Legislative Day for veterans

[May 12, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- State Sen. Larry Bomke is encouraging all Illinois veterans, active-duty personnel, and friends and families of service members to participate in a special Veterans Legislative Day set for May 22 in Springfield.

"It's going to be a great opportunity for veterans to come together from around the state and find out what's going on legislatively that will positively affect them," said Bomke, R-Springfield.

The event will provide briefings, updates from members of the Senate's Veterans Affairs Committee and opportunities for veterans to meet with legislators. It is sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, and members of the Illinois State Senate Republican Caucus.

The event will begin with check-in from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Hall of Flags in the Howlett Building at the State Capitol Complex in Springfield. The day's program will begin at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all veterans and their guests who RSVP by May 13.

"We plan to end the day with an informal reception in the afternoon," Bomke said.

Registration is being conducted online at www.vets.ilsenategop.org. For those who do not have Internet access, reservations can be made by calling 217-782-1650.

Additional information, including a map showing the location of the Howlett Building, and updates on the event are also available at www.vets.ilsenategop.org.

Although sponsored by the Republican senators, Bomke emphasized that the event will be strictly nonpartisan.

"Serving your country is not a Republican or a Democrat trait. This is an opportunity to recognize veterans and active-duty personnel for their service and to help them learn more about what state government has to offer them," Bomke said.

[Text from file sent on behalf of Sen. Larry Bomke by Illinois Senate Republican staff]