SPRINGFIELD – All service officers and supervisors for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be required to be honorably discharged veterans under legislation sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) signed into law Friday.

“When our servicemen and women are coming to the VA looking for assistance, we need to be sure that they are able to work with someone who has been in their shoes and who is best able to give them the help they deserve,” Connor said. “By putting our veterans in touch with others who have honorably served, we are putting them on a path for success.”

Under current law, only service officers are required to be honorably discharged veterans. This legislation is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that codifies the existing practice that supervisors and field managers meet the same standard.

“We owe so much to the men and women who serve our country,” Connor said. “This is one small way that we can ensure that they have the resources they need and deserve.”

The legislation will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022.