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Thursday, August 13, 2009
New Autism Language Center
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Family Sibday
Check out the Chicago Tribune tomorrow for an article on Family Sibday. This is a program that 3 other social service agencies and I developed over 4 years ago. Don't live in Chicago check it out on line : http://www.chicagotribune.com/
I also found another interesting site today. http://therword.org/
I also found another interesting site today. http://therword.org/
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Arc Post
The Arc of Illinois
July 2, 2009
Leaders in The Arc:
This morning The Arc Board, Staff and Exec's met to discuss next steps in restoring the cuts to human services.
Here are some things you can be doing as the Human Services Coalition crafts its statewide plan.
See the memo at the end about 4th of July Parade actions to consider this weekend!
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
815-464-1832
Our message to legislators and the press continues to be: "We need a permanent long term solution to the budget crisis. Please support HB 174. Restore 100% of the cuts to human services."
Other talking points:
The "doomsday" budget will eliminate services for 30,000 infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Community non-profits are economic engines in their communities. We support the local economy. We pay taxes. We employ residents. We support people and families.
Did you know that the "doomsday" budget which will devastate our disability services is losing $731 million in Federal Medicaid Match within the Division of Developmental Disabilities?
Illinois ranks 51st in small community housing.
Illinois ranks 47th in community disability services funding.
Here is what the loss of services means to me..
Here is what the loss of services means to my family..
Here is a summary of possible next steps for action.
The Arc will:
Work to defeat the override of SB 1197.
Work to pass HB 174.
Work in coalition with the Human Services Coalition.
Work with the coalition on a statewide media plan.
Local advocates can:
Email me the numbers of people being laid off and the number of people losing services. I will share that data with the Governor and the Leaders.
Ask the people being laid off and the people losing services to visit their State Representative and Senator and ask them what they should do now.
You should visit with your Representative and Senator and inform them face to face that you had to lay off # number of employees and end services for # of individuals.
Work to defeat the override of SB 1197.
Work to pass HB 174.
Meet with your Representative and Senator now that they are in their local offices.
Develop an economic impact statement on the number of lost jobs lost in your community because of budget cuts. Also include a statement about how large your organization budget is, number of people employed and number of persons served.
Develop a statement on what will happen to people who lose services. Stress that you are actually saving taxpayers money because the institutionalization of the people we support will cost taxpayers three times the cost of economical, safe and effective community services.
Share these statements with the press and legislators.
Continue letters to the editor.
Support the efforts of the Human Service Coalition.
Here are some excellent suggestions from Barbara Weiner about actions at the 4th of July parades and legislators in them.
From: Barbara Weiner Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 6:50 PMTo: CEOs of the Legal Consultation Program
Subject: July 4th - an opportunity to tell your story
The Legislature should be working on the budget crisis. 4th of July parades are an excellent opportunity for you to bring these issues to your community. If you State Rep or State Senator voted for the tax increase-hold up signs saying _____ Agency or the (mentally ill, developmentally disabled or children) of ___County thank you for your support.
If they did not- point it out and hold up signs when their car passes by about turning their backs on the most vulnerable in our community. "Put back "Human" in Human Services" and other sayings. Ideally, clients and their families will get in the spirit and make themselves known and the impact of the cuts. Clients with signs "Why don't you care about me?" or "Where I am suppose to go?"
The Legislators need to see the faces of the people they are harming. Urge your employees to participate.
Waiting until mid-July to begin this process again is unacceptable and further demonstrates they do not understand the impact of what has occurred already.
It would be nice to get away from this for one day, but this is an opportunity to bring the message home.
If you get any good publicity or feel this makes a difference, send me an email afterwards.
We are in this together. With all of the energy of all of my dedicated clients and their employees we should be able to prevail.
Barbara A. Weiner
513 Central Avenue
5th Floor
Highland Park, Il 60035
847-266-2040
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Disability related events in July
Hi sibs...here are some events that you might like to meet up with others at
and/or bring your sibling to. If you are planning on attending any of these
events please let us know on this listserv. For the disability pride parade
a good place to meet would be in front of the Sidley Building on Dearborn,
just south of Madison St. There are nice benches for people to sit. If
anyone is planning on going let us know as Katie one of our members can meet
up with you to show you where the post parade celebration will be or you can
just walk on your own to the Daley Plaza.
To: SIBS—Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters
There are three events in July that you may be interested in attending.
Feel free to spread the word to others.
