Governor Quinn will address both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly in his State of the State address today at noon. The Governor may make a big announcement on employment of people with disabilities today. Listen and find out. The budget address is proposed for March 6th.
The first provider meeting to begin the transition of individuals out of the Murray Developmental was last week. The first Murray Advisory Council meeting will be Thursday, March 7th, 4:00 p.m. on the Murray Campus. The process to close Murray is beginning.
Here are some pictures of former residents of the Jacksonville Developmental Center enjoying their new homes in the community.
Ms Brenda in her new home! Bob & Eddie in their new kitchen!
House Bill 97 is a pro-institutional bill to keep the Murray Developmental Center. The bill’s Chief Sponsor is Representative Meier and the bill now has five co-sponsors. The bill is expected to be heard, this Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the House Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep Gable, here is a link to members of the Human Services Committee: http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/members.asp?committeeID=1190)
Last week I was in Chicago meeting with the new CEO of Neumann Family Services, Teresa Garate to talk about The Arc and rebalancing. Neumann opened a home for women who moved out of Jacksonville. We appreciate your advocacy Tere!
Tere, Director Romano & Tony
On Friday, Arc staff met in the Capitol with Director Casey to discuss Ligas, rebalancing and Director Casey’s two presentations at our Leadership Conference.
Wednesday I will head to Lisle to prepare for our The Arc & Executive Forum Leadership Conference and will be there through Friday so my communications with you will be limited. The Leadership Conference will certainly be the place to be this will with a tremendous line up of speakers including:
1. Secretary Michelle Saddler
2. Director Sheila Romano
3. Director Kevin Casey
4. Mark Doyle, Office of the Governor
5. John Agosta, V.P., Human Services Research Institute
6. Tony Records, Ligas Court Monitor
7. Dennis Harkins, former DD Director for Wisconsin
Tony Records Court Monitor
I will be headed South next week for some warmth and R&R so you will not be hearing from me. Take good care!
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
