Amvets Post 94

Know someone who could use a scholarship? Here is a chance for AMVETS to help.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DwETrLzkW/

From National Scholarship Officer Barbi Montagne

The end of the school year is upon us and yet, we have only received one scholarship application.

I placed a challenge to have at least one application from each Department. There is still time!!! Applications are due to National HQ no later than July 1, 2026. Please mail to AMVETS National Auxiliary, Attention Scholarship Officer, P.O. Box 29, Millersville MD 21108-9998.

THANK YOU and Let's Help Build the Future!!

🎉 Calling all veterans! 🎖️ Join us for an unforgettable evening on June 8, 2026, at 7 PM at 2349 Stockyard Rd, Springfield, IL! 🌟 But wait, there's more! Arrive early at 6 PM for our Social Hour filled with delicious food & great company! 🍔🥤

This is your chance to relax, reconnect, and build lasting memories with fellow heroes. 💬 Let's share stories, laughter, and camaraderie. Whether you're a seasoned vet or new to the community, YOU are welcome here! 🙌

✨ Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to be part of something special. Tag your veteran friends and let's make this event a success! 📢

✅ RSVP now, and let us know you're coming to ensure we have enough goodies for everyone! 😊

💪

See you there! 📅 👥

# 🇺🇸 Weekly Veterans News Digest
**Week of May 18–24, 2026
---
# # FROM THE DESK OF YOUR POST COMMANDER
Fellow veterans, members, and supporters — as we close out Memorial Day weekend, I want to take a moment to share the latest developments at the national and state level that directly impact our community. There is encouraging movement in Congress and in Springfield this week, and a few important watch items every veteran should know about.
---
# # 🏛️ NATIONAL LEGISLATION UPDATE
# # # House Passes $480.9 Billion VA Budget
The House passed a strong appropriations bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs this past week, fully funding VA health care and benefits for Fiscal Year 2027. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (400-15), a clear signal that Congress remains committed to our veterans. The bill includes $324 billion in mandatory spending for health care and benefits, and $137.8 billion in discretionary spending — roughly a 2% increase over FY2026.
**Why it matters:** This ensures the VA stays funded without disruption to benefit payments, healthcare, and the PACT Act rollout.
[Source: Military Times](https://www.militarytimes.com/.../house-passes-budget.../) | [Source: House Appropriations Committee](https://appropriations.house.gov/.../house-passes-first...)
---
# # # House Passes Six Veteran-Friendly Bills — Week of May 18
The House passed a package of six veteran-focused bills this week, several of which The American Legion supported through legislative testimony. Key bills include:

- **H.R. 6047 – Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act**: Increases VA monthly compensation for catastrophically disabled veterans and surviving family members of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.

- **H.R. 496 – Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act**: Prevents VA from automatically reporting veterans who have a fiduciary to the FBI's NICS background check system. This is a significant win for veterans' rights — having a fiduciary does not make someone unfit to own a firearm.

- **H.R. 3482 – Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act**: Requires VA to implement electronic scheduling for community care healthcare appointments.

- **H.R. 2954 – Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act**: Streamlines VA approval for multi-state trucking apprenticeship programs, making it easier for veterans to transition to civilian careers in the trucking industry.

[Source: The American Legion](https://www.legion.org/.../house-passes-half-dozen...) | [Source: Stars and Stripes](https://www.stripes.com/.../house-bills-veterans-benefits...)
---
# # # Cost-of-Living Adjustment Bill Introduced — Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the **Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026**, which would increase monthly disability compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rates effective December 1, 2026. This is an annual bipartisan effort to keep veteran benefits pace with inflation.
[Source: Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee](https://www.veterans.senate.gov/.../sens-moran-blumenthal...) | [Source: GovTrack](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/119/s4487)
---
# # # ⚠️ "Claim Sharks" Targeting Disabled Veterans — New Bill Introduced
After an NPR investigation exposed predatory practices by for-profit VA claims consulting companies, a bipartisan group of representatives introduced legislation to protect disabled veterans. These so-called "claim sharks" were using auto-dialer software to monitor VA benefit payments for their clients — often without veterans' knowledge — and then billing veterans anywhere from hundreds to over $20,000 when their payments increased.

