Hello
from Springfield!
The
General Assembly has been working on a number of big
issues this year, and it's all going to come down to
these last few weeks (17 working days) where decisions
will be made. Many of you have been
in touch with your legislators throughout the season;
good for you, it's time to make a few more calls.
If you have not been in touch with your
legislators... now is the time to be heard.
Every legislator needs to hear from us
relentlessly from now through the end of the session;
set aside a few minutes of every day to make your
calls.
BUDGET:
As
always, it all boils down to money. Significant
budget cuts are projected again; at this time, an
estimated $770 million is projected to be cut from
Human Services. Our mantra is the
same as previous years: no cuts to
mental health - we've already given more than our fair
share.
Here's
your "ask" message:
·
Maintain
funding at FY 13 levels to support community mental
health services.
o
Community
care saves lives, supports recovery, and saves state
dollars!
·
Fully
fund permanent supportive housing at $28.5 million.
o
It
will save 12,000 people from homelessness and/or
costly institutional care.
Every
Legislator needs to hear these messages, but most
appropriately, members of the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees:
Senators:
Heather Steans, Dan Kotowski, William Delgado, Mattie
Hunter, Andy Manar, Julie Morrison, Donne Trotter,
Patricia Van Pelt, Matt Murphy, Michael Connelly, Jim
Oberweis, Dale Righter, Melinda Bush, Thomas Cullerton,
Napoleon Harris, Michael Hastings, Mike Jacobs, Steven
Landek, Pat McGuire, Steve Stadelman, Chapin Rose,
Pamela Althoff, Jason Barickman, Darin LaHood, Karen
McConnaughay.
Representatives:
Greg Harris, Robyn Gabel, Patricia Bellock, C.D.
Davidsmeyer, Tom Demmer, Scott Drury, Sara
Feigenholtz, La Shawn Ford, Esther Golar, Chad Hays,
Elizabeth Hernandez, David Leitch, Camille Lilly,
Natalie Manley, Rita Mayfield, Michelle Mussman, Pam
Roth, Elgie Sims, Jill Tracy, Michael Unes, Barbara
Wheeler, Kathleen Willis.
For
contact information on each member of the
Appropriations Committee and/or your own Senator or
Representative click
the appropriate link below.
HOUSE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITEE
http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/members.asp?CommitteeID=1177&GA=98
SENATE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
http://www.ilga.gov/senate/committees/members.asp?CommitteeID=1215
To
identify your Senator or Rep, click
the link below. http://www.elections.il.gov/districtlocator/districtofficialsearchbyaddress.aspx
Coming
Soon: Issue Updates!
Over
the next several days we will provide periodic updates
on a number of issues of legislative interest, so stay
tuned in for more info!
In
the meantime, make your calls!
