Porfirio applauds $600,000 in funding for Berwyn Park District

• OSLAD
• Proska Park

BURBANK – The Berwyn Park District is among the 100 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Mike Porfirio announced Thursday.

“OSLAD funding continues to be an incredible investment in our communities,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This grant will help transform Proska Park into a zone where families and children can come together and enjoy healthy recreational spaces.”

More than $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. In the district Porfirio represents, Proska Park is set to receive $600,000 through the OSLAD program.

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New law shielding veterans from deceptive practices takes effect Jan. 1

• SB 3479
• veteran benefits
• deceptive practices
• new law

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Jan. 1, veterans will be better protected from fraudulent schemes targeting their benefits, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit. 

“Our veterans have selflessly served our country, and it’s our moral obligation to ensure their benefits are safeguarded from exploitation,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a U.S. Navy veteran. “This law helps protect veterans from bad actors and reinforces the respect and support they’ve earned through their dedicated service.”

Many unaccredited businesses prey on veterans by offering misleading promises, such as guaranteeing higher disability ratings and promising faster VA claim decisions, or requesting sensitive login credentials to access secure VA websites. These practices often leave veterans vulnerable to fraud and misinformation.

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Porfirio and Veteran Suicide Prevention Council to combat veteran suicide epidemic

BURBANK – With Veterans Day approaching, State Senator Mike Porfirio is reinforcing his commitment to combating the veteran suicide epidemic – which claims an estimated 17 lives per day – and is eager for the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to begin its critical work. 

“As a member of this advisory council, I’m honored to collaborate with dedicated people to confront the national emergency of veteran suicide,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We have a unique opportunity to deliver new solutions, and I’m committed to ensuring we approach this mission with urgency and purpose.”

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Porfirio releases statement on islamophobia

Our society has no room for harmful rhetoric that targets and marginalizes Muslim and Arab communities. We must reject islamophobia in all its forms, as it only serves to divide us. Elected officials must lead by example and use their platform to protect the values we cherish, including dignity and respect for all. It is our duty to continue working together to confront harmful stereotypes and build communities rooted in understanding and acceptance.