SPRINGFIELD – As the nation prepares to honor Veterans this coming Veterans Day, Tammy Duckworth, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) joined the Illinois Lottery in Springfield today to unveil the new Veterans Cash lottery ticket, Double Action, on behalf of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich. The Blagojevich Administration is encouraging residents to purchase the new ticket as an easy way to honor and help improve the services provided to the state’s Veterans.

The Veterans Cash lottery ticket is the state’s first scratch-off lottery ticket where 100 percent of the proceeds go to non-profit organizations that help provide a wide range of services to Illinois Veterans including health care, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment, disability benefits, and housing assistance.

“Our Veterans stepped up and put their lives on the line and we owe it to them to make sure that when they return home, their needs are met. As Veterans Day approaches, I want to encourage people to honor their sacrifices by buying the new Veterans Cash lottery ticket, Double Action. Proceeds raised from the sale of this ticket will help expand and improve the services we provide to Veterans throughout the state,” said Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Launched by Gov. Blagojevich in February 2006, Veterans Cash is the Lottery’s first lottery ticket where all of the proceeds go to support Illinois Veterans. Proceeds from the sale of this ticket are deposited into an interest bearing account in the State Treasury called the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. IDVA awards the money in grants to fund additional services or conduct research relating to Veterans’ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, long term care, health insurance costs, and disability benefits.

“As Veterans Day nears and you think about those who have fought for our freedoms and those who still are fighting, buy the new Veterans Cash lottery ticket, Double Action. It is a great and easy way to help improve the services provided to our brave heroes,” said IDVA Director L. Tammy Duckworth. “This ticket is such a fantastic way to support our Veterans because 100 percent of the profits go directly to service organizations and Veteran services. Buy the new ticket and help those who have honorably and fearlessly defended this nation.”

Since the beginning of 2007, IDVA has granted more than $2 million to Veterans organizations from around the state. Grants have ranged from $2,500 for clothing, food and transportation to local VA hospitals for sick homeless Veterans, to $125,000 for the expansion of a homeless shelter. The Blagojevich administration encourages non-profit organizations that provide a wide range of services to our Veterans, to submit a grant application.

“The Illinois Lottery is pleased to support our troops overseas and our veterans at home. With these tickets, Lottery players can support veterans and enjoy all the excitement our instant tickets bring,” said Jodie Winnett, Acting Director of the Illinois Lottery.

The Veterans Cash ticket has raised nearly $4 million for the Illinois Veterans’ Assistance Trust Fund. Double Action is currently available at Illinois Lottery retail locations throughout the state. Each ticket costs $2 and has a top prize of $20,000.