Dear Advocates, Friends and Neighbors, 

Veterans Day is days away, and Cook County's veterans need more than a thank-you. The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) negotiated its FY2027 request down from $5.6 million to a bare-bones $4.6 million. The county then cut another $500,000. At that level, we will run out of funds after the second quarter. Here is what is at stake: 

• Nearly $16 million in annual federal VA compensation secured for Cook County veterans in FY2026 • 2,511 claim actions in just two quarters 

• 582 emergency services in one quarter: food, utilities, rent, mortgage, and transportation help 

• Help delivered the same day 

That $16 million is not a one-time figure. VA compensation recurs every year. Over five years, the benefits secured in FY2026 alone are worth about $80 million flowing into Cook County households, and for many veterans the benefit continues for life. Please email the President's office and the County Commissioners today and ask them to restore the $500,000. Then tell your friends and neighbors. 

Fully FUND THE VACCC FOR 2027! or put into your own words

Copy and paste into the To or BCC line:

Pamela.Cummings@cookcountyil.gov, toni.preckwinkle@cookcountyil.gov, tara.stamps@cookcountyil.gov, Michael.ScottJr@cookcountyil.gov, Bill.Lowry@cookcountyil.gov, stanley.moore2@cookcountyil.gov, kisha.mccaskill@cookcountyil.gov, Donna.Miller@cookcountyil.gov, alma.anaya@cookcountyil.gov, Jessica.Vasquez@cookcountyil.gov, district9@cookcountyil.gov, district10@cookcountyil.gov, john.daley@cookcountyil.gov, Bridget.Degnen@cookcountyil.gov, Josina.Morita@cookcountyil.gov, Scott.Britton@cookcountyil.gov, Kevin.Morrison@cookcountyil.gov, Frank.Aguilar@cookcountyil.gov, Sean.Morrison@cookcountyil.gov 

If we don't stick up for ourselves, no one else will.