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Livingston County veterans services reports more local access, higher benefit recoveries
Summary
Mike, a Veterans Assistance Commission representative, told the county board the VAC provided roughly 470 rides last year, operates on a $175,000 levy, and helped county veterans secure more than $10 million in compensation in 2024, up from about $7.9 million in 2022; the board accepted the annual report.
Mike (Veterans Assistance Commission representative) presented the VAC annual report to the Livingston County Board, saying the commission continues to connect veterans with state and federal benefits and local transportation to appointments.
"We're continuing to service our veterans and provide them services and access to resources at the state and federal level," Mike said, and described a roughly $175,000 tax levy that supports scheduling rides and benefit access. He reported the VAC provided about 470 trips last year and that veterans are now using closer VA clinics — including Bloomington and Peoria — instead of traveling to more distant facilities.
The report noted an increase in county‑resident benefit payments from about $7,900,000 in 2022 to "over $10,000,000" in 2024. Mike said the VAC and staff (he singled out Natasha and others) are bringing in roughly $1,000,000 a year in newly secured benefits for county veterans.
Mike also introduced Patrick Unzicker as the new Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs veteran service officer assigned to Livingston County and described the presence of a Peoria vet center representative who visits the county office to meet clients, reducing travel burdens for veterans who need counseling or specialty care.
Board members thanked Mike and moved to accept the VAC annual report; the motion passed by roll call. The board did not add additional funding at the meeting nor adopt any new programmatic directives; the VAC will continue its existing operations and outreach.
Next steps: the VAC will continue to coordinate rides, referrals, and benefit application support; county staff and the board praised the local partnerships (American Legion, VFW, AMVETS) that feed client referrals.
