This week, Illinois State representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) introduced a bill aimed at improving workplace information for veterans across the State. The proposed legislation mandates the creation and distribution of a comprehensive veterans and service members’ benefits, services, and protections poster by the Department of Veterans Affairs, made available by the Department of Labor.
“Ensuring that our veterans have access to the information and resources they deserve is a fundamental duty,” said Kifowit. “By enhancing awareness through this poster initiative, we take a significant step towards supporting our veterans in their transition to civilian life. It’s about honoring their commitment to our country by making essential information readily available in their workplaces.”
The bill requires the poster to encompass a range of crucial information, including but not limited to details about free veterans’ benefits and services provided by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and other Veterans service organizations, tax benefits, the Illinois veteran driver’s license and non-driver veteran identification card, and protections for survivors of sexual violence in the military specific to Illinois. Additionally, the poster will feature contact information for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Veterans Crisis Line.
Once implemented, January 1, 2025, businesses will be required to post the information. This approach aligns with the existing system of displaying workplace posters and ensures that veterans and service members receive the information they need to access benefits, services, and protections available to them.
Representative Kifowit has a proven track record of advocating for veterans’ issues during her tenure in the General Assembly. Her dedication to addressing concerns such as veteran suicide, Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries, and ensuring veterans receive their entitled state benefits has earned her recognition, including being named Outstanding House Legislator of the Year in 2023 by the collective Posts of the VFWs of Illinois.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact the Office of State Representative Stephanie Kifowit at 630-585-1308 or stephanie.kifowit@att.net.
— State representative Stephanie Kifowit