| Issues of the Day |
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| Arc Capitol Update
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| Friday, May 09, 2008 |
Tuesday evening the House Appropriations - Human Services Committee had another hearing on the budget. This one was a little different because we were requested to highlight three priorities to be considered in the new state budget. The hearing was well attended. The Arc's top priorities included:
*The transition of 220 individuals out of state institutions
*Moving 2,316 children and adults off the waiting list per recommendation of the "Blueprint for Redesign."
*Increasing community rates by $250 million or 20% per recommendation of the "Blueprint for Redesign" in addition the need for an indexed cost of doing business increase. . . .
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| Arc Board Elections and Awards
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| Friday, May 09, 2008 |
I am pleased to share with you the remaining awards given at our convention and biographies of our newly elected Directors to The Arc of Illinois Board of Directors. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Testimony at Special House Appropriations Hearing
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| Tuesday, May 06, 2008 |
Here is my testimony for today's special hearing on the Dept. of Human Services budget. I was asked to limit my comments to three areas within the budget, couldn't do that! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and State Budget in a Hole
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| Monday, May 05, 2008 |
We continue to hear about a budget short fall this year of $750 million. Legislators need to hear from you that we need new revenue not cuts to human services! State lawmakers have 26 days to pass a budget before a super majority is needed after May 31st. I think we are headed for another overtime session. I head to the Capitol tomorrow for important meetings and the House Appropriations Human Services Committee hearing at 3:00 p.m., Room 114 in the Capitol. Story from the Chicago Tribune on the state budget follows. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Importance of Community Services
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| Monday, May 05, 2008 |
Here is an excellent letter to the editor on the importance of funding community services from the Chicago Tribune. I recommend that you write a similar letter to the editor to your local community newspaper. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Follow the Blueprint
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| Monday, May 05, 2008 |
This Op Ed ran in today's State Journal Register in Springfield. Well done Lester! Have you talked to your legislators about the importance of the "Blueprint for Redesign?" Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc House Approp Hearing and I Need a Raise!
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| Sunday, May 04, 2008 |
The Compensation Review Board has recommended that legislators' salaries be raised by 10%! What about direct care professionals who would not get a raise in the proposed state budget? Story from Chicago Tribune follows. Also, the House Appropriations Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 6th, 3:00 p.m., Room 114 in the Capitol. It is a subject matter hearing on the Department of Human Services budget. I have been invited to attend and speak on the Division of Developmental Disabilities Budget. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and School Bus Shocker
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| Sunday, May 04, 2008 |
Terrible story about violence on the school bus! This was also covered by Fox TV this week. Story from Chicago Sun Times. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Legislative Update
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| Friday, May 02, 2008 |
Here is our latest legislative update prepared by Phil Milsk our Governmental Affairs Consultant. Phil will be covering the activities of the General Assembly while we are at the convention this week. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Convention and Awards
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| Friday, May 02, 2008 |
What a great first day at The Arc/Autism Program's Annual Convention!
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| Arc Update and Special Appropriation Hearing
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| Friday, April 25, 2008 |
After last week's press conference, the rally at the Capitol, the hearing on the "Blueprint" and meeting with Deputy Governor Louanner Peters, I thought we might have a short break before our Annual Convention. Not the case! . . .
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| New Arc US Exec Appointed
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| Friday, April 25, 2008 |
I was talking with John Foley today and it sounds like we have a real leader in our new national Exec! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Director of Finance Position Opening
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| Friday, April 25, 2008 |
Please share this position opening with others!
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| Arc and Worrying About All Services
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| Wednesday, April 23, 2008 |
I know you are aware that we have a great strategic alliance with the Family Support Network. That alliance has allowed us to spread our advocacy to the benefit of both organizations. We appreciate Charlotte Cronin's leadership all around the state as she works to inform and inspire advocates so we can all work together improving services across all community settings. Her comments follow about her concern about the need for community supports/services in Illinois. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Memo from John Foley of Arc US
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| Tuesday, April 22, 2008 |
Important message from John Foley, Acting Executive Director of The Arc of the United States follows including:
*Positive Parenting Survey
*Don't Lose Your Tax-Exempt Status
*Housing Roundtable
Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Center Waiting for Money
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| Tuesday, April 22, 2008 |
State deficit hurting local services for people with developmental disabilities in the Autism Program of Illinois.
Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Mom Lobbies to Brighten Future
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| Monday, April 21, 2008 |
Nice story about Ellen Garber Bronfeld, who is also a member of The Arc of Illinois Board of Directors! Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Important Sterilization Ruling by Court
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| Monday, April 21, 2008 |
Important disability rights ruling by the Illinois Appellate Court. Summary of the ruling follows by Barry Taylor. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Best Buddies Story
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| Monday, April 21, 2008 |
Good story on Best Buddies from Chicago Tribune. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Waiting List Lawsuit Filed in NJ
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| Monday, April 21, 2008 |
New Jersey Protection & Advocacy organization files lawsuit over the waiting list! This story sounds an awful lot like Illinois. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Time to Discuss Capital Bill Funding
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| Friday, April 18, 2008 |
Could you use an extra $150,000 for capital expenses? Legislators are in their district offices next week so it is the perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of a Capital Bill that includes community organizations like yours. Discussions are taking place now so your legislators need to hear from you and that they include our plan for $90 million so that each community organization can apply for up to $150,000 for capital expenses. I have attached our Capital Proposal for your use. See story from the State Journal Register about the capital bill which includes $25 billion, that is right, $25 billion! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Supportive Housing Legislation Introduced
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| Friday, April 18, 2008 |
New supportive housing legislation has been introduced by Congressperson Biggert in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Section 811 is the only federal housing program solely dedicated to assisting the lowest income people with serious and long-term disabilities to live independently in the community by providing integrated affordable rental housing linked with voluntary services and supports. When the Illinois Delegation was in Washington D.C. last month, this was a bill we were working on. It was my hope that Congressperson Judy Biggert would introduce this bill so we could show bipartisan support. Well she did it! Special thanks to Art Dykstra and Jim Hogan for also asking the Congressperson to introduce this important legislation. You can now ask your Congressperson to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 5772. See summary below. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Blueprint Shows Us The Way
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| Thursday, April 17, 2008 |
The room was jammed packed with supporters for the "Blueprint for System Redesign for Illinois. The House Disability Services Committee held a second hearing on the Blueprint, last night. This hearing was for the committee to hear from those who support the Blueprint and those opposed . . .
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| Service Requests and Authorization Memo
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| Thursday, April 17, 2008 |
See the following memo from Reta Hoskin regarding PUNS. Thanks! Tony Paulauski
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| Arc and Rally in the Capitol Great Success
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| Wednesday, April 16, 2008 |
Hundreds of advocates gathered in the Capitol for our annual Family Day at the Capitol. Advocates called for new appropriations to move children and adults off the waiting list and funding improvements for community services all included in SB 2033. . . .
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| Arc and State Income Tax Hike on Hold
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| Wednesday, April 16, 2008 |
We talked about this last week at the Illinois Conference of Executives of The Arc. You may recall The Arc and other advocates met with Senator Cullerton to discuss funding an annual indexed cost of living increase for human services in this legislation. Story from Crains follows. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Lawmakers Half Finished or Just Beginning?
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| Wednesday, April 16, 2008 |
There is talk in the Capitol about another long summer legislative session again. Story from the State Journal Register about the business that needs to be done before May 31st. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Markham Must Pay Group Home
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| Friday, April 11, 2008 |
Can you believe this is still happening? Story from Chicago Tribune. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Rural IL Customized Employment Project Application
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| Friday, April 11, 2008 |
This is a great opportunity to work with some of the nation's finest people on employment. I strongly encourage you to submit an application for this project, the Rural Illinois Customized Employment Sustainability Project (RICES). Detailed application is attached. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Illinois Rankings on Developmental Disability Services
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| Friday, April 11, 2008 |
Our thanks to Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D. at the Institute on Disability & Human Development, UIC. Mary Kay is one of the authors of the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities 2008. What follows is a summary of the Illinois Rankings she has put together for us. This data should be very helpful in our advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families. Also attached and please share this with other advocates. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Day at the Capitol Next Tuesday
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| Wednesday, April 09, 2008 |
April 15th is our "Day at the Capitol" we need another show of power as legislators talk about tax increases but little for people with disabilities! Here is a link for everything you need to know about our "Day at the Capitol." See you Tuesday! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Summary of Possible Conversion of Grant Programs
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| Tuesday, April 08, 2008 |
The Arc along with other advocacy organizations met with Reta Hoskin and her staff to discuss possible conversion of some grant funded community programs. . . . Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Testimony to Senate Appropriations Committee
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| Tuesday, April 08, 2008 |
I am headed to Springpatch today for the Senate Appropriations hearing on the Department of Human Services budget. The Arc is of course opposing this budget. My testimony to the committee follows which includes supporting an income tax increase, the "Do The Right Thing Campaign," a Capital Program for Community Providers, calling for increased wages and benefits for community staff, supporting The Autism Program, the Illinois Life Span Program and much more... Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc US Information
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| Monday, April 07, 2008 |
A message from John Foley, Acting Executive Director, The Arc of the United States; call for presentations and info on the International Conference on Self-Determination in Detroit, MI.
Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Pace Paratransit Service Problems
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| Friday, April 04, 2008 |
Rocky Donahue, Deputy Executive Director at PACE, did a presentation on improvements to paratransit and other transit services at our Executive Director's meeting yesterday. Riders can expect vast improvements in services in the next few months as a result of the passage of the transit legislation last January. We appreciate Rocky's advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Rocky also explained the major problem this week when the new computer system for tracking PACE transit services crashed. PACE is now going back to the old manual system as a temporary fix until the new system is repaired. He apologized for problems in the paratransit system and offered to assist our chapters. Here is a story from the Chicago Tribune about that problem. Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Senate to Hear DHS Budget Next Tuesday
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| Friday, April 04, 2008 |
The Department of Human Services budget will be heard in the Senate Appropriations I Committee next Tuesday, April 8th, at 4 p.m. in the Capitol, Room 212 . . . Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Tax Reform Could Help Many
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| Friday, April 04, 2008 |
Wednesday, The Arc and other statewide advocates met with legislators about the tax reform bill now in the Senate, Senate Bill 2288. President of the Senate, Emil Jones is interested in passing this bill. The bill would increase the state income tax by 2% bringing in another $8 billion into the state. The bill would also provide about $4 billion in property and personal tax relief. The bill would also reform educational spending, provide for pension stabilization among other things. There is no language in this bill that would provide additional funding for human services. Our advocacy focused on including human services in any revenue enhancement that advances in the Capitol. We had excellent meetings this week with legislators. Some legislators indicated they are interested in our recommendations of including human services in these proposals other legislators indicated that the legislation should advance as it is currently worded and understand that human services would get its fair share. It will be a while before tax reform is moved but it is high on The Arc's legislative priorities. Ralph Martire is one of the key advocates of tax reform in Illinois. He has been opposed to including human services in the legislation that has been introduced in the General Assembly. It looks as if Ralph is having second thoughts about this in this Op Ed in the Daily Herald. Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Thousands Could Get HBSC Under New Rule
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| Wednesday, April 02, 2008 |
Here is an important news release from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about changes to Home & Community-Based Services Waivers. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Update on New State Revenues
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| Wednesday, April 02, 2008 |
Tomorrow, in the Capitol, we will be working with legislators and other advocates regarding the importance of revenue enhancements for human services. Yesterday, the advocates agreed upon the following wording on new revenues. . . Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Morton Woman Sentenced in Daughter's Death
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| Wednesday, April 02, 2008 |
Mother is sentenced in this sad story we have been following.
Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Positive Court Ruling in Illinois Katie Beckett Case
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| Monday, March 31, 2008 |
Many of you are aware that The Arc has introduced legislation attempting to extend supports and services to individuals aging out of the Katie Beckett waiver. The proposed legislation has never has support from this administration or past administrations. It seems that the courts will now be deciding future services to individuals in the Katie Beckett and possibly other Illinois waivers. Memo from Barry Taylor, Legal Advocacy Director for Equip for Equality follows and the decision is attached for your review. Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Now is the Time to Act to Protect the Disabled
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| Monday, March 31, 2008 |
Excellent opinion in today's Chicago Tribune. The ADA Restoration Act of 2007 is a bill The Arc strongly supports.
Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Welcomes John Mallaney
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| Thursday, March 27, 2008 |
Welcome John Mallaney, the new Exec at Streator Unlimited. I have met John a few times and look forward to his active participation in The Arc! Story on John from The Times follows. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Rally Day in the Capitol!
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| Thursday, March 27, 2008 |
Please share this with others! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Testimony at Regional Budget Hearing
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| Wednesday, March 26, 2008 |
Here is my testimony for the Regional Budget Hearing in South Holland. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Budget Hearing Update
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| Wednesday, March 26, 2008 |
About 150 people attended the Regional Budget Hearing in South Holland on Tuesday night. . . Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Update
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| Tuesday, March 25, 2008 |
A message from John Foley follows as well as information on the College of Direct Support. The Arc of the United States has worked to discount training offered through the College of Direct Support for local Arc Chapters. I am looking into the specifics but I understand Arc Chapters will get substantial discounts for this training. More on this later. Tonight I head to South Suburban College for the Regional Budget Hearing hosted by Representatives Miller, Davis, Riley and Scully. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Illinois Neglects Special Needs Citizens
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| Monday, March 24, 2008 |
Well stated, powerful Chicago Tribune Letter to the Editor from Kristin MacRae, President/CEO, CARC. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Torture Death Shocks Illinois Town
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| Monday, March 24, 2008 |
Heartbreaking story about cruel people. Story says the woman worked at a regional center. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Can Governors Capital Plan Fly?
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| Monday, March 24, 2008 |
Legislators are talking about funding a capital plan with an increase in the income tax, gaming or other sources. Have you talked to your legislators about your needs for capital funding? This week there are ten regional hearing on the state budget. This is another opportunity to bring up your capital needs. Ask them not to support any capital plan without funding for the disability community! Attached is a capital proposal for you to share with your legislators. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Ride in Kane a Good Model for Transit Services
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| Friday, March 21, 2008 |
Good morning! The following is a memo from Pat Lee one of our fantastic Arc Board Members! You can use this as an example of what your local transit system should be doing.
Yesterday, we had another call with the Governor Office and transit agencies about free rides for people with disabilities on fixed transit routes. The advocate's main message was that we want legislation that the advocates, transit agencies, legislators and the Governor will support. We will reconvene in the next few weeks to review a potential legislative proposal. More on this later. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Data on Community and State Increases
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| Friday, March 21, 2008 |
Many of you have been asking for this data. Attached is The Arc's new data on community and state funding increases fiscal years 1991 to 2009. Please feel free to use this information as you talk about the need for community supports. The current trend appears to be that we get a cost of living increase every other year! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Using Lunatic Asylum Name Story
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| Friday, March 21, 2008 |
Can you believe this? It irks me too! A Chicago Tribune story. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Legislation for Funding Community Supports Introduced
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| Thursday, March 20, 2008 |
Senator Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson has introduced Senate Bill 3022. This bill funds the "Do The Right Thing" Coalitions appropriations for FY"2009. The bill is a comprehensive appropriation for children and adults. See details by clicking on the title of this message. You can now ask your Senators to sign on as co-sponsors of SB 3022 and ask your Representatives to support SB 3022! Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Words of Wisdom
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| Thursday, March 20, 2008 |
Words of wisdom from John Foley and the stark reality of the people we support. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| AAID Direct Support Professionals Award
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| Thursday, March 20, 2008 |
AAID of Illinois is seeking nominations for Direct Support Professional awards. Attached is the nominations package for these important awards. Please pass this information along to others. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Important House Disability Hearing on Blueprint for System Redesign
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| Monday, March 10, 2008 |
The House Disability Committee will hold a hearing on the "Blueprint for System Redesign in Illinois." Director Sheila Romano and John Agosta, Ph.D., will present testimony on this new plan for supports/services. The hearing will be on Wednesday, March 12th, 4:00 p.m., Stratton Office Building, Room C-1, Springfield, IL. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc's Back in Town
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| Wednesday, March 05, 2008 |
Well, we are back from Washington, D. C. and our annual Public Policy Seminar. The Illinois delegation amounted to 18 advocates attending the seminar and talking to their legislators about important disability issues. The delegation was led by Arc Board President Jacki Neil Boss and Lester Pritchard, Chairperson of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. Yesterday we held a legislative briefing on key disability issues including Medicaid, housing, healthcare and the ADA. Nine legislators were represented at this briefing in the U.S. Capitol. It was an outstanding briefing. Today I head to Pontiac to meet with Execs of The Arc. Reta Hoskins will be heading up a panel on changes regarding enrollment in the new waiver services and changes to the PUNS process. Things are starting to heat up in Springfield, so I hope to share some more with you later when life returns to normal. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Exec. Position Open at Community Link
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| Sunday, March 02, 2008 |
Please share this position opening. They are receiving resume's through mid-March. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Lawmakers Have Their Own Plan for Budget
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| Sunday, March 02, 2008 |
Interesting story about the state budget from The Southern. Statewide hearings are to begin in March. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Tax Hike Passes Committee
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| Thursday, February 28, 2008 |
I have been saying for a while that there might be some opportunities in this legislative session. Yesterday, a Senate Committee passed a bill increasing the state income tax by 2%. You should be asking your legislators, what will the increase do to fund developmental disability supports/services? Story from State Journal Register follows. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Lincoln Update
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| Wednesday, February 27, 2008 |
Lincoln Estates is still in the news but the Governor is not funding it for operations. The Arc appreciates the Governor's position on Lincoln. See story from State Journal Register. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc Testimony on Proposed State Budget
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| Friday, February 22, 2008 |
Here is the testimony I will submit at today's House Appropriations Human Services Committee. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Blueprint for System Redesign Released
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| Friday, February 15, 2008 |
Yesterday, February 14th, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities released the "Blueprint for System Redesign in Illinois." I was proud to be a speaker at the press conference on the Blueprint, truly a visionary plan. You will be hearing a lot about the Blueprint because it lays out a seven-year plan to redesign and overhaul the Developmental Disabilities system in Illinois. I have attached the full Blueprint for you. What follows is the Councils press release on the Blueprint. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Tax Rebates and People with Disabilities
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| Wednesday, February 13, 2008 |
President Bush signed legislation Wednesday to rush rebates ranging from $300 to $1,200 to millions of people. I thought you might want to know how this legislation touches people with disabilities. The following is a summary from our Disability Policy Collaboration in D.C. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and State Faces $750 Million Gap
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| Tuesday, February 12, 2008 |
Depending upon who you listen to the state is facing a $750 million deficit this fiscal year and is about $3 billion behind in paying its bills. This is going to lead to a long and difficult legislative session. There may be some opportunity in a session of this nature. There is a possibility of a tax increase that we need to be prepared for and a capital bill as well. You should be talking to your legislators about your need for capital expenses. You should be asking legislators not to vote on any capital bill that does not include capital funds for disability organizations. (Fact Sheet is attached). The Senator reminded us there could be some opportunities in this legislative session if we are prepared. Story follows from the Chicago Tribune on the state's budget situation. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and GET CONNECTED Parent Conference
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| Friday, February 01, 2008 |
Please pass along this important conference information for parents to all those you know. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and HFS Random Interviews to Begin Soon
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| Thursday, January 31, 2008 |
Random in-person interviews are about to take place in Illinois for individuals in the Adult Waiver. We have talked about this before. This is part to the CMS quality review process. Memo from Reta Hoskin follows. Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Mom on a Mission
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| Wednesday, January 16, 2008 |
Well here I am in Raleigh waiting for my ride!
Here is another excellent column from Michele Westmaas. She has also created a blog.
Please visit my new "Mom on a Mission" blog site! If you like it, please share the link with your friends.
http://momonamissionblog.blogspot.com
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc 2008 Disability Policy Seminar in DC
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| Monday, January 07, 2008 |
Attached are the materials and information you will need to attend the 2008 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C., "Advancing Disability Policy In An Election Year."
This year's seminar is scheduled for March 2-3, with visits to our members of the U.S. Congress on March 4. The seminar will be held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. Please make your room reservations early because this hotel filled up very quickly last year.
Hundreds of disability advocates from around the country will gather to discuss a wide range of public policy issues. The seminar is expected to review the following public policy issues:
Budget & Appropriations
Entitlements
Developmental Disabilities Act
Health
Housing
Social Security
Americans with Disabilities Act
Employment
Please let me know if you are planning to attend so I can send you updates on events at the seminar.
This is always an excellent event and I strongly encourage you to attend. Vital disability services in Illinois are funded by federal funds.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc Annual QMRP Conference
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| Monday, January 07, 2008 |
The Arc's 6th Annual QMRP Conference is set to begin Tuesday, January 22, 2008! The conference will be at the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip just off I-294. Our keynote presentations will be "What I have Learned So Far" by Mindy Oppenheim. Mindy has 25 years in this field and her sparkling presentation combines practical strategies and humor. Krescene Beck's keynote, "Dreams, Choices, and Self-Advocacy: A Recipe for Success," will provide you with her award winning recipes with helpful tips to use when the recipes don't quite turn out as expected. Krescene's vision is: Find your passion. Live your purpose. Celebrate your journey. Other presentations include: 1. Learning is Fun: Innovative, Cost-Effective Tools for Building Teams 2. Animal Assisted Therapy 3. Retaining DSP's: Strategies for Success 4. Learning Styles: How to Individualize Instruction for ALL Learners 5. Making the Health Promotion Connection: Fitness and Physical Activities for People with Developmental Disabilities/ Registration and conference information is attached to this memo. Hope to see you on the 22nd and please share this brochure with others! Tony Paulauski The Arc of Illinois 708-206-1930
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| Arc and Mom on a Mission
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| Tuesday, December 04, 2007 |
New from Michele Westmaas - a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with disabilities.
