SPRINGFIELD – Spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty are now eligible for grants and scholarships from the Police Memorial Committee under a law by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) that was signed today.

“Spouses of fallen officers often need to restructure their lives after their loved one is gone,” said Munoz, a former Chicago police officer. “These scholarships provide support for spouses figuring out how to move forward after such a tragic loss.”

Currently, the Police Memorial Committee offers scholarships to children of police officers killed in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1183 extends the pool of recipients to include spouses.

The Police Memorial Committee Fund receives $10 of every issuance fee for Police Memorial Committee license plates, and $23 of every renewal fee thereafter. The fund is also used for maintaining a memorial statute on the Capitol Complex, and holding an annual memorial commemoration.

The law goes under effect immediately.

MCKINLEY PARK – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) hosted a health fair at Arturo Velasquez Institute on Saturday to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Over 100 families participated in the event that offered vision exams, physicals, vaccinations, dental exams, free school supplies and more.

“It can be difficult for single parents or parents who have more than one job to get all of the services their children need before the school year begins,” Munoz said. “That’s why we wanted to bring all these resources together to create a one-stop-shop for families.”

Two-hundred students received book bags and school supplies with help from Illinois Vehicle Auto Insurance. The Chicago Public Library was able to help 25 students get new library cards. Tropical Optical provided 160 patients with eye exams. Sonrisa Family Dental performed 40 dental examinations, and Alivio Medical Center provided 33 Physicals and 90 Vaccinations.

The Illinois State Police, Chicago Police Department, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, Saint Anthony’s Hospital, El Valor, AT&T and several other vendors also participated in the event.

Photos from the event can be found here: https://bit.ly/2MhNEDS

SPRINGFIELD – Children of fallen police officers or firefighters are now eligible to receive specialty license plates under a new law sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“I’m proud to give the children of these brave men and women the opportunity to commemorate their loved one,” Munoz said. “I hope this small gesture helps their families as they search for peace after such a devastating loss.”

Currently, only the surviving spouse and parents of a fallen police officer or firefighter are eligible for the license plates.

Senate Bill 1894 allows children and step-children of police officers or firefighters who have died in the line of duty to be issued deceased police officer or firefighter license plates. The measure was signed into law on Friday.

A $15 fee is charged for the first issuance of the license plate in addition to the registration fee. A $2 fee is charged for each registration renewal thereafter.

The law goes into effect on January 1, 2020.