A measure in the Illinois Senate aims to reduce the number of veteran suicides.
It's a response to a recent study that found nearly 22 veterans kill themselves every day in the U.S. The bill would address specific problems that could add to a service member's stress. Sen. Paul Schimpf says this includes better state Department of Veterans Affairs assistance with mental health issues.
"There is a stigma in the veterans community ... saying that it's a sign of weakness to seek help," Schimpf said.
The bill would direct the DVA to address this through appropriate messaging. It would also seek out service members from high casualty areas and cut red tape for job training. The bill already passed in the House.