**The bill would:**
- Ban companies from using auto-dialers to access VA benefit hotlines

- Reinstate civil penalties and effectively ban for-profit claims consulting nationwide

**Post Commander's Note:** If any of our members are approached by a third-party company promising to increase their VA rating for a fee, please contact your VSO representative first. We can help you file your claim at no cost.
[Source: NPR](https://www.npr.org/.../veterans-disabilities-claims...)
---
# # 🏥 VA BENEFITS & HEALTHCARE UPDATE

# # # Claims Processing Times Down 43%
The VA reports that average claims processing time has dropped from 141.5 days to 80.7 days since the start of the current administration — a 43% reduction. While there is still room for improvement, this is a meaningful improvement for veterans waiting on decisions.

# # # PACT Act Enrollment Continues to Grow
More than 125,000 veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare in 2026 alone, largely driven by expanded toxic exposure coverage under the PACT Act. Over 20 new conditions are now covered, including 11 cancer types and 12 respiratory illnesses. If you or a fellow veteran served in a combat zone or was exposed to burn pits, airborne hazards, or contaminated water, please reach out — you may be entitled to care and compensation.

# # # 34 New VA Facilities Opened Since 2025
The VA has opened 34 new healthcare facilities since January 2025, with $5 billion allocated for continued FY2026 improvements.
[Source: VA News](https://news.va.gov/.../va-announces-major-improvements.../) | [Source: Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/va-making-major-changes-to-boost...)
---
# # 🌟 ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE

# # # HB 4385 — Military Specialty License Plates
The General Assembly passed **House Bill 4385**, allowing eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same terms as the first set. The bill now heads to the Governor's desk.

# # # Veterans Medical Leave Expansion
Illinois expanded veterans' medical leave provisions — veterans are now entitled to **4 days per year** to receive medical care authorized by the VA, at any type of health care provider or facility, for examination or treatment of a service-connected condition. This applies to veteran employees statewide.

# # # Veterans Service Organization State Charter Act (HB 925)
HB 925 creates the **Veterans Service Organization State Charter Act**, establishing a formal recognition process through the Attorney General's office for qualifying veterans service organizations. Organizations that meet the requirements will receive official state charter status — a step toward greater recognition and support for posts like ours.
[Source: Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs](https://veterans.illinois.gov/.../recentlegislation.html) | [Source: Illinois Business Journal](https://www.ibjonline.com/.../senators-harriss-schmidt.../)
---
# # 📌 VFW & AMVETS NATIONAL UPDATE

**VFW Day of Service** continued throughout May, with over 2,300 community service projects already completed this year. The VFW Day of Service is a great example of how our posts continue to lead in giving back — not just to veterans, but to the communities that support us.
**AMVETS** continues to push for expanded Electronic Health Record (EHR) deployment across VA facilities and is prioritizing mental health support and traumatic brain injury treatment for veterans in 2026.
[Source: Military.com](https://www.military.com/.../vfws-day-of-service-way...) | [Source: AMVETS](https://www.amvets.org/advocacy)
---
# # 📞 RESOURCES FOR OUR MEMBERS

- **VA Benefits Questions:** Contact your VSO rep — we assist at no cost.

