State Rep McAsey: 'I Am Hopeful These Programs Will Give Veterans Assistance They Need'

“As we pause to thank veterans for the sacrifices they have made, we must also recognize the difficulties often encountered by those who are transitioning back into civilian life,” McAsey said. “We owe it to these brave men and women to make their transitions as seamless as possible.”

McAsey supported multiple measures to allow veterans to use the training and experience they gained in the military to meet the requirements of some skilled civilian jobs. One new law waives the driver’s skills test needed to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for veterans who received the same training and drove commercial vehicles. Subject to federal requirements, this new law would eliminate the cost and training that is currently needed to obtain a CDL. McAsey also supported a proposal requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to recognize EMT training completed while in the military.

Currently, veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military and have received an Afghan or Iraqi Campaign Medal are able to have the college education requirement waived when applying for positions with the Illinois State Police (ISP). McAsey backed a new measure expanding this waiver to include those currently serving in the Illinois National Guard or Reserves and honorably discharged veterans who received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal or the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. 

Additionally, McAsey sponsored a new law to help veterans receive free legal assistance. House Bill 3111 establishes a pilot program to create a statewide hotline offering free advice, answering questions and coordinating legal services for military personnel and veterans.

“I am hopeful that these programs will give veterans the extra assistance they need after leaving their careers in the military,” McAsey said. “I will continue fighting for legislation that honors the sacrifices of brave service men and women.”

McAsey serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. For more information, please contact McAsey’s full-time constituent service office at 815-372-0085.