing protocols. The council discussed Operation Rising Spirit, a program designed to connect outside individuals with veterans in the homes. There were also discussions about hazard pay for frontline staff and plans for resuming admissions and socially distanced visits. The council also discussed the Chicago home project, which is near completion, and the need for legislation to assist homeless veterans and their families.

The meeting included discussions on reconstructing Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), focusing on female veterans, addressing homelessness among veterans (including female veterans with children), and supporting the LGBTQ community within veterans' homes. Updates were provided on the Illinois Veterans' Homes, including remodeling progress at Hammond Hall, the construction of the Chicago Home, and legionella response at the Manteno home. The committee also discussed legislative matters, including support for SB1255 (Veterans Transfer of Benefits) and the potential need for legislation regarding Medal of Honor Highways. Additionally, there was a conversation about taking the meetings on the road to visit the homes, working with DCFS to support female veterans with children, and improving the IDVA website to include information on all Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs).