Quincy Reporter

Small communities in Illinois now have the opportunity to collaborate in forming Veterans Assistance Commissions thanks to a recent legislative development. The Illinois House has approved House Bill 1352, introduced by State Representative Kyle Moore, allowing counties within a judicial circuit to create a Jurisdictional Veterans Assistance Commission.

According to Rep. Moore, "Under current guidelines, most of the large counties have Veterans Assistance Commissions in place, but many smaller counties lack the resources or funding to form one on their own. This change will allow smaller counties to form joint commissions to better serve veterans in their communities."

Currently, 96% of Illinois counties with populations over 60,000 have established Veterans Assistance Commissions. However, only 34% of counties with fewer inhabitants have succeeded in doing so. Counties currently without these commissions span a large list, including Bond, Boone, Brown, and others.

Moore emphasized the importance of such commissions: "Veterans Assistance Commissions provide essential services and support to veterans in local communities throughout Illinois. None of our heroes should be left out."