SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, has been appointed to serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for the remainder of the 2021-2022 legislative session, pledging to be a strong advocate for military families and veterans seeking support to meet their housing, employment and health care needs.
“After a COVID outbreak led to dozens of lives lost at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home, I knew it was important that the state take a serious look at the quality of care being provided to our veterans,” said Hirschauer. “Supporting the heroes who sacrificed for our safety should always be a priority, and I will use my position on this committee to explore some of the major areas where veterans are being underserved.”
The Veterans’ Affairs Committee considers all legislation pertaining to veterans’ benefits, health care and state-run veterans’ homes and also works closely with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Recently, the panel held a hearing to review insufficient safety protocols and leadership decisions that fueled a deadly coronavirus outbreak at the LaSalle facility. Moving forward, Hirschauer and other members of the committee will continue to monitor the quality of long-term health care provided to veterans, as well as work to improve their access to education, mental health care, housing, employment and other services.
“I’m excited to get to work and continue to bring forth legislation that benefits our veterans,” said Hirschauer. “Unfortunately, veterans face many challenges both in transitioning to civilian life and gaining access to care as they age, and this committee will play an important role in eliminating existing barriers to better protect and honor those who served.”
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