Veterans Assistance Commission calls for increase in budget

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Jesus Pereira took over as Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County last fall and is saying some services for veterans are at risk of budget dispute.

“Immediately upon taking the role, I realized that this particular VAC was understaffed, underfunded. The employees were underpaid,” said Pereira. “We have about 15,000 veterans in this county and a staff of nine would just be insufficient. And historically, this place has just been understaffed. And quite frankly, it wasn’t a desirable place for veterans to come and get support.”

The VAC provides financial assistance, transportation services and benefits representation for an estimated 300 veterans a month across Winnebago County, Pereria said. Those services are in jeopardy due to budget concerns.

“The county board had only approved or are looking to only approve 1.1 million of a $1.6 million budget, which then at that point makes us have to consider what we’re going to do as far as funding positions and services and way the strength of each service that we provide and its impact,” said Pereira.

An email from the country to the VAC said, “Notably, the VAC’s proposed budget reflects a significant increase from the preceding year. Unlike the VAC’s proposed budget, the county’s proposed budget for the VAC falls within the current levy and would not require increasing the tax burden on the people of Winnebago County.”

“I’m saying there’s a deficit. They’re saying they’re giving me more than last year, which I’m not disputing. We are getting more money than last year. But when you fail to appropriately fund an organization over 13 years, it’s a moot point,” said Pereira. “Staffing to me is paramount because without the people, you can’t provide the service. And then our goal was to expand our transportation program to full-time drivers and dispatching and all this other stuff. But I think now we’re just gonna have to put stuff on hold for a while.”

The superintendent of the VAC said they are still working to reach a proposed budget. If a budget is not reached, a lawsuit is expected to be filed.

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