SPRINGFIELD – A staunch advocate of the veteran community, State Senator Mike Porfirio has been named chair of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee for the 104^th General Assembly.

“Veterans are pillars of the community, leaders and public servants throughout the great state of Illinois,” said Porfirio (D- Lyons Township). “I am honored and committed to defending the rights of my fellow veterans, as they have heroically defended ours.”

Porfirio, a Navy veteran himself, served over seven years on active duty. In 2005, he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he patrolled Iraqi Oil Terminals and responded to the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. After returning home, he was recalled to active duty as a Senior U.S. Military Advisor to the Afghan National Police from 2013 and 2014. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Porfirio continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve and has over 24 years of collective service in uniform.

BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in announcing $200 million in funding to transform health care delivery and improve health outcomes in the state.

“This funding is a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Supporting the development of a comprehensive care center ensures our residents have access to critical care and essential services all in one accessible location.”

The Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program, which was established in 2021. The goals of the HTC program are to expand access to care and improve health equity, especially in underserved communities, by leveraging shared resources among collaborative partners to create locally-driven solutions.

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.

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.