Quinn signs 3 bills to help military families

August 16, 2009 (SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) One bill ensures timely payment to beneficiaries of service members killed in the line of duty and creates a two-year window to apply for death benefits. Another bill creates the Gold Star Family Assistance Program, which will provide greater access to court of claims information.

The third bill moves Illinois' Gold Star Mother's Day from the second Sunday in August to the fourth Sunday in September, when it is observed nationwide.

"It's our duty on the home front to take good care of those who bear the battle on the frontline and to take care of their families," Governor Quinn said.

Several Gold Star family members joined the governor for the bill signing Sunday.