DECATUR — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened the first meeting of her Veterans Advisory Council at Richland Community College in Decatur. Budzinski was recently appointed to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs which is tasked with overseeing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and advancing legislation to improve veterans’ benefits. 

“I’m so grateful to the local leaders who’ve agreed to join my Veterans Advisory Council,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “With a seat on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and its subcommittee on Health, I want to be bringing the voices of our local heroes to the table as we find ways to improve access to VA services and benefits. This advisory council will be critical to that work.” 

Congresswoman Budzinski’s Veterans Advisory Council is made up of local veterans, active duty servicemembers and stakeholders from across Central and Southern Illinois who will be tasked with providing guidance and recommendations for her priorities in Congress.