Illinois State representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) was awarded the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award by the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions (IACVAC) during their board of directors meeting in Peoria. The prestigious award recognizes her unwavering dedication to advocating for Illinois Veterans as a legislator in the Illinois General Assembly.
“It is a profound honor to receive this award,” said Kifowit. “As a proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, my advocacy for the rights and well-being of service members and their families is deeply personal. I remain unwavering in my commitment to supporting our Veterans in any way I can, and I am grateful to partner with organizations like IACVAC in serving those who have selflessly served our nation.”
“Representative Kifowit has repeatedly shown to be the top voice in the Illinois General Assembly,” said President of the IACVAC Board of Directors, Andrew Tangen. “As one of only a few veterans in the General Assembly and the only female veteran in the General Assembly, she is a role model to others on how veterans should be cared for in the Great State of Illinois. We are honored for her years of friendship and partnership in aiding our Veterans community and are grateful for her service. She has more than earned this award.”
The Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions is dedicated to serving Illinois Veterans and their dependents by overseeing Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs) across the state. The IACVAC provides training, coordination, and advocacy to ensure that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve. The organization is committed to fostering VACs in all counties and maintaining strong communication with federal, state, and local entities to support Veterans.
Kifowit’s legislative work in 2025 further solidified her standing as a leading voice for Veterans in Illinois. Kifowit’s Veteran-Focused Legislative Actions:
Passed Memorial Highway Resolutions in the IL House of Representatives to honor fallen service members.
•HR 0301– Honors Sergeant First Class T. Katsoolias
•HR 0299– Honors Private First Class W. Hill
•HR 0367– Honors Sergeant First Class O. Thompson
•HR 0300– Honor Staff Sergeant R. Herreid
All passed unanimously.
Kifowit passed important legislation that protects and supports Illinois families and Veterans.
“I was proud to sponsor and have signed into law SB2175 (PA104-0136), which insures that disabled Veterans receive additional leave from work to attend appointments at VA medical clinics—an essential step in helping our Veterans access the care they deserve” stated Kifowit.
Additionally, Kifowit passed into law SB0032 (PA104 – 0067), which will allow the State of Illinois to petition for Veterans to be eligible for SNAP benefits, SB1675 (PA104-0117) which modernizes the Military Code of Justice in Illinois to reflect current standards and ensure fairness and SB0220 (PA104-0078) while allows unpaid time off for Veterans to participate in Military honors at the funeral of a deceased Veteran along with HJR19, which honors a portion of I80 as US Marine Corps Highway in recognition of the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Beyond legislative victories, Kifowit is deeply involved in the local Veteran community. This year, her office partnered with American Legion Posts 84 and 43 from Aurora and Naperville to host the annual American Legion golf outing fundraiser, raising crucial funds for Veteran-related causes. This year’s event, held on August 21, brought together over 100 golfers and sponsors to support and recognize our nation’s Veteran’s. In addition, every year her office is an official Toys for Tots donation center.
For more information, contact the office of State Representative Stephanie Kifowit at (630) 585-1308 or stephanie.kifowit@att.net.
—Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit