Congratulations to Governor-elect Bruce Rauner. It is going to be very interesting to see
how he navigates the Democratic House and Senate here in Illinois. I know he has
already reached out to Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton and that is a very good
move.
The challenges are huge with a $470 million hole in this year’s budget and the state’s
income tax expiring on January 1, 2015.
We know little about Governor-elect Rauner’s positions on disability or human services
except that he has promised that the Murray Developmental Center will remain open.
He has also stated that the income tax increase should be phased out over time.
Regardless, the state will have to comply with the Ligas Consent Decree, the new
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Rules on Community, including Person-Centered
Planning.
Disability issues facing a new Rauner Administration will include:
New Revenue
Phase III of Managed Care
Rebalancing
The 1115 Medicaid Transformation Waiver
The Life Choices Project
Employment First Implementation
As for The Arc, we will continue, as we have for decades, to advocate for inclusive
community services including rebalancing the disability system, ending the waiting
list, increasing wages/benefits for direct care staff and opposing Phase III of
Managed Care.
We will reach out to the new Governor and look forward to working with him and
his administration.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org
