Arc Meets with Gov’s Staff. Wednesday in the Capitol I had a meeting with Greg Bassi, Policy Advisor for Healthcare & Human Services, Special Counsel, Office of the Governor; Tim Nuding, Director, Office of Management & Budget and Greg Fenton, Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities. I shared with them data and the importance of supportive housing options, Employment First and DSP recruitment and retention issues. It was an excellent meeting with a lot of common ground on these options for people.
DSP Wages. The motion to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 5931 has been filed so the stage is set to establish $15.00 per hour as a starting wage for Direct Support Professionals here in Illinois. What is your legislator’s position on voting for the override of HB 5931?
TV Interview. Also in the Capitol I was interviewed by Terrence Martin, Executive Director of the Illinois Channel. The interview was about self-advocacy, closing institutions and the DSP retention & recruitment crisis. I will share the interview with you when it is available. The Illinois Channel is a very well respected public affairs TV production widely viewed by legislators, policy makers and legislative staff.
Speak UP. What another great time we had at the Speak UP, Speak OUT Summit this week. Over 530 individuals and their assistants came to the Capitol for three days of sessions on self-advocacy, leadership, housing, employment and fun! This is always my favorite event of the year and I am glad to share with you that The Arc has been awarded a 5 year grant from the Council on Developmental Disabilities to continue the Summit! Here are some photos from the Summit.
Director Kimberly Mercer-Schleider speaking at the Summit!
Director Fenton addresses the Summit!
ICDD Chairperson Bill Bogden opens the Summit!
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
708-828-0188 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org