Stuart plans veterans benefits fair, seniors advisory day

COLLINSVILLE – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is holding two events of interest to local veterans and senior citizens.

A veterans’ benefits fair will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Post 365 located at 1022 Vandalia St. in Collinsville. The event aims to connect local veterans with local, state and federal resources,

“In Springfield, I am working to improve educational and employment opportunities for returning veterans by supporting legislation to expand college credit opportunities for military personnel, ensure mental health services are available to veterans and guarantee that no veteran or active military personnel are discriminated against because of their military status,” Stuart said.

Stuart’s veterans’ benefits fair is free and open to the public. Over two dozen organizations will be in attendance, including representatives from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Joining Forces, Southwestern Illinois College, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Ameren Illinois, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Madison County Transit.

Attendees are encouraged to bring old, unneeded cellphones to donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Stuart’s full-time constituent services office located at 2105 Vandalia, Suite 16, in Collinsville serves as a permanent drop off location. Donated cellphones are used to purchase calling cards for military personnel serving overseas.

***

Stuart is also inviting local seniors to share their thoughts on the state and local issues that matter to them at a Senior Advisory Committee, scheduled to take place on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Collinsville Library, located at 408 W. Main St. in Collinsville.

“This meeting will be focused specifically on the issues that matter to seniors, such as Meals on Wheels, property taxes and community programs,” Stuart said. “I want to make sure that when I go back to Springfield that I am able to share the voice of every resident that lives in my district and our communities.”

Stuart’s Senior Issues Advisory Committee is free and open to the public. In addition to answering questions and taking feedback on matters critical to local residents, Stuart will highlight her efforts in Springfield to protect seniors. Stuart has opposed efforts to create a retirement tax, and has backed plans that would allow seniors to save on property taxes and keep more of their money.

“Many seniors unfairly had to deal with the consequences of the state budget impasse,” Stuart said. “Nobody deserved to deal with that burden, and it’s important that we take the necessary steps to prioritize our senior community moving forward.”

For more information on either event, contact Stuart’s office at (618) 365-6650, or at RepKatieStuart@gmail.com.