Illinois lawmaker proposes paid day off for veterans on Veterans Day

Posted on November 12, 2015

State Sen. John Mulroe says it’s impossible to truly and adequately thank veterans. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans – did you enjoy a day off for Veterans Day Wednesday?

You should have, said State Sen. John Mulroe.

He’s introduced a bill mandating a paid day off on Veterans Day, with a credit to the employers who are out that part of the payroll.

“In order not to cause hardship to the business community,” Mulroe said. “We’re going to try to provide a credit to the companies for the amount they paid the veteran employee.”

Mulroe said the idea came from a Vietnam vet who approached him at a recent event.

The senator, a non-veteran who came of age during a time 18-year-old men did not even have to register for the draft, said, “We owe them everything. They’re the ones who are fighting – and dying – for all the freedoms that we enjoy.”

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