Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications available for seniors, people with disabilities beginning October 1

VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is urging seniors and people with disabilities to begin the application process for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications on October 1 this year.

“This vital program saves lives,” Cullerton said. “Our senior citizens, those living with disabilities or families who need a little extra assistance rely on this energy assistance program to keep the heat on this winter. I urge those who qualify to take advantage of this program as soon as possible to stay warm.”

Beginning October 1, applications can be submitted and appointments can be made through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Community.

Customers must bring all required documentation when applying for assistance including:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day income period beginning with the date of the application.
• A copy of their current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly).
• A copy of their rental agreement (if they are renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information.
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.
• Proof that their household received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD); or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Read more: Tom Cullerton urges qualified senior to take advantage of energy assistance program

VILLA PARK – The Senate’s Veterans Affairs committee passed a series of important measures this legislative session that are now law in Illinois.

Veterans Committee Chairman Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is proud of the bipartisan work the committee did this legislative session.

“We tackled a series of important issues this year to ensure our state meets the growing needs of our nation’s heroes,” Cullerton said. “Our service men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. It’s vital that we work in a bipartisan manner to pass meaningful laws that pay tribute to their countless sacrifices.”

Cullerton served in the Army from 1990 to 1993 as an infantryman. He continues to use his military experience to champion legislation to help military veterans, personnel and their families.

The following legislation passed the Senate’s Committee on Veterans Affairs and is now law:

Senate Bill 3128: Gives the Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs authority to address the public health crisis at the Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy.

This is one of many measures Cullerton pushed to help save veteran lives by speeding up construction and repairs at the Quincy facility.

“Our U.S. servicemen and women should not live in harm’s way because of the governor’s incompetence,” Cullerton said. “It’s the state’s job to ensure Illinois’ heroes are able to live their golden years in a safe environment with the best possible care.”

Senate Bill 3192: The governor annually designates, by official proclamation, the day before Gold Star Mother's Day as Gold Star Family Day.

House Bill 4278: Requires an Illinois Veterans Home to notify facility residents and their emergency contacts within 24 hours if two or more residents in the home have been diagnosed with an infectious disease in period of one month or less.

Cullerton championed the passage of this measure in response to Gov. Rauner’s mismanagement of the Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks at the Quincy Veterans Home. Despite signs of the spread of bacteria reaching epidemic proportions, the governor failed to notify the public about the deadly 2015 outbreak until nearly a week later.

Read more: Tom Cullerton leads charge to protect veterans

VILLA PARK – A new Illinois law championed by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) will prevent state licensing boards from suspending or revoking individual licenses and certificates if a consumer defaults on their student loans.

“It is counterproductive and counterintuitive to take away someone’s capability to work because they are unable to pay bills,” Cullerton said. “Obviously, if you cannot work you will not be able to pay your loans and will collect more debt. That cycle doesn’t benefit anybody.”

Student loans are the largest source of consumer debt in the United States, surpassing mortgages and credit cards debt.

Senate Bill 2439 puts provisions in place to prevent individuals with student loan default from having licenses denied, revoked or suspended in 37 professions such as occupational therapists, barbers, teachers, structural engineers, home inspectors and real estate agents.

Student loan debt is the only type of debt in the U.S. that is not eligible for bankruptcy protections except in severe instances.

“We need to look for ways to make college more affordable to ensure our children are graduating college with mountains of opportunities, not debt.” Cullerton said.

Senate Bill 2439 passed with bipartisan support and is now in effect.

VILLA PARK – To better serve Illinois veterans and their loved ones, state veterans facilities will now be required to submit biannual reports to the General Assembly.

House Bill 5784, sponsored by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), became law on Monday, requiring the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to regularly inform the general assembly about the health and welfare of the residents at each state-run veterans facility. The DVA must also keep the GA informed of any epidemics or cases involving a communicable disease.

“This bipartisan measure will promote transparency and hold Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration accountable for the care and service our nation’s heroes receive at state-run facilities,” Cullerton said. “For far too long the governor’s administration has continued to conceal the facts.  My goal is to ensure there is a series of checks and balances to prevent avoidable catastrophes such as the Legionnaires’ epidemic.”

In December 2017, WBEZ Radio in Chicago released a report of the earliest cases of Legionnaires’ disease in 2015. The timeline of events showed a six-day delay between the Department of Public Health knowing an epidemic was occurring and their release of this information to the public. Family members of the victims said they were not notified of an outbreak before the press release.

Those families of victims have filed lawsuits against the state claiming negligence.

“It is a shame that our U.S. servicemen and women were put in harm’s way by Gov. Rauner’s administration. However, we must act now to shine some light onto the care of veterans receive and work to keep them safe,” Cullertons said.

House Bill 5784 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support goes into effect immediately.