QUINN, BOLAND VISIT MILAN TO PROMOTE MILITARY FUND URGE CITIZENS TO DONATE MONEY TO FAMILIES OF THOSE CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY

Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and Rep. Mike Boland (D- East Moline) joined to promote the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund to help families of National Guard members and reservists called to active duty.  Quinn also described a state website, www.OperationHomefront.org - which gives information on how to help soldiers and military families.  The website has garnered nearly four million hits.

 

            "To the people of Illinois, let us support our citizen soldiers and ease their minds as they leave

their families behind to protect our country," said Quinn. "Let's do something specific by making a

donation to the Military Family Relief Fund, P.O. Box 8889, Springfield, IL 62791.  All donations are tax

deductible and every penny goes to the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists who

have been called to active duty."

 

            The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund - sponsored by Rep. Mike Boland and unanimously passed by the General Assembly - was signed into law in February, 2003, by Governor Rod Blagojevich.  It enables Illinois taxpayers to voluntarily donate to the Fund on their state income tax forms through a special check-off box.

 

            The Fund assists the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty with rent, car payments and utility bills.  So far more than $785,000 has been distributed from the Fund to hundreds of Illinois military families.

 

"President Abraham Lincoln reminded us of our duty to ‘...care for them who have borne the battle.' The people of Illinois want to help our soldiers and the Military Family Relief Fund is an excellent way for them to do so," Quinn said.

 

On his recent visit to Iraq, Quinn greeted National Guard, reservist and regular troops at several military bases and assured them they have not been forgotten on the homefront, telling them in person about the Military Family Relief Fund and the www.OperationHomeFront.org website.

 

Last Monday, Quinn joined California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante to launch a drive to create a California Military Family Relief Fund modeled on Illinois' successful program.  Also, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer of South Carolina is pushing for legislation to create a South Carolina Military Family Relief Fund.