HB 3270

Abstract

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act and the State Finance Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to establish and administer the Illinois Homeless Veterans Program to provide grants and per diems to facilities providing shelter and assistance to homeless persons who served as members of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Illinois National Guard, or any reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, and who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Provides that the primary components of the program shall include advocacy for homeless veterans and increasing public awareness on the issue of homelessness among veterans and its root causes. Requires the Department to solicit federal and State funding, donations, and grants for the purpose of implementing the program. Creates the Illinois Homeless Veterans Program Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury for the purpose of implementing the program. Establishes the Homeless Veterans Service Coordinating Committee to discuss and research ways in which the veterans services provided by public and private agencies can be made more easily available and better focused to serve homeless veterans. Effective immediately.