|
A summary of activity
from IARF emails:
Lots of hard work and grassroots groundwork over the
last two years, which paid off in the Governor’s signing of HB2750 – the 4%
cost of doing business! Now is a good time to both Vince Demuzio and Jim
Watson for their support of this effort. Also send a letter of thanks to the
Governor and encourage his signing of HB2716, which restores the 1.25% cut
and provides for an important step in Illinois’ Olmstead compliance through
the appropriation of $5 million to move individuals from IMDs to community
supported housing and CILAs.
TO WHAT DOES THE 4% COST OF DOING BUSINESS APPLY?
The Department’s budget office has indicated to us
that the 4% CODB applies to the following:
-
DD – it applies to CILA, grants, purchase of
service, home-based services, supported living services, family
assistance, ICF/DD*, and PAS
-
MI – emergency psychiatric care, metro children
and adolescent community grants, community-based programs for kids with
mental illness, purchase of service for kids with mental illness, CILA,
and MI grants
-
Centers for Independent Living.
The Department stated ICF/DD providers are funded
for a four percent increase. However, there is some question about the
technical language in the DHS Budget Implementation bill as it relates to
ICF/DD rates. We will keep you informed on this issue. The next
opportunity to make such a change would be the fall Veto Session in
November.
DHS still plans on implementing the 2% reserve.
IARF is working with Department staff to make them aware of the problems
that are created by asking agencies to “make the necessary budgetary
adjustments to accommodate the 2% reserve.” It is our hope that these
discussions, along with our advocacy at the Governor’s office, will result
in an exemption of community services from the reserve. The Do The Right
Thing Coalition will be meeting with Secretary Adams next week to speak to
this and other issues as well. |
Illinois
