URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) convened a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Technology Modernization field hearing in Urbana, spotlighting the urgent challenges faced by veterans in rural communities.
Titled “Beyond the City Limits: Delivering for Rural Veterans,” the hearing brought together a panel of key stakeholders—including federal and state VA leaders, veterans service organizations, and veterans themselves—to share insights and offer solutions for improving access to care, benefits, and resources for rural veterans.
“Rural veterans face unique challenges accessing the care and benefits they have earned, whether it’s driving hours to the closest VA medical center or even farther for a compensation and pension exam,” said Congresswoman Budzinski, who serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. She expressed concern about how financial instability, provider shortages, and the latest Medicaid cuts in the so-called ‘Big, Ugly Bill’ are putting additional strain on rural healthcare infrastructure—calling it a “lifeline to veterans.”
Congressman Barrett, Chairman of the Subcommittee, echoed her concerns. “We have an obligation to support our veterans and deliver the best care, no matter where they live. I appreciate Ranking Member Budzinski for inviting me to Urbana and holding this hearing to demand accountability and push for meaningful reform.”
The panel featured leaders from the Veterans Health Administration, Illinois state offices, and veterans advocacy groups, including:
- Dr. Daniel Zomchek, Director, VISN 12
- Dr. Peter Kaboli, Executive Director, Office of Rural Health, VHA
- Dr. Staci Williams, Executive Director, VA Illiana Healthcare System
- Mr. John Lawson, Veterans Assistance Commission of St. Clair County
- Ms. Hillary Rains, Illinois Office of Broadband
- Mr. Kim Kirchner, McCoop County Sheriff’s Dept. and veteran
- Ms. Christina Schauer, Tri-State Women Warriors
Witnesses outlined the logistical, financial, and technological barriers facing rural veterans—including long drive times, limited local healthcare providers, and connectivity gaps that impact access to telehealth and digital VA resources.
The hearing also emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration, state broadband expansion, and investments in local support networks to improve outcomes for rural veterans in Illinois and across the nation.