July 12th at 12:30pm in the Pierce Hall Auditorium at the First United
Methodist Church in Chicago — 77 W. Washington Street
Erasing the Distance: The People I Know is a 90-minute theatrical experience
capturing the heartbreak and hope associated with mental illness, featuring
five true stories performed by professional actors. This thought provoking
performance will spark discussion, so plan to stay for the post-show
dialogue. Food and drinks will be provided prior to the performance and
mental health resources will be shared. This event is in partnership with
the Fine Arts Committee. Please make accommodation requests at least one
week prior to performance by contacting Katie at kkeiling@uic.edu or
312-505-0136.
July 24th from 6-9pm in the James Parlor at the First United Methodist
Church in Chicago — 77 W. Washington Street
The Disability Community Open Mic is an annual event where people in the
disability community come to listen and share their thoughts, poems, and
writings about the disability experience. This is a fun way to learn about
disability culture and we strongly encourage members of our congregation to
attend. Food and drinks will be provided during the event.
July 25th is the 6th Annual Disability Pride Parade!
Come watch the Disability Pride Parade—bring your family and friends! The
overall mission of the Disability Pride Parade is to change the way people
think about and define disability; to break down the internalized shame
among people with disabilities; and to promote the belief in society that
disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity that people
living with disabilities can take pride in. The parade kicks off at 11am
from Van Buren St and marches north on Dearborn to Washington St , ending at
Daley Plaza . About 40 disability groups and organizations march in the
parade and anyone is welcome to watch and cheer. There is a fun post-parade
celebration with music, performance, and speakers in Daley Plaza . There
are also exhibit booths where The Chicago Temple will have a booth to share
information about our church.
and/or bring your sibling to. If you are planning on attending any of these
events please let us know on this listserv. For the disability pride parade
a good place to meet would be in front of the Sidley Building on Dearborn,
just south of Madison St. There are nice benches for people to sit. If
anyone is planning on going let us know as Katie one of our members can meet
up with you to show you where the post parade celebration will be or you can
just walk on your own to the Daley Plaza.
To: SIBS—Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters
There are three events in July that you may be interested in attending.
Feel free to spread the word to others.
July 12th at 12:30pm in the Pierce Hall Auditorium at the First United
Methodist Church in Chicago — 77 W. Washington Street
Erasing the Distance: The People I Know is a 90-minute theatrical experience
capturing the heartbreak and hope associated with mental illness, featuring
five true stories performed by professional actors. This thought provoking
performance will spark discussion, so plan to stay for the post-show
dialogue. Food and drinks will be provided prior to the performance and
mental health resources will be shared. This event is in partnership with
the Fine Arts Committee. Please make accommodation requests at least one
week prior to performance by contacting Katie at kkeiling@uic.edu or
312-505-0136.
July 24th from 6-9pm in the James Parlor at the First United Methodist
Church in Chicago — 77 W. Washington Street
The Disability Community Open Mic is an annual event where people in the
disability community come to listen and share their thoughts, poems, and
writings about the disability experience. This is a fun way to learn about
disability culture and we strongly encourage members of our congregation to
attend. Food and drinks will be provided during the event.
July 25th is the 6th Annual Disability Pride Parade!
Come watch the Disability Pride Parade—bring your family and friends! The
overall mission of the Disability Pride Parade is to change the way people
think about and define disability; to break down the internalized shame
among people with disabilities; and to promote the belief in society that
disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity that people
living with disabilities can take pride in. The parade kicks off at 11am
from Van Buren St and marches north on Dearborn to Washington St , ending at
Daley Plaza . About 40 disability groups and organizations march in the
parade and anyone is welcome to watch and cheer. There is a fun post-parade
celebration with music, performance, and speakers in Daley Plaza . There
are also exhibit booths where The Chicago Temple will have a booth to share
information about our church.
A float in the Disability Pride Parade
_______________________
Friday, June 26, 2009
Doomsday Around the Corner
Here are some facts from the Secretary that I think you can use in your
advocacy for disability and human services. In the "doomsday" 50% budget:
advocacy for disability and human services. In the "doomsday" 50% budget:
- 1 million infants, children and adults are about to lose services
- Within the Division of Developmental Disabilities there will be 30,000
individuals losing community services. Right now we serve 40,000!
- 200,000 jobs in the not for profit community will be lost
- 10,000 state jobs will be eliminated
- 4 developmental disability state institutions will close, leaving 5 still
open
Clearly lives will be destroyed with this budget, and the 30 years of
building a human services safety network will be wiped out. What we are
seeing is that the entire community based system is also about to be
dismantled.
