DeKalb Times

Illinois state Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) was recently honored by the U.S. Defense Department for his efforts to improve the lives of Illinois service members and their families.

According to a press release, the United States Department of Defense awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Keicher in recognition of "his leadership on public policy changes positively impacting the quality of life of Service members and their families residing in Illinois, during the 2021 Legislative Session." 

Patricia Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy was the presenter.

"Truly humbled to accept this award," Keicher wrote on Facebook. "I cannot say enough about the sacrifice military families make for each and every one of us on a daily basis and how much we owe them. I will continue dedicating my efforts in Springfield toward improving the quality of life for military families, their children, and veterans throughout the State of Illinois."

Keicher sponsored House Bill 0557 to allow students whose parent is active duty military personnel to enroll more quickly in school after family relocation due to military order, even if they are temporarily living outside of the school district where they will be living within the next six months.

"We’ve seen too many military dependents not be able to graduate with requirements on time because they couldn’t register early enough for required classes in a new school when the family is transferred to a new duty station," Keicher said. "With our new law having gone into effect in 2022, we’ve removed this obstacle for students who have a parent or guardian serving our country in the U.S. Armed Forces."

He filed a resolution urging the Illinois State Board of Education to establish an initiative to designate Purple Star Schools in Illinois. A Purple Star School is one that has a point of contact for military students and families, a page on its website or administrative office with resources for military families and a student-led transition program, as well as professional development for staff on special considerations for students from military families.

"A military-connected child can expect to move six to nine times between kindergarten and their high school graduation," Keicher said in the release. "Purple Star Schools acknowledge that every military-connected child has left behind friends and support networks and may be dealing with a parent who is away from home on deployment. Other states have begun to recognize Purple Star Schools, including Indiana and Ohio; and it is important that Illinois schools share this commitment to military-connected children when they are relocated into a new school district."

Keicher also filed House Bill 1963 which would provide property tax exemptions for veterans that have suffered permanent disability of at least 60% through military service. It has been sent to the Rules Committee.