HR0825 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0825 LRB098 20125 GRL 55421 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On March 26, 2014, Governor Pat Quinn will address the Illinois General Assembly to outline his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2015 and a 5-year spending blueprint; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly is tasked with the responsibility of working with the Governor to craft a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that meets the needs of the people of the State of Illinois, while also living within the means of tax revenue collected by the State; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has a long and proud history of supporting Illinois veterans through various education and health care programs and assisting veterans that are returning to civilian life; and

WHEREAS, The effects of the current economy have left many Illinois veterans with undue hardship and challenges with financial and medical issues; and

WHEREAS, Illinois veterans have sacrificed greatly on behalf of this State and nation to preserve and defend our way of life; and

WHEREAS, It is our responsibility as a State to provide the best possible care to our State's veterans in any way we can; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs currently operates 4 Illinois Veterans' Homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy that are fully staffed with caring and dedicated professionals who provide quality long-term care to resident members; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly and the Governor will be crafting a budget that will include the possibility of the expiration of the 2011 income tax increase, which will result in the State having to make serious budget decisions in order to maintain fiscal responsibility; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Governor and General Assembly to maintain current funding levels to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs for the continued operation of the 4 Illinois Veterans Homes; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this resolution be referred to as "The Illinois Veterans Home Protection Resolution"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor and all legislative leaders of the General Assembly.