Portraying the doomsday budget as a 50% budget is really inaccurate. In fact
it is fantasy. All of us know that none of these cuts can be implemented as
early as July 1 st . There are federal and state laws and regulations,
consent decrees and other factors that will postpone the Governor's
anticipated cuts. Because of these delays, the cuts will be even worse.
Every month that the cuts are not implemented, the larger the cuts become in
future months. So when we talk about 30-50% cuts, we could be talking in
reality of 40-80% cuts. This is not an acceptable scenario.
More bad news; under this scenario, on October 1 st day training will end
for people who are not in a residential program, and people in home-based
services will lose their funding. In fact, we will be forced to pull out of
the Home & Community Based Waiver! Certification of all community and state
residential options will be withdrawn. This means no federal protections
such as due process rights and other requirements under the waiver. We will
lose the federal 50% Medicaid match. Our system will be reduced to providing
only state operated institutions and community residential options that are
similar to what existed 40 years ago! Sheets and eats!
Legislators are now meeting and trying to craft a state "band aid" budget
for a short-term solution, the coward's way out to not take a vote on a tax
increase. My fear is that any "band aid" solution that comes up in the next
four working days will appease the state employee unions and other powerful
lobbyists that know how to work the system. Other groups will be left out in
the cold to fend for themselves with heinous budget cuts.
My message today to Governor Quinn through Secretary Adams and to the
advocates within the room was that we need to support all human services. We
need to restore all the cuts to human services. We need a long-term solution
to this budget crisis, not the "band aid" short-term solution that
legislators are now discussing. If a one-month or a three-month temporary
bridge budget gets us to a long-term solution, then we need the Governor and
legislators to accept the bridge budget to protect the human service safety
network in Illinois.
Our state policy has been to segregate people with disabilities from the
world, placing them in institutions. We are known for this throughout the
nation and see it in every report on the developmental disability system. I
can't help but wonder what our system would be like today if we truly
included infants, children and adults in every aspect of community life.
Would we be facing this crisis if we valued people with disabilities and all
of the families who rely upon human services? Would there be a public
outrage? Truly we are not a priority among our elected officials. This
crisis, I believe, will pull us together so that we will never again be in
this situation of being used as pawns in this disgrace we call Illinois
politics.
Here are some talking points that you can use as you talk with your
legislators:
- The "Doomsday" Budget is inhuman and unacceptable!
- We will no longer be used as pawns. We want real reform.
- Fund ALL human services at 100% of FY 2009 levels.
- Pass tax increases to ensure a stable and adequate stream of funding for
vital human services and education.
- Pass a line-item budget so we know where the money is going.
We still have four days to avoid these budget cuts. I know you have done so
much in these past weeks. We just need to push even harder in these next
four days.
I know we can do it. I am counting on you!
Share this to get the word out.
Arc Update and A Disgraceful Budget
The Arc of Illinois
June 26, 2009
Leaders in The Arc:
Yesterday late afternoon I was able to attend a solemn vigil at Seguin Services in Cicero . About 100 advocates gathered to pray together to save our services. Clergy, people with disabilities, families and advocates were very powerful. They will be there until the end of the fiscal year on Tuesday, June 30th. The vigil is held twice a day at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. Join them if you can.
Further down the road in Brookfield , Community Support Services is also holding a vigil from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. I joined with their team to take the message of "Save our Services" to the streets. I appreciate their advocacy and actions!
Wednesday night in downtown Rockford , over 1,500 people turned out for a massive Human Services Rally!
In Peoria , Charlotte Cronin and other Human Service Advocates met with the Editorial Board of the Peoria Star Journal! Check out all of the letters to the editorial in the PSJ. Well done Charlotte and advocates in Peoria !
This morning I head to Park Lawn for a Legislative Forum which begins at 11:00 a.m. The Forum is co-hosted by Park Lawn and the Good Shepherd Center .
You are making a difference! Keep up our advocacy for human services in Illinois !
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
815-464-1832
Forum: State lawmakers, please raise my income taxes
________________________________________
Posted Jun 24, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
Last week I watched as a crowd gathered at the Bureau County Courthouse. Disabled citizens in wheelchairs, young mothers with their children in tow and staffers at various public service concerns expressed their fear at what's happening in Springfield . I thought, "I'm sure our leaders won't let this happen."
This past winter I watched as our former governor closed state parks. While Gov. Blagojevich tried to pressure campaign contributors, he was quick to send state employees into the streets. The Legislature intervened. Good for them.
