Springfield, Ill - Last week Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) successfully advanced a bill designed to protect the historical graves of our nation's Veterans. HB 4934, an initiative stemming from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), seeks to amend the Human Remains Protection Act to provide enhanced protection for those wishing to maintain and preserve our Veterans' graves.
"I am honored to champion HB 4934, a bill that reflects our unwavering commitment to honoring the legacy and sacrifices of our Veterans," stated Representative Kifowit. "As a US Marine Corps Veteran myself, ensuring the dignity and respect of our fallen heroes is a cause close to my heart. This legislation serves as a critical step towards preserving the memory of those who have served our nation." HB 4934 proposes amendments to the Human Remains Protection Act to address the protection and maintenance of graves belonging to Veterans who passed away over 100 years ago. If identified as a Veteran's remains, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will permit Veterans' organizations, such as the VFW, to place markers on these graves. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of damage or destruction to these graves, the Veterans' organization may undertake necessary repairs or replacements after making a good faith effort to contact the next of kin. Springfield, Ill – Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) achieved a significant milestone today as her proposed bill, HB 4870, passed through the Illinois House. This bill, aimed at amending the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code, represents a crucial step forward in ensuring efficient and timely retirement benefits for state employees.
“I'm proud to lead the charge in ensuring that our state employees receive the timely and efficient retirement benefits they deserve,” said Kifowit. “HB 4870 represents our commitment to supporting those who have dedicated their careers to public service, and I am honored to champion this important legislation.” Springfield, Ill – Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) has successfully advanced four House Joint Resolutions commemorating local heroes who went Missing in Action (MIA) in service to their country. These resolutions, which passed the House this week, aim to honor the memory and valor of fallen service members by designating sections of highways in their names.
“The designation of these highways in honor of our fallen heroes ensures that their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” said Kifowit, who is herself a USMC Veteran. “Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice exemplify the highest ideals of service and bravery. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. Our work will not be done until we have recognized and honored all of our Illinois Missing in Action in this way.” This initiative is headed by Rolling Thunder Chapter 1’s Robert Patterson, Gold Star Father of SPC Christopher Patterson, KIA January 6, 2012. “As a Gold Star Father, I feel myself as fortunate in knowing what happened to my son and knowing he is home with us,” he said. Springfield, Ill – Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego), a proud US Marines Veteran, has been appointed to the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council, continuing her steadfast work to prevent Veteran suicide and improve mental health care for those who have served our nation.
“I am deeply honored to serve on the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council,” said Kifowit. “This appointment represents a critical opportunity to advance innovative approaches to mental health care for our nation's Veterans. I am committed to working collaboratively with my colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that Veterans receive the support and resources they deserve.” Springfield, Ill – State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) has been appointed Chair of the Holistic Mental Health Care for Youth in Care Task Force, marking a significant step in her ongoing commitment to improving mental health services for vulnerable youth. The task force was established by legislation Kifowit successfully passed in 2022 and will have its first meeting this week.
"This task force represents a vital opportunity to address the mental health challenges faced by youth in care and ensure they receive the comprehensive support they need," said Kifowit. "By drawing on real-world experiences and collaborating with key stakeholders, we can develop policies and recommendations that have a meaningful impact on the lives of our most vulnerable youth." |
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