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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REQUESTING A MEETING OF THE VETERANS COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE FROM THE VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION OF COOK COUNTY AND THE COOK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, due to legislative changes to the Illinois Veteran’s Affairs Act, Cook County was required to amend the Veterans Assistance Commission ordinance to comply with the state legislative changes and to establish the legal relationship between the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) and the County Board; and
WHEREAS, as stated the purpose of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is to provide immediate emergency financial assistance to Cook County veterans and veterans’ families. The general powers of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County shall be in accordance with 330 ILCS 45 et. seq.; and
WHEREAS, further the VACCC of Cook County shall comply with all applicable federal, state and county laws, rules, regulations, and orders as well as Cook County policies; and
WHEREAS, the amendment designated the VACCC as a separate independent office although its employees will receive all benefits available to County employees; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA), which was established in 2012 empowers all Cook County veterans who have served in a branch of the military through workshops, newsletters and access to a network of outreach services that allows veterans to leverage their knowledge and achieve a better quality of life for themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS, in order to better assist Cook County veterans in navigating the various benefits available to them from these offices, it would be beneficial to have an explanation of the organizational structure including member organizations of the VACCC as well as the organizational structure of the CVAA and the roles they serve and benefits provided;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby request a meeting of the Veterans Committee be convened to discuss the organizational structures and available benefits from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) and the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of the VACCC and the Director of the CCVA appear before the Veterans Committee and be prepared to give an overview to the committee and answer questions related to the new organizational structure and benefits provided to Cook County veterans from both offices; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Veterans Committee shall be convened periodically as may be required to receive future updates from the VACCC and CCVA.
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