My wife has had the privilege of working for the Illinois Department of Human Services for the past 24 years. She is a caring and professional person. She goes to work early, comes home late, skips her breaks and is often reduced to tears as she and her fellow workers try to manage unmanageable caseloads with a fraction of the staff the office once employed. She is aware of the financial difficulties affecting the state and she bears with it as best she can.
This country narrowly avoided a financial meltdown this past fall, yet Illinois ' unemployment rate is climbing and has just reached 10.1 percent. It hardly seems like a good time to be sending thousands of state workers into the unemployment lines over the ideological mantra of "no new taxes." I understand, however, that legislators can't be concerned about a few state employees when they have the well-being of the entire state on their minds.
Then I picked up the Journal Star and read the article on the front page entitled, " Illinois won't pay to bury the indigent." The only thought that entered my mind was, "Have we no shame?"
I pose this question to my legislators and ask them to pose it to their colleagues who have apparently decided that one can never go too far when it comes to getting one's way.
If the Legislature is engaged in a dreadful game of scaring the electorate into begging for a tax increase, then please stop. I'm not scared, I'm just ashamed. And I am willing to take a tax increase if the Illinois Legislature will just let me get through breakfast without being faced with the reality that I live in a state that won't bury its indigent dead.
How low can we go?
Paul Scoma
Princeton
Forum: Disgraceful budget
________________________________________
Posted Jun 24, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
We are concerned about the proposed cuts to services in the state of Illinois under the "doomsday" budget expected to take effect July 1.
While many of our daughter's services are likely to be cut or eliminated, we are most concerned for the adult disabled individuals and families who have children with far more dire situations than ours. Many developmentally delayed adults will be put out on the street simply because there are no living or able relatives to care for them.
Don't think it will happen? It happened in the 1960s and would be a horrible disgrace if we let it happen again. Short-term, I don't know what the answer is other than we as parents would like to see funding continue for existing services. If that means raising taxes, we want assurances that monies will not be diverted to pork projects unrelated to maintaining current programs for the state's disabled.
Long-term, we as parents would like to see the entire system revamped to cut the spending waste and provide better service for the developmentally disabled. Today our state ranks at the bottom of the heap in funding for the disabled.
Shannan & John Werckle
Peoria
Forum: Tell legislators they must prevent drastic cuts
________________________________________
Posted Jun 24, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
The true measure of a community is its capacity to care for all of its members. Our collective response to the current economic crisis will define us for years to come. Shall we allow those most vulnerable to fall unaided, or will we act decisively to provide hope and a helping hand?
As our state addresses this economic crisis, the population of vulnerable individuals and families in the Peoria area and across the state is increasing at an alarming rate. We believe the challenge is surmountable through thoughtful decision-making by our state leaders to ensure that critical services for low-income residents are not compromised. Balancing a budget in economic times like we are facing today is a necessary task. However, this can and must be accomplished without the drastic reductions in health and social services that has been proposed.
Heart of Illinois United Way believes that our health and human-service system is at risk. Further reducing or eliminating programs providing health and economic security will result in a failing safety net for our children, individuals and all families at risk of hunger, homelessness and violence. Despite our commitment to fulfilling human-service needs in our communities, United Way and its partners cannot possibly fill the gap that the current Illinois budget threatens to create.
Heart of Illinois United Way urges the development of a state budget that provides funding sufficient for families to maintain stability and for children to be safe and healthy. That will ensure that all reports of abuse to children and fragile adults are investigated; that women and children fleeing domestic violence can access a safe haven; that the developmentally disabled are protected; that homeless individuals and families, including veterans, will have shelter; and that people without food are able to receive a meal. Preserving these services today will help to prevent long-term costs of both a human and economic nature tomorrow.
We urge all central Illinois residents to get engaged by contacting the governor and state legislators. Ask them to approve a budget plan that preserves these fundamental health and human services. Together, we can make Illinois the place it should be - a place in which children are cared for, families are self-sufficient, and neighborhoods are safe and vibrant.
Michael Stephan
President, Heart of Illinois United Way
Forum: State budget needs to look out for the needy and disabled
________________________________________
We all know that times are tough and money is short. Illinois lawmakers have once again failed to put a budget together that will meet the needs of the state's citizens. People with disabilities, along with the elderly, poor, children, and those with mental-health needs are the major losers in this ridiculous political showdown.
Everyone has their own theory about the reasons for this disaster, and there's probably plenty of blame to go around. The problems with the Illinois budget are not new. We struggle with the same issues year after year, the lack of revenue and the assurance that what is there will be used thoughtfully. Our legislators are intelligent men and women. They need to forget the political strategies and game-playing and do the jobs to which they were entrusted by their constituents.