- **PACT Act Enrollment:** Call VA at 1-800-MyVA411 or visit [va.gov/pact-act](https://www.va.gov/res.../the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/)

- **Illinois Veterans Affairs:** [veterans.illinois.gov](https://veterans.illinois.gov)
---
*Prepared by Commander Shawn Miller | AMVETS Post 94
*Weekly Veterans News Digest — May 24, 2026*
---
**Sources:**
- [House Passes Half-Dozen Veteran-Friendly Bills – The American Legion](https://www.legion.org/.../house-passes-half-dozen...)
- [House Passes Budget Bill for Veterans Affairs – Military Times](https://www.militarytimes.com/.../house-passes-budget.../)
- [Moran-Blumenthal COLA Bill – Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee](https://www.veterans.senate.gov/.../sens-moran-blumenthal...)
- [Bill to Stop 'Claim Sharks' – NPR](https://www.npr.org/.../veterans-disabilities-claims...)
- [VA Announces Benefits Processing Improvements – VA News](https://news.va.gov/.../va-announces-major-improvements.../)
- [VA Making Major Changes – Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/va-making-major-changes-to-boost...)
- [Illinois Veterans Legislation – IDVA](https://veterans.illinois.gov/.../recentlegislation.html)
- [Illinois Senators Advance Veterans Bills – Illinois Business Journal](https://www.ibjonline.com/.../senators-harriss-schmidt.../)
- [Memorial Day Events Central Illinois – WANDTV](https://www.wandtv.com/.../article_1b5ec1ce-0caf-44bb...)
- [Chicago Memorial Day Parade – City of Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/.../supp.../memorial_day_parade.html)
- [VFW Day of Service – Military.com](https://www.military.com/.../vfws-day-of-service-way...)
- [AMVETS Advocacy – AMVETS.org](https://www.amvets.org/advocacy)
- [2nd Amendment Restoration/House Bills – Stars and Stripes](https://www.stripes.com/.../house-bills-veterans-benefits...)

Thank you to all the Veterans and family members who joined us today for our Memorial Day Picnic at Northernders VFW / AMVETS Post 94! We’re grateful you could be part of such a special day of remembrance and community.

A huge shoutout to our dedicated members who came together to cook 100 burgers, 50 hotdogs, and over 75 brats so everyone could eat well. The backyard was full of laughter and friendly competition with games of Bags and kids enjoying the playground.

We also want to thank everyone who brought delicious side dishes and desserts to share—your generosity made the meal even more memorable.

We hope everyone had a wonderful time and left with a full belly and a happy heart. Until next year, thank you for making today so special! 🇺🇸🍔🌭

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E8QyCPN4i/

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes 🇺🇸

Each home game, the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes proudly recognize veterans and active service members for their dedication and sacrifice. Have someone you’d like to celebrate? Submit a nomination today at shoesbaseball.com.

Presented by Fred Weber, Neighborhood Loans

Become a sponsor and help us give back to veterans and the community.

Veterans News Digest

NATIONAL NEWS
VA Disability Compensation — Cost-of-Living Increase Bill Introduced

Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 (S.4487) on May 15. If passed, this bipartisan bill would increase monthly compensation rates for more than 5 million veterans receiving service-connected disability payments, as well as survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The increase would keep benefits aligned with inflation — last year's COLA was 2.8%. The bill has been referred to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

What it means for our members: If you or your family members receive VA disability compensation or DIC, this bill could mean a meaningful increase by the end of 2026. Encourage members to contact their senators in support.

VA Reverses Controversial Disability Rating Rule
Earlier this year, the VA issued an interim rule that would have allowed the agency to reduce a veteran's disability rating if their condition was being managed by medication. The rule triggered a swift and unified response from the VFW, DAV, MOAA, and other VSOs. VA Secretary Doug Collins ultimately halted implementation, stating the rule "will not be enforced at any time in the future." However, public comment is still being collected.
What it means for our members: This was a significant win for veterans advocacy. Our organizations' voices matter — stay engaged. Members currently rated for conditions managed by medication should continue monitoring this space, as it is not formally rescinded.

VFW & DAV Release FY2027 VA Budget Recommendations
The VFW and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have jointly released their co-authored fiscal year 2027 budget recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs. These recommendations represent the veterans community's priorities heading into the next appropriations cycle.

