In Illinois, a new legislative proposal, House Bill 1115, introduced by State Representative Travis Weaver, could mean significant financial relief for Gold Star Parents. This bill seeks to provide property tax exemptions to families who have endured the ultimate sacrifice of losing a child in military service. The measure is designed to acknowledge their loss and the pivotal role their loved ones played in maintaining national security. The proposal is currently under review and has garnered support for its aim to honor these families’ contributions and sacrifices.
“These parents have suffered the unimaginable tragedy of losing a child who was serving in our armed forces,” said Rep. Weaver. “There is no greater sacrifice a person can give to our nation, and it truly is the least we can do to help support these families who have already given so much. This exemption is a small but important piece of legislation that recognizes the sacrifice Gold Star families go through to protect our freedoms and our way of life.”
“I also want to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to my constituent, Susan Shaffer, for coming to me with the idea for this bill late last year. Her son, Dean Russell Shaffer, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2012, and she is an active member of the organization America’s Gold Star Families. Thank you, Susan, for bringing this to my attention, and for your family’s incredible sacrifice.”
For more information, please call Representative Travis Weaver’s District Office at 309-204-6514 or visit his website at repweaver.com.