People with disabilities and the service providers who support them cannot afford funding cuts! The system is severely underfunded already, as more than 17,000 people with disabilities in Illinois wait to be selected to receive funding for services.
We cannot cut our way out of this budget predicament. New revenue has to be part of the solution, and our lawmakers need to sit down and get to work. No cuts to disability services are acceptable!
Deb Fornoff
Washington
________________________________________
Forum: Budget fight shouldn't affect the children who need our help
Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
________________________________________
We are best known as Major League Baseball players for the Chicago White Sox, but for the past three seasons we have been pleased to partner with Children's Home & Aid through the "Bring Me Home Campaign" to raise awareness and support for the needs of foster children and families.
Last season, we met Dewanza, 15, and Elijah, 14, sister and brother, who experienced multiple foster homes before being adopted as teenagers. Although we have experienced the joy of seeing foster children united with loving, permanent families, we have also learned that about 14,000 foster children in Illinois face extremely difficult odds.
In an effort to close the state's $9.2 billion budget gap, the General Assembly recently passed a "doomsday budget" that proposes devastating cuts to the state's infrastructure of services for children and families. Many of the deepest cuts directly target programs designed to protect children. Today, one in six children is at risk for abuse or neglect. If these cuts are made, more at-risk children will suffer.
As the Department of Children and Family Services is faced with cuts of more than $461 million, the pending outcome for children in foster care is dismal. Children's Home & Aid has received notice that if these cuts go through, caseloads will more than triple - to a staggering ratio of 1 caseworker per 50 foster children.
Foster parents will suffer a 50 percent reduction in state reimbursement. Many foster parents will no longer be able to care for the abused and neglected children they've taken into their homes.
These cuts are shortsighted because many programs for children and families have a proven track record of preventing much more expensive problems down the road. Studies demonstrate that every dollar invested in human service programs saves taxpayers $6 to $8 in future costs on everything from special education and health care to prison and welfare.
Now is the time for all of us to step up to the plate and do our part for the common good. As we reach out to the leadership of the General Assembly and the governor, we ask them to work together to craft a feasible budget plan. The one option that should not be on the table is cutting vital services for children and families.
Jim Thome
Chicago, formerly of Peoria
Paul Konerko
Chicago
________________________________________
Forum: Speak up for Illinois children
Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
________________________________________
The Illinois School for the Deaf, Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, autism programs, family assistance programs, developmental centers, home-based services, foster care, etc., must be saved from any state of Illinois budget cuts!
We cannot sit back and do nothing while these services get eliminated! Do what you must, but help these people who cannot help themselves! Many of these people cannot speak or write for themselves and we must speak and write for them. Please write a letter, make a phone call or send an e-mail to your representative, senator, etc., as soon as possible!
Karen Olehy
Mother of a child with special needs
East Peoria
________________________________________
Forum: Endangered state programs do my son a world of good
Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
________________________________________
The Illinois General Assembly has passed a state budget that includes massive cuts for human service agencies. Let me tell you what that means for me.
I am the mother of 25-year-old Ryan, who has cerebral palsy and scoliosis, is mentally challenged, deaf and non-verbal. He is six feet tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. My husband and I are the sole caregivers for our son.
The only away time we have is when Ryan goes to Respite Care. The staff members there are trained to handle children so that we may have free time when the need arises - funerals, weddings, doctors appointments, etc. These cuts will impact that respite care, as well as medical care, as well as PARC home services.
When Ryan graduated from Manual High School in 2005, I had worked through red tape for two years to get him into a day program. At home he is on the living room floor. At day program he is in his wheelchair doing work with computers, getting structured daily living lessons. He is with peers like himself.
If this state budget is implemented, what will happen to parents who already have a very hard time because we are taking care of a son or daughter who is not able to care for themselves? How will we continue to work outside the home if our children are home? Who will pay my bills when I have to quit my job to stay home with my son?
Illinoisans need to come to their senses. Maybe you are blessed to have healthy children. Well, I am blessed to have a handicapped son that God gave me. But as parents we have to work to keep food on our table and a roof over our heads. We have to work to give our son the life he deserves. He didn't ask to be born with disabilities.
I am outraged by this state budget. We cannot possibly address our children's needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week without help. Please go visit PARC. See for yourself the good it does for our people. My son gets up with a smile on his face. He looks forward to going to PARC every day.
Please don't let the state budget take this away from us. Please!