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| Arc and IDEA Fairness Restoration Act Introduced
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| Tuesday, November 27, 2007 |
Important legislation introduced in Washington D.C.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc and Moms Start Campaign to Help People Find Jobs!
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| Thursday, November 08, 2007 |
Here is a great story from the Daily Herald on family advocacy and employment for people with developmental disabilities. Well done, Cindi and Laurie!Cindi works in our Life Span Program.
On Thursday, I head to Walgreens Headquarters to learn about their plans to employ people with disabilities across the country.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc and Call Your IL House Member Today
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| Thursday, November 01, 2007 |
The Arc is sending this letter to members of the Illinois House or Representatives this morning.
I urge you to call your House members today!
A similar letter will be sent to members of the Senate tomorrow or Friday.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc and Roll Call on SCHIP
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| Friday, October 26, 2007 |
The Illinois roll call on the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, was similar to the vote last week.
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| Arc and Director Teninty Meeting
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| Thursday, October 25, 2007 |
Yesterday, Oct. 23rd, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Lilia Teninty called the state associations together to discuss working together on common issues.
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| Arc Legislative Update and Other Items
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| Thursday, October 25, 2007 |
Today, October 25th, marks the last day the Senate can override any of the Governor's vetoes, and since the Senate is not is session the Governor's vetoes will stand. However, . . .
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| Social Security Raises '08 Benefits by 2.3 % - From the Seattle Times
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| Monday, October 22, 2007 |
Modest increase in benefits going up in the new year as well as increase history since since 1975. Story from The Seattle Times.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| How Your U.S. Reps voted on State Children's Health Insurance Program - H.R. 976
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| Thursday, October 18, 2007 |
Many of you have asked me how your U.S. Representative voted on the State Children's Health Insurance Program, H.R. 976, today.
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| Arc and House Close to Casino Deal
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| Wednesday, October 17, 2007 |
Well after my week in Dallas, not too much changed regarding the paratransit crisis, a capitol budget and the budget implementation bill! Today, the House Gaming Committee will attempt to put together a casino deal that could break the budget logjam in the Capitol.
If successful we may see lawmakers return to the Capitol next week but nothing official is scheduled at this time.
Story from the Chicago Tribune on the casino deal follows.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc and Senate Votes to Keep Governor's Budget Cuts
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| Friday, October 12, 2007 |
While this story from the State Journal Register is not good news for us today, this session is not over. We see the possibility of some agreements on additional funding including a possible capitol budget, transit and disability issues later this month. Well, we shall see.
Down here in Dallas Arc Past President Lorraine McCormick and I will meet with Arc U.S. President Mary Jordan and Arc U.S. Executive Director Sue Swenson on our Illinois Proposal on Governance & Local Chapter Fees.
Monday, I head to the Capitol to meet with the "Do The Right Thing" Coalition to discuss our agenda for the current session and next years agenda.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illinois
708-206-1930
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| Arc and Budget Update
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| Thursday, October 11, 2007 |
The following is an update from Phil Milsk on happenings in the Capitol yesterday, Wednesday, October 10, 2007.
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| Mom on a Mission I Choose To Be Carried
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| Tuesday, August 21, 2007 |
Words of wisdom from Michele Westmaas!
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of Illiois
708.206.1930
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| Mom on a Mission: You're Okay, I'm Okay
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| Wednesday, July 11, 2007 |
July 2007 Mom on a Mission column from Michele Westmaas. Michele is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with disabilities. Contact Michele by email at momonamission@verizon.net.
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| Arc Testimony on Developmental Disabilities Budget
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| Wednesday, April 06, 2005 |
Arc calls for reforming obsolete developmental disability system in Illinois and more!
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