DD Forum in Aurora. Phil and I had a very engaging and positive meeting with Rep
Stephanie Kifowit on disability issues this week. Rep Kifowit had introduced legislation
similar to an Arc initiative, and Phil and I wanted to make sure we were all working
together. The Representative is very interested in working with The Arc.
Phil, Rep Kifowit & Tony
In addition, Representative Kifowit is sponsoring a forum on Developmental
Disabilities featuring Developmental Disabilities Director Greg Fenton and Illinois
Council on Developmental Disabilities Director Sheila Romano. The forum will be held
on Thursday, November 19th, 6:00 P.M., Aurora Library, Eola Branch, 555 S. Eola
Road, Aurora. There is limited seating so please RSVP to 630/585-1308.
1115 Waiver. I also had a conversation with Teresa Hursey, Acting Medicaid
Administrator, about the development of a revised 1115 Medicaid Transformation
Waiver. The Administration has had discussions about a new submission with the
revised waiver is drafted, stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and
comment. You may recall the Quinn Administration had submitted the largest 1115
Medicaid Transformation Waiver in the United States to CMS last year.
International Visitors. Thursday, The Arc played host to international visitors from
Bulgaria and Hungary. Stoian Pavov and Anett Csordas are guests of Access Living
while in Chicago in a fellowship program sponsored by the U.S. State Dept. It is
always great to exchange ideas to learn from each other about supports and
advocacy in other countries. In the end, we all share a common vision of full inclusion
for everyone. Special thanks to Rod Estvan of Access Living and Shirley Perez for
joining me in this conversation.
Stoian Pavlov, Rod Estvan, Tony & Anett Cosordas
Shrinking Managed Care. In addition to the University of Illinois Medical System
dropping out of the State’s Managed Care Program, the Health Alliance is also out. Is
this the beginning of an exodus of health care providers in reactions to the state’s
budget tragedy? How are families to cope with losing their medical specialists network
that takes a lifetime to develop? Shirley Perez and Tony will be meeting with Director
Norwood on this next week.
Celebrate The Arc. I am celebrating 24 years with The Arc of Illinois. What a pleasure
to work with you and so many exceptional advocates in this state and across the
nation. I am privileged to serve in this role and count my blessings daily. Thank you
for your support of The Arc. Together we shall overcome!
.
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