Brenda Gray
Peoria
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The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. #209
Frankfort, IL 60423
June 26, 2009
Leaders in The Arc:
Yesterday late afternoon I was able to attend a solemn vigil at Seguin Services in Cicero . About 100 advocates gathered to pray together to save our services. Clergy, people with disabilities, families and advocates were very powerful. They will be there until the end of the fiscal year on Tuesday, June 30th. The vigil is held twice a day at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. Join them if you can.
Further down the road in Brookfield , Community Support Services is also holding a vigil from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. I joined with their team to take the message of "Save our Services" to the streets. I appreciate their advocacy and actions!
Wednesday night in downtown Rockford , over 1,500 people turned out for a massive Human Services Rally!
In Peoria , Charlotte Cronin and other Human Service Advocates met with the Editorial Board of the Peoria Star Journal! Check out all of the letters to the editorial in the PSJ. Well done Charlotte and advocates in Peoria !
This morning I head to Park Lawn for a Legislative Forum which begins at 11:00 a.m. The Forum is co-hosted by Park Lawn and the Good Shepherd Center .
You are making a difference! Keep up our advocacy for human services in Illinois !
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
815-464-1832
Forum: State lawmakers, please raise my income taxes
________________________________________
Posted Jun 24, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
Last week I watched as a crowd gathered at the Bureau County Courthouse. Disabled citizens in wheelchairs, young mothers with their children in tow and staffers at various public service concerns expressed their fear at what's happening in Springfield . I thought, "I'm sure our leaders won't let this happen."
This past winter I watched as our former governor closed state parks. While Gov. Blagojevich tried to pressure campaign contributors, he was quick to send state employees into the streets. The Legislature intervened. Good for them.
My wife has had the privilege of working for the Illinois Department of Human Services for the past 24 years. She is a caring and professional person. She goes to work early, comes home late, skips her breaks and is often reduced to tears as she and her fellow workers try to manage unmanageable caseloads with a fraction of the staff the office once employed. She is aware of the financial difficulties affecting the state and she bears with it as best she can.
This country narrowly avoided a financial meltdown this past fall, yet Illinois ' unemployment rate is climbing and has just reached 10.1 percent. It hardly seems like a good time to be sending thousands of state workers into the unemployment lines over the ideological mantra of "no new taxes." I understand, however, that legislators can't be concerned about a few state employees when they have the well-being of the entire state on their minds.
Then I picked up the Journal Star and read the article on the front page entitled, " Illinois won't pay to bury the indigent." The only thought that entered my mind was, "Have we no shame?"
I pose this question to my legislators and ask them to pose it to their colleagues who have apparently decided that one can never go too far when it comes to getting one's way.
If the Legislature is engaged in a dreadful game of scaring the electorate into begging for a tax increase, then please stop. I'm not scared, I'm just ashamed. And I am willing to take a tax increase if the Illinois Legislature will just let me get through breakfast without being faced with the reality that I live in a state that won't bury its indigent dead.
How low can we go?
Paul Scoma
Princeton
Forum: Disgraceful budget
________________________________________
Posted Jun 24, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
We are concerned about the proposed cuts to services in the state of Illinois under the "doomsday" budget expected to take effect July 1.
While many of our daughter's services are likely to be cut or eliminated, we are most concerned for the adult disabled individuals and families who have children with far more dire situations than ours. Many developmentally delayed adults will be put out on the street simply because there are no living or able relatives to care for them.
Don't think it will happen? It happened in the 1960s and would be a horrible disgrace if we let it happen again. Short-term, I don't know what the answer is other than we as parents would like to see funding continue for existing services. If that means raising taxes, we want assurances that monies will not be diverted to pork projects unrelated to maintaining current programs for the state's disabled.
Long-term, we as parents would like to see the entire system revamped to cut the spending waste and provide better service for the developmentally disabled. Today our state ranks at the bottom of the heap in funding for the disabled.
Shannan & John Werckle
Peoria
Forum: Tell legislators they must prevent drastic cuts
________________________________________
Posted Jun 24, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
The true measure of a community is its capacity to care for all of its members. Our collective response to the current economic crisis will define us for years to come. Shall we allow those most vulnerable to fall unaided, or will we act decisively to provide hope and a helping hand?
As our state addresses this economic crisis, the population of vulnerable individuals and families in the Peoria area and across the state is increasing at an alarming rate. We believe the challenge is surmountable through thoughtful decision-making by our state leaders to ensure that critical services for low-income residents are not compromised. Balancing a budget in economic times like we are facing today is a necessary task. However, this can and must be accomplished without the drastic reductions in health and social services that has been proposed.
