Trustee urges and board endorses support for Major Richard Star Act affecting wounded veterans

Trustee Alba urged the Village of Hanover Park Board of Trustees to support the federal Major Richard Star Act, saying the bill would correct an administrative barrier that currently prevents some wounded service members who retired early from receiving both retirement pay and VA disability compensation.

Alba described the issue as personal and encouraged residents to contact U.S. senators to advocate for passage. Alba said that Senators Durbin and Duckworth sponsored the bill when it was introduced and reported a procedural objection in the Senate had stalled the measure.

A motion was made and seconded that the board demonstrate its support for the Major Richard Star Act; trustees indicated support by voice. The meeting record shows trustees answering affirmatively when the motion was put and the mayor instructed staff and the clerk to determine how to document and communicate the board’s support.

The board did not record a roll-call tally naming a mover or seconder for the motion in the transcript; the motion was shown moving forward on a voice vote with trustees expressing support.