Rock Island Today

A veterans bill inspired by a senior at AlWood High School in Woodhull was among several measures signed into law by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner during Veterans Day at State Fair, reflecting the state's strengthening of its commitment to veterans and their families.

"The selflessness of our American heroes can never truly be repaid, but here in Illinois we are making it easier for our men and women to return home and have prosperous futures," Rauner said. "We are investing in our veterans' futures while never forgetting those we have lost along the way."

Two of the bills support families of Illinois veterans. House Bill 4389 designates the day following Gold Star Mother's Day, the last Sunday in September, as Gold Star Family Day in Illinois as a day to honor and commemorate families of those who gave their lives while serving with the U.S. armed forces.

House Bill 4432, inspired by AlWood High School senior Jack Bumann, allows a student in grades six through 12 be given an excused absence from a public school to sound "Taps," the familiar military bugle call, at a military-honor funeral in Illinois for a deceased veteran. 

Bumann wore the emblem of the Youth Trumpet and Taps Corps as he stood beside Rauner during the bill signing, according to a story in the Orion Gazette. The Youth Trumpet and Taps Corps is a service organization for high school-age volunteers who play "Taps" during the funerals of veterans in the absence of a professional military bugler.

Also standing beside the governor during the signing were Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Jeffries and state Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson), who sponsored the bill after receiving a letter from Bumann suggesting the legislation.

Bumann told the Orion Gazette that he has played "Taps" during the funerals of about two dozen veterans, as well as a performance at the Salute to Veterans June 5 in Andover.

“It really hits you when you hear it,” Bumann said. “You realize what it means and how many times it’s been played for how many different fallen soldiers. It’s a big part of our nation’s history.”

The most important reason for passing the bill was to ensure any family in Illinois mourning the loss of a veteran has the option of "Taps" played as a live tribute instead of a recording, Moffitt told the Orion Gazette.

“The signing of HB 4432 helps deliver an added level of honor and respect for the military person who has passed,” Moffitt said. "Additionally, the playing of 'Taps' by a high school student at a military service is an excellent civics lesson for the student. It is a reminder that freedom is not free. It is only preserved by the service and dedication of our American soldiers.”

Rauner also signed Senate Bill 3401, which Moffitt helped pass. The measure provides veterans greater flexibility when seeking treatment for addictions and other mental health services under the oversight of the state's veterans assistance commissions.

Rauner also signed was House Bill 5003, which will require all state judicial circuits to maintain a veterans and service members court program. Similar to programs maintained in state drug courts, veterans court will provide veterans better access to much needed programs and solutions.

Rauner also signed into law House Bill 4627, which allows veterans to begin a college education after discharge, regardless of the time of year.

"Establishing an admissions process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an application for admission to the university as a freshman student enrolling in the spring semester, if the veteran was on active duty during the fall semester, will not force the veteran to put their life on hold just because the calendar does not match up," Jeffries said. "I thank the governor and the legislature for providing this important benefit to our Illinois heroes."

Rauner also signed House Bill 5938, which amends the veterans Home Nurses' Loan Repayment Act to include eligible physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses, instead of being limited to nurses as it had been.

“These bills are common-sense measures to properly provide care for and serve our military members and veterans,” Moffitt said. “I am proud to help to honor them through our actions. Their sacrifices for our freedoms back home have earned them our respect, our honor, our gratitude and the best care we can provide for them.”

Moffitt has announced his retirement from the state House. Candidates running for his 74th Illinois House District seat are Republican Dan Swanson of Alpha and Democrat Bill Butts of Galesburg.