Heart of Illinois United Way believes that our health and human-service system is at risk. Further reducing or eliminating programs providing health and economic security will result in a failing safety net for our children, individuals and all families at risk of hunger, homelessness and violence. Despite our commitment to fulfilling human-service needs in our communities, United Way and its partners cannot possibly fill the gap that the current Illinois budget threatens to create.
Heart of Illinois United Way urges the development of a state budget that provides funding sufficient for families to maintain stability and for children to be safe and healthy. That will ensure that all reports of abuse to children and fragile adults are investigated; that women and children fleeing domestic violence can access a safe haven; that the developmentally disabled are protected; that homeless individuals and families, including veterans, will have shelter; and that people without food are able to receive a meal. Preserving these services today will help to prevent long-term costs of both a human and economic nature tomorrow.
We urge all central Illinois residents to get engaged by contacting the governor and state legislators. Ask them to approve a budget plan that preserves these fundamental health and human services. Together, we can make Illinois the place it should be - a place in which children are cared for, families are self-sufficient, and neighborhoods are safe and vibrant.
Michael Stephan
President, Heart of Illinois United Way
Forum: State budget needs to look out for the needy and disabled
________________________________________
We all know that times are tough and money is short. Illinois lawmakers have once again failed to put a budget together that will meet the needs of the state's citizens. People with disabilities, along with the elderly, poor, children, and those with mental-health needs are the major losers in this ridiculous political showdown.
Everyone has their own theory about the reasons for this disaster, and there's probably plenty of blame to go around. The problems with the Illinois budget are not new. We struggle with the same issues year after year, the lack of revenue and the assurance that what is there will be used thoughtfully. Our legislators are intelligent men and women. They need to forget the political strategies and game-playing and do the jobs to which they were entrusted by their constituents.
People with disabilities and the service providers who support them cannot afford funding cuts! The system is severely underfunded already, as more than 17,000 people with disabilities in Illinois wait to be selected to receive funding for services.
We cannot cut our way out of this budget predicament. New revenue has to be part of the solution, and our lawmakers need to sit down and get to work. No cuts to disability services are acceptable!
Deb Fornoff
Washington
________________________________________
Forum: Budget fight shouldn't affect the children who need our help
Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
________________________________________
We are best known as Major League Baseball players for the Chicago White Sox, but for the past three seasons we have been pleased to partner with Children's Home & Aid through the "Bring Me Home Campaign" to raise awareness and support for the needs of foster children and families.
Last season, we met Dewanza, 15, and Elijah, 14, sister and brother, who experienced multiple foster homes before being adopted as teenagers. Although we have experienced the joy of seeing foster children united with loving, permanent families, we have also learned that about 14,000 foster children in Illinois face extremely difficult odds.
In an effort to close the state's $9.2 billion budget gap, the General Assembly recently passed a "doomsday budget" that proposes devastating cuts to the state's infrastructure of services for children and families. Many of the deepest cuts directly target programs designed to protect children. Today, one in six children is at risk for abuse or neglect. If these cuts are made, more at-risk children will suffer.
As the Department of Children and Family Services is faced with cuts of more than $461 million, the pending outcome for children in foster care is dismal. Children's Home & Aid has received notice that if these cuts go through, caseloads will more than triple - to a staggering ratio of 1 caseworker per 50 foster children.
Foster parents will suffer a 50 percent reduction in state reimbursement. Many foster parents will no longer be able to care for the abused and neglected children they've taken into their homes.
These cuts are shortsighted because many programs for children and families have a proven track record of preventing much more expensive problems down the road. Studies demonstrate that every dollar invested in human service programs saves taxpayers $6 to $8 in future costs on everything from special education and health care to prison and welfare.
Now is the time for all of us to step up to the plate and do our part for the common good. As we reach out to the leadership of the General Assembly and the governor, we ask them to work together to craft a feasible budget plan. The one option that should not be on the table is cutting vital services for children and families.
Jim Thome
Chicago, formerly of Peoria
Paul Konerko
Chicago
________________________________________
Forum: Speak up for Illinois children
Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
________________________________________
The Illinois School for the Deaf, Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, autism programs, family assistance programs, developmental centers, home-based services, foster care, etc., must be saved from any state of Illinois budget cuts!
We cannot sit back and do nothing while these services get eliminated! Do what you must, but help these people who cannot help themselves! Many of these people cannot speak or write for themselves and we must speak and write for them. Please write a letter, make a phone call or send an e-mail to your representative, senator, etc., as soon as possible!
