Dupage Policy Journal

Tom Bennett, State Senator of Illinois, is celebrating the passage of a piece of legislation he proposed that's designed to help families of veterans with their property taxes on Mar 29th.

“This is about supporting our veterans who keep us safe through their service, as well as recognizing the sacrifices their families have made to support them,” Bennett said. “We want to make sure that the families of veterans receive the benefits that are rightfully owed to them.”

The Housing Assistance Council reported Illinois is home to 570,264 veterans, noting that’s 5.8% of the total adult population in the state. It also noted 6.8% of Illinois veterans live in poverty.

Senate Bill 1534 fixes an issue with homestead exemptions for veterans. Under Bennett’s legislation, if a veteran with a spouse dies while their veteran’s homestead exemption is under review, the review will continue, and if the exemption would have been granted for the veteran, then it will be granted to the surviving spouse.

The Housing Assistance Council also reported approximately 736 Illinois veterans are facing homelessness.

Bennett’s legislation passed the Illinois Senate on March 24th and now awaits action in the House, with Bennett insisting "this is about supporting our veterans who keep us safe through their service, as well as recognizing the sacrifices their families have made to support them. We want to make sure that the families of veterans receive the benefits that are rightfully owed to them.”

To find a United States Department of Veterans Affairs office, visit its locations webpage.

Earlier this year, Bennett was selected to replace retiring State Sen. Jason Barickman. Prior to earning that appointment, Bennett served as a state representative and before that was a chairman for the Parkland College Board of Trustees for three years as well as a science teacher and an IT professional.