Jake Zimmerman, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC), told the committee on Aug. 21 that his office is processing claims faster than state averages and has helped secure millions in new veteran benefits for Kane County residents.

Nut graf: Zimmerman reported that disability claims processed by his office are closing about 12 days faster and pension claims about 35 days faster than Illinois averages; he said the VAC produced approximately $6.8 million in new benefits year‑to‑date and has assisted thousands of veterans and family members with claims, applications and appeals.

Zimmerman also described community outreach partnerships, including Project Spark — a corporate program in which repaired, donated vehicles were awarded to nominees — and said the VAC quickly identified and nominated veteran recipients, resulting in two Kane County veterans receiving refurbished cars at a Soldier Field event.

On formal action, the committee approved a resolution to place a flat granite memorial stone near the county veterans memorial honoring the VAC’s predecessor superintendent, who served from the 1970s until retiring in 2013 and who died earlier this year. The motion to place the marker was made and seconded during the meeting and passed by roll call vote (all members present voting yes as recorded by the clerk).

Budget context: Zimmerman reviewed the VAC budget process, noting the statutory cap from the Military Veterans Assistance Act that allows up to 0.02% of the county’s equalized assessed value; the VAC’s approved 2026 budget request is $713,000 — far below the statutory maximum — and Zimmerman said the office returned funds to the general fund in prior years after generating benefits for veterans.

Ending: Committee members praised the VAC staff for leveraging a small budget to aid veterans and approved the memorial marker; Zimmerman said the office will continue outreach and benefit advocacy for veterans in Kane County.