The twists and turns of the budget battle continue as a Federal Judge orders the Administration to pay Developmental Disability Providers, Senate Bill 2042 hit a bump in the road as House Dem’s add more money to SB 2042.After court, I met with Greg Bales on U. S. Senator Durbin’s staff to discuss important federal issues such as Medicaid and Social Security. Senator Durbin has always been a voice in the Senate that the disability community can count on!
Read The Arc’s Press Release on Judge Coleman’s ruling in court yesterday.
Tony
JUDGE ORDERS STATE TO PAY DISABILITY PROVIDERS
Shutdown of Disability Services Averted
(CHICAGO, IL) In Federal court today, Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman gave the State Of Illinois 48- hours to issue notice to Developmental Disability Provider’s that “all” Medicaid services will be paid for regardless of the budget impasse.
Community providers were with in days of shutting down group homes and day services because of the State’s budget impasse.
On Thursday, Ligas attorneys along with the Interveners filed a joint motion with the court ordering the State Comptroller to pay providers for services rendered. Payments were on hold because of the state budget impasse.
The State had also issue a memo to providers that they would only pay for services to Ligas Class Members forsaking non-class members.
Today in court, attorneys for the State indicated that the Administration had changed it’s position on Thursday, in agreement with the Joint Motion. Today’s ruling impacts about 25,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in Illinois.
Theresa Devine, President of The Arc of Illinois, stated “Her strong support of today’s court intervention which adverts a shutdown of community services, at least for now. We also give high praise to the Ligas attorneys and the Interveners for advocating for all persons in the Developmental Disability System. ”
Tony Paulauski, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois, commented, “The budget impasse is breaking down the community system for individuals with developmental disabilities. Families fear that the State is playing games with their lives. The state needs a budget that fully funds community services and it needs to happen now.”
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@thearcofil.org
