SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, State Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township) released the following statement in response:

“This budget prioritizes fiscal responsibility, fully funding our pension obligations and growing our Rainy Day Fund to over $2.3 billion by the end of the fiscal year. The emphasis on sectors like education, public safety and support for veterans reflects our commitment to ensuring the welfare of residents.

“This year, we’re allocating $350 million to K-12 education, ensuring our children receive the quality education they deserve. Additionally, nearly $1 billion in resources will support local governments, strengthening services and infrastructure across our state. In addition, with over $32 million in funding being dedicated to the Chicago Veterans’ Home and an extra $200,000 being allocated to the Homeless Veterans’ Program, we will be better equipped to prevent and end homelessness in our veteran population — ensuring those who have sacrificed for our country can live with honor and dignity.

“This budget reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship. By investing wisely today, we are laying the foundation for improved quality of life for our residents for generations to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – To protect our nation’s veterans from predatory business practices, State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit championed legislation through the General Assembly aimed at combating unaccredited companies that target veterans by offering benefits in exchange for financial compensation.

“This legislation is a crucial step in protecting our brave veterans from predatory practices and ensuring they receive the benefits and respect they rightfully deserve,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and it’s our duty to ensure their wellbeing is safeguarded. This bill is a significant victory for our veterans and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to their welfare.”

Common predatory practices include guaranteeing an increased disability rating or percentage increase, advertising expedited VA claims decisions, requesting login credentials to access a veteran’s personal information through secure VA websites and more. Senate Bill 3479 would combat deceptive business practices by ensuring transparency regarding these businesses’ lack of VA accreditation. To offer better consumer transparency, Porfirio’s legislation requires these entities to disclose that their businesses are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and service members across the state will have enhanced benefits knowledge, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce and distribute a comprehensive benefits, services and protections poster.

“This measure underscores our commitment to ensuring transparency and accessibility in regard to veteran and service member benefits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “By providing clear information about the protections available to them, we are honoring their sacrifices and demonstrating our pledge to supporting them in every way.”

Through Porfirio’s initiative, veterans and service members will have streamlined access to information about critical resources, — such as tax benefits and the Illinois veteran driver’s license — empowering these individuals to navigate the complexities of their available support systems effectively. The measure will centralize essential information in one accessible format, helping to facilitate informed decision-making.

House Bill 4757 passed both chambers of the General Assembly and advances to the governor for final approval.

BURBANK – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students could soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“It’s vital we support our servicemen and women in all facets of their lives, including their educational pursuits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. “This bill aims to alleviate the burden on National Guard and Reserve members by ensuring they have the opportunity to excel academically without being penalized for their commitment to military service.”

According to Student Veterans of America, around 16% of military students are members of the Reserve or National Guard. Porfirio’s measure would ensure 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.