Porfirio advances bill to expand medical care opportunities for veterans

• veteran benefits

SPRINGFIELD — Veterans could receive expanded leave for health care visits thanks to a new bill sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“Veterans across Illinois have earned and deserve the best medical care possible for their service and sacrifice,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We must support our service members by empowering them to get the care and treatment they need.”

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Porfirio applauds grants for essential tools and equipment awarded to local fire departments

BURBANK — The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal recently issued grants for fire districts to purchase equipment, two of which will head to departments in the 11^th Senate District, State Senator Mike Porfirio announced.

“Fire departments protect us every day from threats to our businesses, homes and loved ones,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These grants are essential to empowering firefighters to safely execute their job to the best of their ability.”

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Porfirio takes initiative to improve rooftop safety for first responders

• Local Government

SPRINGFIELD — A new initiative by State Senator Mike Porfirio could improve safety for thousands of first responders across Illinois, following the tragic passing of Andrew Price, a Chicago firefighter who fell through a light shaft while fearlessly suppressing a fire on the roof of a restaurant.

“First responders like Andrew risk their lives for us every day,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We owe it to him and all those who serve us to take any steps we can to improve their safety.”

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Porfirio eager to support veterans as newly appointed chair of Veteran Suicide Prevention Council

• Veterans

BURBANK — According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 162 Illinois veterans died by suicide in 2022. As the newly appointed chair of the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council, State Senator Mike Porfirio is committed to leading the charge to lower this number.

“Suicide among veterans is a national emergency, and I am committed to advancing efforts toward breakthrough therapies,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a fellow veteran, I am honored to be appointed as a representative of the community and am eager to get started on the work to identify innovative therapies to address the veteran suicide crisis.”

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