SPRINGFIELD — A push is being made for deported veterans to be returned home to the United States by State Senators Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) and Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago).

After fighting for our nation, many veterans struggle to integrate back into society and can develop substance abuse issues and legal problems. Some of these veterans, despite having legal permanent residence prior to serving in the armed forces, are deported to Mexico.

“People who put their lives on the line for our country deserve all the benefits that come with serving in our military,” Munoz said. “It’s appalling that we’ve been treating our veterans in this manner, and I urge Congress to take action on this issue.”

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Last week, the Senate approved a measure that promotes voter participation by easing the voter registration process.

Senate Bill 250 would allow for the Secretary of State’s office and similar state agencies to submit eligible voters information to the State Board of Elections when they visit their facilities for services.

This would significantly cut down the time and effort needed to register voters, and eliminate many duplicative steps that exist currently, saving taxpayer dollars.

Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago), co-sponsor of the legislation, said the following:

“Increasing voter participation ensures that communities throughout our state are getting their voices heard. This proposal encourages eligible voters to exercise their right to vote while making our state government more efficient.”

SPRINGFIELD – When Jauwan Hall, a former Marine, transferred to the University of Illinois at Chicago from Kennedy-King College he was unaware that the same military courses wouldn’t be counted toward his degree, and he would have to retake the classes.

“There was no mechanism in place to designate those courses as UIC courses so there’s no mechanism that tells people in the registrar’s office that this course is equivalent to this course,” Hall said.

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