The Human Services Committee will hear House Committee Amendment #1 to HB 4383 (Feigenholtz) tomorrow, Wednesday, February 28 at 8 a.m. This bill gives Medicaid managed care patients the option to remain with their primary care provider (PCP) if their care is disrupted due to a contract termination between their PCP and a health plan. Currently, if... Read more »
Up first: Michael Berens released another article today in the Chicago Tribune “Reforms Promised but group homes still suffering from problems“. The Arc of Illinois plans to respond with a letter to the editor about this article as we see it as incredibly bias and advocating for a return to state institutions. It also completely... Read more »
Below is the summary of the FY19 Budget Proposal. We will update, correct and clarify this list after the Governor’s speech at noon and the Departmental briefings following the speech. Below are some of the topline issues impacting people with disabilities that were outlined in the summary. Here is the FY19 summary of the Governor’s... Read more »
As usual the FY19 Proposed Budget Summary leaked this morning. I outlined some of the topline issues. I am headed down to listen to the budget address and the department’s detailed presentations. If you have any specific line items not listened below, let me know and I can ask about them. More to follow later... Read more »
The Arc is in Springfield today to listen to the Governor’s Budget Address – More on that soon! Stop HR 620 It looks like the House might call HR 620 tomorrow, Thursday so we need to keep up the calls, email and social media. Remember HR 620 would water down the ADA and set up... Read more »
Call Today! A vote in the House of Representatives on HR 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act, is expected this week. Call your legislator to vote NO on HR 620. Why does this matter to people with disabilities? This bill would remove any consequence for businesses with architectural barriers that violate the ADA, a... Read more »
Job Opportunities: Join The Arc of Illinois to help support individuals and families and work with advocates to strengthen the system for people living in the community. We have three positions available that offer a flexible location and potential work from home opportunities! Latino Outreach Coordinator – Life Span Ligas Family Advocate – 2 North... Read more »
Please join us for some or all of the following events, trainings and educational opportunities: Feb 9 – Register now to join the Disability Forum with the Attorney General Candidates on Feb 9 at 3 pm at Access Living in Chicago. You can also join online through streaming. The Arc’s Life Span Luncheon Webinars are... Read more »
Lawmakers return this week to Springfield for the legislative session, but the general sense is that because of the primary on March 20, the opportunities to pass legislation will be very concentrated to April and May following the spring break recess. The Arc continues to focus on bills that will improve the lives of people... Read more »
We have enough updates this week that I have split things into at least two weeks. First the federal level updates: Trump Signs Family Caregivers Act A new law will require the federal government to develop a national strategy to address the needs of family caregivers, including those supporting people with developmental disabilities. Read More > TRUMP’S... Read more »