As the only veteran running for this seat in Congress and a member of the American Legion and VFW, Jason is the only candidate that will be a true advocate for full benefits, adequate healthcare (including mental health), and other support for our returning and current veterans. This also includes expanding the current benefits we offer troops. The VA and other programs that support our troops are not fully funded and our returning heroes do not receive the care they need when they need it. Sometimes it takes months and even more than a year before a veteran receives their benefits; this negligence and mistreatment of our troops needs to stop now!
In the February 5, 2008 primary election, 1.14 million voters in 23 counties throughout Illinois voted yes to the following question:
"Shall the federal government be required to adopt full mandatory funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of ensuring that all eligible honorably discharged U.S. veterans receive quality and accessible healthcare and services?"
Two of those counties are in the 11th Congressioanl District. LaSalle and Grundy county approved the referendum with a 90.20% and 91.57% respective vote in favor of the referendum. As the only military veteran running in the 11th District, Jason will take the lead in Congress to require full mandatory funding for the VA and ensure proper care of our veterans. Jason will be a co-sponsor of HR 2514, the Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act, which would make VA health care a mandatory spending item within the federal budget.