Civic Federation Opposes Illinois Governor Rauner's Recommended FY2016 Budget

Press Release | 5/7/2015
The Civic Federation

Urges General Assembly to Identify Alternate Plan for Closing $6.2 Billion Budget Gap

In a new report released today, the Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability opposes Governor Rauner’s recommended budget for FY2016 because it relies heavily on projected savings that do not appear to be achievable or prudent in light of the State of Illinois’ obligations and long-term policy objectives. The Institute’s full 78-page report is available here.

The Governor’s recommended budget relies on $2.2 billion in savings related to a new proposal to reform Illinois’ critically underfunded retirement systems. These savings are assumed to be realized in the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2015, even though the pension proposal has not been introduced as legislation in the Illinois General Assembly and is likely to face legal challenges. Several other spending reductions in the Governor’s recommendation are seen by the Civic Federation as unlikely to be achieved or potentially harmful to the State’s finances in the long run.

“By issuing his budget on-time and without the use of borrowing, Governor Rauner has appropriately identified the size and pressing nature of the $6.2 billion shortfall in next year’s budget,” said Civic Federation President Laurence Msall. “However, while the Governor’s recommendations may close the budget gap on paper, the Civic Federation cannot support spending reductions that are either unrealistic or inconsistent with reasonable long-term financial goals for the State.”

In addition to pension savings, the proposed FY2016 budget assumes a reduction of $655 million, or more than one third, in the cost of State group health insurance through collective bargaining. Both the magnitude of the projected savings and the short timeframe for reaching agreement with the State’s largest union suggest that the budgeted numbers are unlikely to be realized. Other budgeted savings, particularly in the Medicaid program, depend on changes in State law or require federal approval.

The Governor’s recommended budget cuts local governments’ share of State income taxes by half. This reduction is inadvisable at a time when many municipalities are under severe strain. The State’s fiscal position will suffer if the finances of the City of Chicago – the State’s economic engine – are allowed to deteriorate further. The Civic Federation also opposes proposed cuts to spending on community care for the elderly, disabled and those with mental illness, which is recommended by advocates and saves money in the long-run by avoiding the costs of institutionalization.

“Members of the Illinois General Assembly need to come forward now with their own plans for how to address a revenue shortfall in FY2016 that will be larger and more painful than what we experienced this year,” said Msall. The upcoming fiscal year is the first full budget year since the partial phaseout of temporary income tax rate increases enacted in 2011. As described in the recent State budget roadmap for FY2016, the Federation recommends a combination of spending restraints and new revenues to solve Illinois’ fiscal problems. By limiting spending growth and broadening the revenue base, the State can eliminate the $6.0 billion backlog of unpaid bills over several years while providing more sustainable revenue sources for funding essential government services and ongoing costs over the long-term.

Click here to read the complete analysis.

http://www.civicfed.org/press-room/FY16_ILRecommendedBudget

ALS Ice Sculpture Exhibit starts May 7th in Chicago for 3 days

Freeze ALS

Chicago -- Tomorrow, Thursday, May 7 the first ice sculpture from the Freeze ALS Campaign will be installed at Northwestern, Evanston at 10:30am. A sculpture of one PALS, Jon, will be placed by the west entrance of the Norris University Center. Read Jon’s story HERE.

Don't forget to check us out downtown on Friday, as well. We will be at Northwestern's Medical Campus with four sculptures. Visit the Awareness Page to learn more. 

Sculptures are expected to melt approximately 8-15 hours after installation. Do not miss your chance to see these unique exhibitions as we help Freeze ALS forever. Look for volunteers wearing Les Turner ALS Foundation blue. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagam or search for the hashtag #FreezeALS to stay up-to-date on all of the ice sculpture exhibitions that will be installed May 7, 8 and 12.

as posted by the Les Turner ALS Foundation

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By Greg Trotter; Chicago Tribune | May 7, 2015

Last year, the Ice Bucket Challenge campaign went viral, helped raised millions of dollars for ALS research and led to some truly regrettable Facebook videos.

A new attempt to raise awareness about ALS will try to do what many felt buckets of ice failed to do — teach people about the devastating effects of the disease.

