Publications & Sites 
Biggert: Veterans deserve our assistance
Updated: July 17, 2012 6:12PM
Veterans deserve our assistance
Let me begin by saying ‘thank you’ to our veterans for your service to our country and the great sacrifices you have made to defend the freedoms we enjoy.
While we can never repay you for your service, we can work together to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition from military to civilian service. Outlined below are some of the initiatives we’re working on to improve housing, and educational and employment opportunities for you and your families.
Employment and education resources: I understand that the road to employment is not always easy in today’s economy, even for those with distinguished military service records. That’s why I’m working with a regional coalition of workforce boards and community colleges to launch a pilot program designed specifically for veterans that will provide a one-stop shop for educational and employment assistance. It will include: expanded veteran service centers at community colleges; an online clearinghouse for employment resources; assistance obtaining employment credentials; mentorship opportunities within the business community; and job placement. If you are looking for employment opportunities, I would love to learn your thoughts on how we can make this program more effective for you. Feel free to email my district affairs director, Brian Colgan, at brian.colgan@mail.house.gov.
Housing assistance: A stable living situation is vital to those returning to civilian life. That’s why I’ve co-sponsored legislation, passed by the U.S. House, to improve federal housing assistance programs for veterans. House Resolution 3298, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2011, ensures that the departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs are working hand in hand to help veterans get the housing assistance they have earned. The legislation is one of many efforts we are pursuing to curb homelessness among veterans.
Quality health care: Next spring, the VA will open a veterans’ mega-clinic in the emergency room facility at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. This project was inspired more than three years ago by a group of local veteran leaders who worked closely with my Illinois colleagues and me to secure VA approval for the clinic. The 60,000-square-foot facility will offer an array of quality health services specifically designed to met the unique needs of veterans. To submit suggestions about what services you would like to see at the Joliet mega-clinic, visit http://judybiggert.house.gov/SilverCrossVAClinic.
Finally, my office is pleased to help veterans who reside in the 13th District cut through the red tape in Washington. If you need help with your benefits or simply have questions related to the VA, don’t hesitate to call our office at (630) 655-2052.
For information on any of these programs, visit my website, http://judybiggert.house.gov.
It is an honor to serve you.
Judy BiggertMember of Congress