"Claim Sharks" Bill Introduced in Congress
A new bipartisan bill, championed by Rep. Chris Pappas and others, targets predatory companies that charge disabled veterans large fees for help filing benefits claims. These so-called "claim sharks" have increasingly used aggressive tactics, including auto-dialing, to target vulnerable veterans. The legislation aims to crack down on these practices following an NPR investigation.
What it means for our members: Remind post members — accredited VSO representatives, including our posts, provide claims assistance free of charge. No veteran should ever pay for help filing a VA claim.

VFW Day of Service — Ongoing Through May
The VFW's 5th Annual Day of Service kicked off May 2 and continues throughout the month. More than 2,300 events were held worldwide last year. This year's initiative — sponsored by Humana, USAA, CenterWell, and loanDepot — encourages veteran-led community service projects. If your post hasn't participated yet, there's still time.

Major Richard Star Act Gets New Momentum
The long-stalled Major Richard Star Act, which would eliminate the offset reducing military retirement pay for combat-disabled veterans who also receive VA disability compensation, has received a boost with backing from the Trump Administration. The bill would benefit approximately 54,000 veterans nationwide. It has been reintroduced and continues to gain legislative traction.

ILLINOIS VETERANS AFFAIRS
SB 3047 — Veterans' Disability Benefits Exempt from Public Aid Calculations
SB 3047 (104th General Assembly) would amend the Illinois Public Aid Code to prohibit the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services from counting VA disability benefits as income when determining eligibility for Medicaid, child care assistance, and SNAP (food stamps). This is a critical protection for low-income veterans and their families. The bill remains in committee.
Action item: Contact your state legislators to push for movement on this bill.

HB 2777 — Expanded Veterans' Medical Leave
HB 2777 would amend the Illinois Personnel Code to grant veterans employed by state agencies four days per year of medical leave to attend VA-authorized appointments for service-connected conditions — at any health care provider or facility. This expands existing protections for Illinois veteran employees.

HB 925 — Veterans Service Organization State Charter Act
HB 925 establishes a formal state chartering process for veterans service organizations in Illinois, creating eligibility requirements and an application process through the Illinois Attorney General's office. State-chartered status could open additional avenues for VSO recognition and support.

IDVA Veterans Cash Grants
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs continues awarding quarterly Veterans Cash Grants — ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 — to organizations serving Illinois veterans facing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and other service-related needs. Illinois Lottery funds support this program. Eligible organizations should check IDVA's application cycle.

HB 2572 — Signed Into Law: Veterans Scholarship Eligibility
HB 2572, which clarifies eligibility rules for the Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Scholarship and Educational Opportunity Grant, has been signed into law with an effective date of January 1, 2026. IDVA now determines eligibility by rule.

KEY DATES — MAY 2026

May 2 onward — VFW Day of Service (ongoing)
May 15 — COLA bill introduced in Senate
May 27 — Memorial Day — Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice
June 1 — Deadline for Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) budget submissions to ISAC

MEMBER REMINDER
Our posts provide free VA claims assistance through accredited service officers. If any member — or someone they know — needs help with a VA claim, connecting with a VSO representative is always the right first call. No fees, no claim sharks, just service.

Sources:

Stars & Stripes — Bill to Increase Payments to Disabled Veterans
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee — COLA Act Introduction
Congress.gov — S.4487 Veterans' Compensation COLA Act of 2026
MOAA — VA Releases, Then Reverses, Disability Rating Rule
VFW — Demands VA Rescind Disability Rating Rule Change
Military Times — VA Halts Controversial Disability Rating Rule
NPR — Bill Aims to Stop 'Claim Sharks' Targeting Disabled Vets
DAV & VFW — FY2027 VA Budget Recommendations
Connecting Vets — VFW Day of Service May 2026
Newsweek — Major Richard Star Act Boosted by Trump Admin
LegiScan — Illinois SB3047
BillTrack50 — IL HB2777
IDVA — Recent Legislation
Illinois.gov — IDVA Veterans Cash Grant Recipients