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Almost $12 Million Distributed to Illinois Military Families; 25,000 Applications Granted in Eight Year History CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)–September 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today called on Illinois residents to donate to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. To date, the fund has distributed almost $12 million to Illinois military families to assist with the financial burden at home when a loved one is deployed overseas. “With our nation remembering the terrible tragedy that shook our country ten years ago, it’s important that we not forget those who make the sacrifices to protect our freedom,” Governor Quinn said. “When our brave men and women answer the call to duty, they should not have to worry about their families finances at home. All of us in Illinois can help honor their service by supporting their families in their time of need.” Donations to the fund can be made by visiting OperationHomefront.org. Checks can be made payable to the Illinois Military Family Relief and mailed to: The Illinois Department of Military Affairs, ATTN: IMFRF, 1301 N. MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, Illinois 62702-2399. The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund was drafted by then-Lt. Governor Quinn, passed unanimously by the General Assembly and signed into law in 2003. It established a check-off box on the Illinois income tax return that allowed residents to make tax-deductible donations directly to the fund. More than 35 states have passed legislation modeled after the Illinois fund. Governor Quinn has also advocated for the passage of a National Military Family Relief Fund. The legislation, House Resolution 1175, was announced by Governor Quinn and former Rep. Bill Foster and is based on the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. It would allow taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the fund by filling in an amount on their federal income tax forms. Active-duty servicemen and servicewomen fighting in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and veterans and their families would be eligible for grants. |
Source: illinois.gov
