Durbin, Duckworth Announce $5.5 Million for Illinois Veterans' Homes to protect Against COVID-19 And Other Infectious Diseases

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $5.5 million in federal grant funding to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) for upgrades to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. This funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and appropriated by Congress though the CARES Act. The funds will reimburse the state for upgrades and improvements to air purification, ventilation, and other mechanical systems across the Illinois Veterans' Homes in order to better respond to and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

'Protecting veterans is one of the most important components of our federal COVID relief efforts,' Durbin said. 'This federal funding provides for upgrades to ensure safety and prevent contagious disease outbreaks across the Illinois Veterans' Homes.'

'Every American deserves to be protected from this virus-including the seniors who served our nation,' Duckworth said. 'This investment will help keep Veterans and staff at Illinois Veterans Homes safe by reimbursing IDVA for necessary measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases. Senator Durbin and I will continue to advocate for our state's heroes during this public health crisis and beyond.'

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