Summary as Introduced
Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Provides that the Task Force on Federal Impact to Illinois Veterans is created within the Department of Veterans Affairs to include the feedback, experiences, and guidance from veterans throughout Illinois on the state of existing veteran programming, resources, housing, and healthcare. Provides that the Task Force shall also analyze the current state of staff and funding changes to the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, in conjunction with the impact federal funding cuts to social services enacted by the Department of Government Efficiency and through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have on the over 500,000 veterans living in Illinois. Provides that the Task Force shall also assess ways that the State of Illinois can assist Illinois veterans expected to lose their jobs within the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, as well as veterans impacted by cuts to entitlement programs, including, but not limited to, SNAP, Medicaid, and federal tax credits. Contains provisions on Task Force membership and meetings. Provides that the Task Force may allow testimony from the public regarding the impact of federal cuts on veterans. Requires the Task Force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December December 15, 2027. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved on January 31, 2028. Effective immediately.