New Illinois Law Guarantees Compensation to Families of First Responder Deceased

Springfield, Illinois (WTVO) — State leaders in Springfield are calling for legislation to benefit the families of first responders and military personnel who died in Illinois.

This measure will ensure that families can continue to benefit from the state, even in the event of temporary funding shortages like last year.

Illinois State Comptroller Suzanne Mendoza said while the state’s “Job Compensation Act” benefits families, it often runs out of money by the end of the fiscal year.

The proposal seeks to eliminate the need for legislatures to vote on additional appropriations.

“Congress had earmarked $5 million for benefits to the families of officers killed in action. That’s a lot of money. “They were under budget by about the same amount. They were under budget by $4 million. The fact of the matter is, it should have been like this. Any family, any family in Illinois. But you shouldn’t have to wait longer than it takes to apply for these benefits.”

Of the 26 claims filed last year, only 13 were budgeted.