Rep. Senger: Governor Signs Bills to Improve Lives of Illinois Troops and Veterans

Naperville…State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville) is pleased that Governor Pat Quinn signed into law several pieces of legislation that she co-sponsored to improve the lives of Illinois’ service members and veterans.

Rep. Senger co-sponsored House Bill 52 (Public Act 96-0079) to remove the current requirement that a veteran must be 100% disabled and eligible for the purchase of a vehicle by the federal government in order to qualify for a Disabled Veterans’ license plate. Under this new law, veterans will qualify for the special license plate if they hold proof of a service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs along with certification from a licensed physician.

“Illinois should honor its veterans for their service and sacrifice to protecting this country and our freedom. This legislation is just one small step to show our disabled veterans how much we appreciate them and want them to have a great quality of life, and be able to get to and from the grocery store with as much comfort as possible,” Rep. Senger said.

The Governor also signed House Bill 4198 (Public Act 96-0091) co-sponsored by Rep. Senger which waives the $100 FOID card application fee for active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Reserve Forces, or the Illinois National Guard.

House Bill 4199 (Public Act 96-0092) was also signed into law and provides that Veterans Day honors the victory in all wars of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. An oversight in the current state law only recognized the Army, Navy and Air Force.

“Every man and woman who signs their name to enlist in the military deserves our utmost gratitude. America’s greatness is a reflection of those who have dedicated their life to service. I will continue to vote for and sponsor legislation on behalf of veterans’ rights,” Rep. Senger said.

Rep. Senger is a steadfast advocate for veterans and was pleased that the Governor also signed bills she supported to help veterans with educational and job training, as well as legislation to create a task force to look at studying a veterans court system in Illinois.