Metro East Sun

State Representative Kevin Schmidt has introduced HB 4128, also known as the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. The proposed legislation aims to honor and support the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces by ensuring that veterans employed in Illinois are granted a paid day off on Veterans Day, effective from January 1, 2025.

Rep. Schmidt presented HB 4128 at a committee hearing in Springfield recently. "Our veterans have selflessly served our country, and it is our duty to honor their service and sacrifice," Rep. Schmidt said. "HB 4128 not only acknowledges their contributions but also ensures they are given the respect and recognition they deserve, including a well-deserved paid day off on Veterans Day."

Under the provisions of HB 4128, every employer in Illinois would be mandated to provide each employee who is a veteran with a paid day off on Veterans Day if the employee would otherwise be required to work on that day. Additionally, HB 4128 would create an income tax credit equal to 100% of the wages paid by the taxpayer to a veteran as a result of the paid day off.