HJ0060 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0060 LRB102 21889 LAW 31010 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The American Legion pioneered the Buddy Check concept under past National Commander Brett Reistad; and

WHEREAS, The intent was for all American Legion posts to conduct Buddy Checks twice a year, around American Legion's birthday and Veterans Day; and

WHEREAS, The initiative demonstrated immediate success; soon, the Buddy Check program transitioned to year round, allowing American Legion posts to conduct these checks whenever it made the most sense on the local level; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, American Legion posts have used Buddy Checks to help obtain prescription refills for veterans confined to their homes and to connect with isolated veterans who might be missing their comrades; and

WHEREAS, In other cases, American Legion posts have delivered food, personal protective equipment, and other resources to veterans after learning about their needs during these wellness checks; and

WHEREAS, With a week dedicated to Buddy Checks across America, we will be able to reach even more veterans and save even more lives nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Senate has approved legislation that would make the Buddy Check program for veterans a national program; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we urge the U.S. House of Representatives to approve legislation to make the Veterans Buddy Check program a federal program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois congressional delegation.