Taking a few moments to write a holiday card or send a pair of socks might seem like a small gesture, but for service members and veterans on the receiving end, such gifts can mean the world.
That was the message conveyed by First Lady Diana Rauner as she announced the 2018 Holiday Hero Drive for Illinois service members and veterans.
Gov. Bruce Rauner announced that the old Sycamore nursing home in Quincy is being named in honor of Korean War veteran Lester Hammond, who was raised in Quincy. The Medal of Honor recipient was killed in action protecting his unit against heavy enemy fire. He was just 21 years old.
Governor Bruce Rauner announced the release of funds for more than $14 million in capital improvement projects at state parks and recreation areas managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This money was included in the FY19 bipartisan budget signed in June and will be used for capital improvements to parks statewide.
An original musical rendition of the Gettysburg Address with Miguel Cervantes will be featured in a night of tributes to Illinois entertainers, with performances by Illinois' top musicians, a Chicago sports championship parade, and a star-studded cast of Illinois celebrities lined up for the state's Bicentennial Birthday Party at the United Center, December 3.
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the Alternatives to Opioids Act of 2018, adding those who might otherwise seek opioids for pain management to the list of those eligible for medical marijuana.
"This law will give thousands of Illinoisans who struggle with the negative side effects of opioids, including harmful addiction, another choice to manage their pain," the governor said.
Governor Bruce Rauner