A group of lawmakers are striving to eliminate a staggering amount of suicides committed by veterans. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 22 vet’s take their own lives every day. Republican State Senator Paul Schimpf, a Naval Academy grad, says the first thing they need to do is get the message to vets that it’s ok to get help.



Democrat State Senator Michael Hastings, a West Point grad and former Army Captain says they want to make the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs reach out to returning vets of units that served in high conflict or casualty areas. 



House Bill 2647 is advancing through the legislature and also strives to connect local chamber of commerce to hook vet organizations together with employers.