Cook County Veterans Committee Meeting - April 15, 2026

The Veterans Committee of Cook County convened on April 15, 2026, with a quorum present. The meeting included public testimony, approval of previous meeting minutes, and a detailed quarterly report from the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) on services, financials, and outreach efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Item 26-1055: Motion to approve the minutes from the May 2 meeting. Passed unanimously.
• Item 26-1013: Motion to receive and file the VAC FY26 first quarter report. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eva Marie Duff (VFW Illinois District Four Commander, VAC Board Member): Expressed full support for the VAC’s outreach efforts, noting they are reaching more veterans, especially women veterans facing housing instability and homelessness. Stressed that funding must keep pace with growing demand to avoid identifying crises without the capacity to solve them.
• George Blakemore: Expressed strong opposition to perceived disparities in services, arguing that black veterans are neglected while immigrants receive benefits. Called for a focus on the needs of black veterans and described systemic inequities.
• Speaker identified as "Dutch de Grouth" (veterans advocate): Expressed opposition to a bill that would dismantle veterans commissions across Illinois, stating it was introduced without consultation and would reduce federal dollars. Advocated for funding based on justified budgets rather than arbitrary caps. Commended Cook County leadership for recent improvements but noted ongoing challenges, including a 25% budget shortfall, staffing gaps, and procurement delays (e.g., six to eight months for basic software). Stressed that VACs generate economic return, bringing nearly $180 million in federal benefits to Illinois outside Cook County.

Discussion Items

• VAC FY26 First Quarter Report: Presented by Superintendent Elizabeth Soto, VSO managers Derek Giffin and Justina Barry, and Outreach Coordinator Connor Interest.
  • Emergency Services: $273,892.43 distributed in Q1 (Dec–Feb), an average of ~$90,000 per month. Projected to exceed $1 million for FY26, a 28% increase over FY25. Top categories: rental assistance ($56,835.81), food assistance ($50,800), burial/funeral assistance ($57,330.17). Services supported 907 veterans, 150 new to the VAC. Over 1,853 phone calls handled.
  • VSO Operations: In FY25, two accredited VSOs completed 976 claim actions. In Q1 alone, they initiated 900+ actions (319 powers of attorney, 294 intents to file, 203 new disability claims, 147 appeals). These two VSOs generated over $311,000 in direct benefits in Q1 and are responsible for over $13 million in annual benefits paid to Cook County veterans. A conservative projection with five VSOs estimates 9,000+ claim actions annually and over $23 million in compensation. Currently operating at constrained capacity.
  • Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Clinics: Launched December 2025, led by Justina Barry (women’s MST coordinator) and Derek Giffin (male MST coordinator). Provides trauma-informed, confidential claims assistance in-person at 69 West Washington, Suite 1420, and virtually.
  • Outreach: Conducted 85 events in Q1 (42 VETConnect, 32 resource fairs, 1 VetTalk, 10 ceremonial events), directly assisting 282 veterans with 695 total interactions. Outreach is expanding to underserved areas on the South Side. An intake form has processed 641 veterans with over 2,600 unique requests. Plans for Q2 include website reorganization and a new Power App system for better tracking.
  • Commissioner Lowry and Commissioner Aguilar thanked VAC staff for their comprehensive work.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Item 26-1055 (minutes from May meeting) by voice vote, all in favor.
• Received and Filed: Item 26-1013 (VAC FY26 Q1 report) by voice vote, all in favor.
• Adjourned: Motion by Commissioner Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Aguilar, passed unanimously.