Dear Veterans,

As we celebrate Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day, I would like our veterans and their families to consider the security of one of the most important documents they possess, their DD-214 military discharge records.

One year ago this Flag Day, my office celebrated the opening of our Veterans Services Office. This was a very proud moment for me, because my family has a proud history of serving this nation. My father and husband have served - as well as my brother and sister - and my son presently serves this great nation as a Captain in the United States Army.

From Wall Street to Main Street, brokers and legislators are working to prevent cases of financial abuse against the elderly from occurring. Joining in the effort, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D – Chicago) is sponsoring two pieces of legislation that would require those aware of abuse against the disabled and elderly communities to report that abuse to the proper authorities.

Among a packed room, standing-room only, young people expressed how state-funded programs saved their lives, took them off the street and prepared them to enter the work force.

“While we debate about fair wages and job opportunities, we need to understand the domino effect of our struggling economy,” said Senator Mattie Hunter, chair of the Illinois Senate Human Services committee. “Since the Great Recession, we have had to dismantle our safety net, and youth have fallen through the cracks.”

Today, the Illinois Senate passed a conservation jobs plan with strong bipartisan support. Sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), the initiative would put youth, aged 18-25, and veterans back to work through the creation of the Illinois Young Adult Recreation Corps.

“Conservation jobs will help preserve Illinois’ national parks while putting at-risk youth and veterans back to work,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “The Illinois Young Adult Recreation Corps will improve our communities by empowering young people and giving them transferable professional skills.”