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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING THE MAJOR RICHARDSON STAR ACT
WHEREAS, Cook County has a longstanding commitment to supporting veterans, service members and their families; and
WHEREAS, Major Richard Star served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was medically retired after developing lung cancer following exposure to burn pits during his military service; and
WHEREAS, under current federal law, certain combat-injured veterans who are medically retired before completing 20 years of service cannot receive the full amount of both their military retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is home to approximately 137,000 veterans, including more than 32,000 veterans receiving service-connected disability compensation, and recognizes that federal policies affecting military retirement and disability benefits have a direct impact on veterans and military families throughout the County; and
WHEREAS, the Major Richard Star Act would address this issue by allowing eligible combat-injured, medically retired service members to receive both benefits without the current offset; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 722 in support of the Major Richard Star Act and urged Congress to act on this issue; and
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes the service and sacrifice of combat-injured veterans and the importance of ensuring they receive the benefits earned through their military service; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners express their support for the Major Richard Star Act and urge the United States Congress to enact legislation addressing the current offset affecting eligible combat-injured, medically retired service members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the appropriate members of Congress representing Cook County to communicate the County’s support.
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