Porfirio: Our service members deserve every chance to succeed

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students will soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a new law State Senator Mike Porfirio spearheaded through the General Assembly.

“This new law ensures our National Guard and Reserve members can fulfill their military duties without jeopardizing their academic progress,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This is a vital step in supporting their dual commitment to both education and service.”

According to Student Veterans of America, around 16% of military students are members of the Reserve or National Guard. The new law ensures fair treatment for these students by requiring public colleges and universities in Illinois to enact policies allowing students to complete missed classwork and assignments if the reason for the student’s absence was to fulfill military obligations. 

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Porfirio measure enhancing transparency for veterans, service members’ benefits becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and service members across the state will soon have enhanced benefits knowledge, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“This law ensures our veterans have easy access to critical information, helping them fully utilize the support they’ve earned through their service,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “In making this information more accessible, we are empowering veterans to take full advantage of the resources they deserve while reflecting our deep gratitude to those who have served our nation.”

Porfirio’s law requires the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to produce and distribute a comprehensive benefits, services and protections poster. Through the new law, veterans and service members will have streamlined access to information about critical resources — such as tax benefits and the Illinois veteran driver’s license — that will empower them to navigate the complexities of their available support systems effectively. The law centralizes essential information in one accessible format, helping to facilitate informed decision-making.

House Bill 4757 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Porfirio announces over $59 million road improvement plan for 11th District

• Rebuild Illinois
• MYP

BURBANK – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Mike Porfirio, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $59 million in road and bridge improvement projects throughout the 11^th Senate District.

“Our infrastructure is the backbone of our economy,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “With this investment, we can address long-overdue repairs and upgrades and provide a solid foundation of roads and walkways for future generations to use.” 

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Porfirio represents will see 19 infrastructure projects totaling more than $59 million next year.

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Illinois VFW names Porfirio Senator of the Year

BURBANK – In a ceremony held Friday, Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars selected State Senator Mike Porfirio as the Senator of the Year.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois VFW,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the protections, care and dignity they deserve. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative effort between lawmakers and veterans, working together to improve the quality of living for all who have served our country.”

Porfirio was selected for this award due to his significant impact on veteran-related legislation, notably his recent work on Senate Bill 3479. This crucial legislation, which protects veterans from predatory practices by unaccredited businesses, passed both legislative chambers with bipartisan support and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.

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