The FY09 Department of Veterans’ Affairs budget totals $121.3 million, which represents an increase of $15.2 million, or 14.3% above the FY08 enacted budget.
This budget increases the funding for the Homeless Veterans’ program to $483,200, which is an increase of $268,700, or 125.3% above the FY08 enacted budget. The additional funding will be used to help curb the veteran homeless problem.

The FY09 budget includes $3.3 million new GRF necessary to fund the expansion of the LaSalle Veteran’s home. This $13.0 million expansion was completed in FY08 and requires this funding to adequately staff the facility.

Adds $8.0 million other funds to create the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP). This is a new program designed to focus on the traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) needs of retuning servicemen and women.

IWAP has two components:
It provides a 24-hour, toll-free helpline; staffed by health professionals to assist veterans with the symptoms associated with PTSD.
It provides TBI screening to all interested Illinois veterans, especially those returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and makes TBI screenings mandatory for all returning members of the Illinois Army National Guard.