Travis Weaver, Illinois State Representative for District 104, emphasized the importance of supporting Gold Star families. He said that to honor and remember fallen soldiers, it is crucial to provide support to their families. He made this statement in a Facebook post on February 5.
“To honor and remember our fallen service members, it’s vital we support our Gold Star Families,” said Weaver, according to Facebook.
According to the post, Weaver included a link to a blog from the Illinois House Republicans caucus highlighting his bill to assist Gold Star families—House Bill 1115. Weaver thanked Susan Shaffer, a constituent who approached him in 2024 with the idea for the bill. Shaffer is the mother of Dean Russell Shaffer, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2012. “These parents have suffered the unimaginable tragedy of losing a child who was serving in our armed forces,” Weaver shared. “There is no greater sacrifice a person can give to our nation, and it truly is the least we can do to help support these families who have already given so much.”
House Bill 1115 aims to provide a tax exemption for the primary residence of Gold Star parents. The bill, introduced on January 9, 2025, allows parents or unmarried surviving spouses of veterans killed in the line of duty to receive the exemption; however, they must reapply annually to maintain it. It is currently under review by the House Revenue and Finance Committee, with a hearing scheduled for February 20.
Gold Star families can also access various support services through the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). The department holds events and ceremonies to honor Illinois servicemen and women who have lost their lives in active duty and offers ongoing support to their families.
Weaver was born and raised in Peoria County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. Outside of his legislative duties, he tutors GED students and serves as a substitute teacher.