Karen Olehy
Mother of a child with special needs
East Peoria
________________________________________
Forum: Endangered state programs do my son a world of good
Posted Jun 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
________________________________________
The Illinois General Assembly has passed a state budget that includes massive cuts for human service agencies. Let me tell you what that means for me.
I am the mother of 25-year-old Ryan, who has cerebral palsy and scoliosis, is mentally challenged, deaf and non-verbal. He is six feet tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. My husband and I are the sole caregivers for our son.
The only away time we have is when Ryan goes to Respite Care. The staff members there are trained to handle children so that we may have free time when the need arises - funerals, weddings, doctors appointments, etc. These cuts will impact that respite care, as well as medical care, as well as PARC home services.
When Ryan graduated from Manual High School in 2005, I had worked through red tape for two years to get him into a day program. At home he is on the living room floor. At day program he is in his wheelchair doing work with computers, getting structured daily living lessons. He is with peers like himself.
If this state budget is implemented, what will happen to parents who already have a very hard time because we are taking care of a son or daughter who is not able to care for themselves? How will we continue to work outside the home if our children are home? Who will pay my bills when I have to quit my job to stay home with my son?
Illinoisans need to come to their senses. Maybe you are blessed to have healthy children. Well, I am blessed to have a handicapped son that God gave me. But as parents we have to work to keep food on our table and a roof over our heads. We have to work to give our son the life he deserves. He didn't ask to be born with disabilities.
I am outraged by this state budget. We cannot possibly address our children's needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week without help. Please go visit PARC. See for yourself the good it does for our people. My son gets up with a smile on his face. He looks forward to going to PARC every day.
Please don't let the state budget take this away from us. Please!
Brenda Gray
Peoria
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The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. #209
Frankfort, IL 60423
Arc Legal Action Being Considered
June 26, 2009
Leaders in The Arc:
We have been talking to legal advocates
about possible action against the "doomsday" budget.
Here is an offer from Joe Monahan you
should give serious consideration.
If you have any questions about what might
be involved, please call or email me.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
815-464-1832
Dear Friends,
As we get closer to June 30,2009, a number
of lawyers from private firms, Universities and not for profit
legal organizations are meeting and discussing possible legal
strategies to address the proposed State's budget
cuts.
In anticipation of possible legal action
regarding the State's proposed budget cuts, we are
contacting lawyers, social service providers and
others to inquire whether your clients or your
agency would be interested in serving as one of a
number of plaintiffs or if you are wiling to serve as
witnesses or affiants should litigation regarding the budget
ensue.
In the event you are interested, we would
need an affidavit from the director or other representative of
the service provider or from the client which details the
harm that the agency and/or its clients would suffer should the
budget cuts be implemented. We are working on a number
of sample affidavits and can forward after we discuss
your interest in participating.
Please contact me,
Elizabeth Lawhorn elawhorn@monahan-cohen.com or
Linda Bryceland lbryceland@monahan-cohen.com of
our law firm to discuss the potential litigation and to let us
know if you are interested.
Please forward this email on to
other social service providers and colleagues whom you think may be
interested as well. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Joe
Joseph T. Monahan MSW, ACSW, JD
Monahan and Cohen
55 West Monroe Street
Suite 3700
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Leaders in The Arc:
We have been talking to legal advocates
about possible action against the "doomsday" budget.
Here is an offer from Joe Monahan you
should give serious consideration.
If you have any questions about what might
be involved, please call or email me.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
815-464-1832
Dear Friends,
As we get closer to June 30,2009, a number
of lawyers from private firms, Universities and not for profit
legal organizations are meeting and discussing possible legal
strategies to address the proposed State's budget
cuts.
In anticipation of possible legal action
regarding the State's proposed budget cuts, we are
contacting lawyers, social service providers and
others to inquire whether your clients or your
agency would be interested in serving as one of a
number of plaintiffs or if you are wiling to serve as
witnesses or affiants should litigation regarding the budget
ensue.
In the event you are interested, we would
need an affidavit from the director or other representative of
the service provider or from the client which details the
harm that the agency and/or its clients would suffer should the
budget cuts be implemented. We are working on a number
of sample affidavits and can forward after we discuss
your interest in participating.
Please contact me,
Elizabeth Lawhorn elawhorn@monahan-cohen.com or
Linda Bryceland lbryceland@monahan-cohen.com of
our law firm to discuss the potential litigation and to let us
know if you are interested.
Please forward this email on to
other social service providers and colleagues whom you think may be
interested as well. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Joe
Joseph T. Monahan MSW, ACSW, JD
Monahan and Cohen
55 West Monroe Street
Suite 3700
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Friday, January 9, 2009
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