Will County Gazette

Samantha Gasca, a candidate for Senate District 19, recently underlined her commitment to veterans. Gasca positioned veterans as a top priority, recognizing their service to the nation and vowing to fulfill her role as a candidate with dedication.

“Frankfort VFW Christmas Par-tay!” Gasca said on Facebook.

“Veterans are a TOP priority! They served our country at the possible expense of their lives, and I can only honor that by doing this very job (IL Senate 19 Candidate) with excellence, and with all my heart and soul.”

In the midst of Gasca’s advocacy for veterans, Fox News reported on an arrangement between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that has drawn scrutiny. The arrangement pertains to the processing of claims related to migrant medical care. Concerned Veterans for America, led by Executive Director Russ Duerstine, questioned the VA’s involvement in this matter, suggesting potential impacts on its core mission of caring for veterans.

The VA's involvement includes contracting with ICE through its Financial Service Center to handle reimbursements to healthcare providers for specialized care needed by immigrants under ICE detention. While the VA clarified that it does not provide or fund healthcare services for those in ICE custody, advocates for veterans expressed surprise and called for congressional committees to investigate the VA’s role.

This scrutiny takes place against a backdrop of an unprecedented border crisis, with over 2.4 million migrant encounters reported. The VA-ICE arrangement exacerbates existing tensions between advocates for veterans and the VA over community care issues. Critics argue that the VA should prioritize addressing burnout, staffing shortages, and backlogs in processing claims for veterans. They emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms within the agency. Gasca’s focus on veterans aligns with these broader discussions about challenges and responsibilities associated with providing healthcare and support to those who have served in the armed forces, adding a poignant dimension to her candidacy in Senate District 19.

According to a previous report from Will County Gazette, Gasca’s political platform is centered on prioritizing people, economic opportunities, accessible healthcare, educational excellence and safer streets. Her goal is to unite diverse communities for a sustainable future in the state.

Gasca's professional background spans radio, counseling and business. Since March 2018, she has been serving as the Radio Program Content Coordinator and Data Analyst at Moody Radio. Her dedication to communication and data analysis skills have played a crucial role there. Gasca also owns and operates God Heard LLC, a multifaceted platform offering pastoral counseling, life coaching, and business consulting since July 2021. She also serves as a Pastoral Counselor and Life Coach at NuWell Counseling according to her LinkedIn profile.

Senate District 19 encompasses all or parts of Arbury Hills, Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Homer Glen, Richton Park, University Park, Matteson, Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest and Oak Forest according to the State Senate District 19 map on Ballotpedia. The district's incumbent State Senator is Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).