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.

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.”

BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio recently announced a total of $6,967 has been granted to North Riverside Public Library District’s Project Next Generation.

“Support like this helps our libraries remain a cornerstone of learning and connection,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This funding will ensure the North Riverside Public Library will be able to maintain essential services so many in our community rely on.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

BURBANK – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements across the state, State Senator Mike Porfirio joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing nearly $9.5 million for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including $225,000 for the Village of La Grange Park. 

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is not just a commitment to better roads and bridges, but also a pledge to the safety and betterment of our communities,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This funding ensures critical projects, like the planning study for the 31^st Street Corridor, can move forward – creating jobs and improving our community.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, with matching funds of $1.25 million from the state and $741,000 from local governments, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.