Starting in 2006, the Illinois State Lottery has offered a series of scratch-off games to raise additional moneys to assist Illinois veterans. The proceeds from these games are granted by IDVA to community groups for a set of defined programs to help veterans. These programs include PTSD assistance, homelessness, health care, disability care, long-term care, unemployment, and employment upgrade and retraining. State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) is sponsoring legislation to open up the guidelines to allow more veterans to seek assistance…
“We could not provide funding for Behavioral Health, only for PTSD diagnosis, so the first part of this bill changes that PTSD and statues to behavioral health to make it a more Universal opportunity to help veterans. Additionally were going to add a 7th category that allows for veterans organizations to request veterans emergency financial assistance which would be for housing, transportation cost, utilities and other veterans needs.”
The bill was approved in committee on Wednesday and moves on to the House floor for consideration.
