Another exciting week in Illinois! Thanks to Michael Ganz and the Arc of the Quad Cities for hosting me today. I am headed to Rockford tomorrow to meet with new board member, Kate Nelson, and Amy Newell from the Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogles Counties.
Tomorrow is the last official day of session – we need to keep up the advocacy especially around the #TheyDeserveMore campaign to get $15 per hour for DSPs. If you haven’t already called your legislators, do it today! You can also use the #TheyDeserveMore hashtag on social media.
Assistive Technology Conference!
Don’t miss the opportunity for your organization to learn more about assistive technology. Join the department and Trinity Services who are hosting this great event June 6-7! Check out the flier here.
Save the Date – Don’t Cut Our Care Rally
Tuesday, June 6, 11 am – 12 pm
Plaza in front of the Thompson Center (location subject to change).
We need to tell our stories and keep the pressure on to fight cuts and caps to Medicaid at the federal level. With legislators home for Memorial Day, it is important to speak up and speak out! Thirteen Senators are currently negotiating to create a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act which will include a block grant or cap to Medicaid. We must fight this and educate policy makers about how Medicaid cuts could impact people with disabilities. Join with other disability and health advocates!
Check out the facebook event for more details!
Medicaid Matters: The Arc of the United States has released two new videos, “Meet Bryan” and “Meet Soojung & Alice”, in a series featuring people who rely on Medicaid and/or the Affordable Care Act. It is critical that we share stories like these to highlight the importance of Medicaid in the lives of people with disabilities and their families—and to urge Congress and the President to protect these vital programs. Please help by including these videos in your newsletters, on your social media properties, and sending them to state legislators and Members of Congress. If you missed our first three videos, check them out now: “If I could say one thing” , “Meet Calvin” and “Meet Thelma”.
Meg Cooch
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
Meg@thearcofil.org