Carbondale Reporter

U.S. Representative Mike Bost recently discussed an award he received, expressing his commitment to veterans' welfare. "I’m proud to fight for our veterans to make sure they get the care they deserve," he said in an October 11 Facebook post.

"Thank you," said Bost, according to Facebook. "Especially in rural areas like Southern Illinois, access to health care is vitally important. I'm proud to fight for our veterans to make sure they get the care they deserve."

According to Bost's Facebook post, he shared a message from the American Ambulance Association (AAA). The organization announced that "Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois has been awarded a 2024 Legislative Recognition Award by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) for his leadership in ensuring veterans continue to have access to vital emergency medical services." They further thanked him for introducing the bipartisan VA Emergency Transportation Access Act and supporting EMS providers and veterans.

Screenshot of Congressman Mike Bost's Oct. 11 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Facebook page

The AAA's news release elaborated on the reasons behind Bost's recognition. He was honored for his introduction of legislation directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to analyze the impact of a final rule on Special Modes of Transportation and create an advisory committee for future ambulance service reimbursement rates. The VA has delayed implementing this rule for four years, allowing time to establish fair payment rates.

Bost expressed concerns about proposed reimbursement cuts by the Biden administration in a September 2023 news release from the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. He said, "I know firsthand that quick access to emergency transportation services can be the difference between life and death in rural and remote areas of the United States." He criticized potential reductions in service availability due to these cuts and emphasized his legislative efforts to protect rural veterans' access.

Bost has served as Illinois’ 12th District representative since January 2015. His career includes two decades in the Illinois State House of Representatives, where he held the position of House Republican Caucus Chair. A lifelong resident of Murphysboro, former U.S. Marine Corps member, and firefighter, Bost also worked extensively in trucking before joining public service.