Starting Thursday, spanning three days and locations, the Les Turner ALS Research and Patient Center at Northwestern Medicine will exhibit ice sculptures carved in the likeness of people who have suffered from ALS, the center said.

"The truth is there will never be another Ice Bucket Challenge," said Beth Richman, a public relations consultant for the foundation. "But here in Chicago, our plan is to unveil the ice sculptures. They give us more of a chance to talk about the disease."

The ice sculptures will represent 12 people with ALS, including some who have died, and will be accompanied by a plaque about the person's life, the release said. The sculptures will gradually melt, representing the wasting effect of the disease.

"This is hugely unique on so many levels," said Jim Nadeau, 61, the artist commissioned for the project, in an interview Wednesday.

For starters, Nadeau and his staff studied photos of the people represented and set about capturing their likenesses, carving each sculpture from 1,800 pounds of ice. The process took months.

Human figures are difficult to capture in ice, Nadeau said.

"These aren't hulks," he said. "They are everyday, normal people. It makes it difficult to get their likeness down."

It's also unknown how exactly the sculptures will fare as they melt outdoors, subject to the wind and sun, Nadeau said. Though Nadeau has undertaken a wide variety of projects in more than three decades of ice sculpting, he said this exhibit touched him on a personal level.

"It definitely tugged at my heart," the artist said. "I lost my wife to cancer last year. There's definitely a soft spot in my heart for these things that rip families apart."

On Thursday, one of the sculptures will be on display outside the Norris University Center at Northwestern University, a news release said. On Friday, four will be unveiled at Northwestern's downtown medical school campus. And on Tuesday, seven ice sculptures will be installed in downtown Chicago, exact location to be determined.

Initially, the third day of the exhibition was scheduled for Saturday, Richman said, but it was rescheduled for Tuesday because of weather.

A video crew will document the exhibition and the footage will be used in videos to raise awareness about ALS and the Northwestern research and patient center, the release said.

For more information, visit http://www.lesturnerals.org.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-als-ice-sculpture-exhibit-met-20150507-story.html?track=rss

2015 Theme Announced for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month: 'My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am'

ODEP News Release

'My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am'

2015 Theme Announced for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON — Planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2015 is underway, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the official theme for the October observance: "My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am."

"This year's theme encapsulates the important message that people with disabilities are just that — people," said Jennifer Sheehy, acting assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "And like all people, we are the sum of many parts, including our work experiences. Disability is an important perspective we bring to the table, but, of course, it's not the only one."

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, known as NDEAM is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of America's workers with disabilities, past and present. Each spring, the year's theme is announced to help workplaces, individuals and communities begin planning activities.

The 2015 theme echoes the ODEP-funded Campaign for Disability Employment's "Who I Am" television public service announcement, currently in national distribution. This announcement features nine diverse people with disabilities — some obvious and some not — sharing the many ways they describe themselves, from personal interests to family relationships to occupations. Among them is actor RJ Mitte, known for his work on AMC's critically acclaimed series "Breaking Bad."

NDEAM dates back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." The word "physically" was deleted in 1962 to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. The week was expanded to a month by Congress in 1988 and its name was also changed to NDEAM. When ODEP was created in 2001, it was given responsibility for NDEAM, including selection of its annual theme.

For more information about NDEAM, including specific ideas for how different types of organizations can participate, visitwww.dol.gov/odep/ and select "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" from the drop-down menu. To view the "Who I Am" PSA, visit www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org

ODEP News Release: [05/05/2015]

Release Number: 15-0853-NAT

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For more information about recruiting and hiring people with disabilities, job accommodations and where to get help with your job search, be sure to check out

Disability.gov’s Guide to Employment.

Senators want VA agency review if bungled VA Disability and Pension claims are systemic

Troubled by delays in handling veterans claims, a bipartisan group of senators on Wednesday urged a wide-scale, independent review of the Department of Veterans Affairs for mismanagement and changes to improve budgeting and speed up applications.

A report released by nine senators acknowledged recent efforts by the VA to reduce disability and pensions claims backlogs but said it wasn’t enough. Pointing to the VA’s worst performers such as the Philadelphia regional office, the lawmakers were announcing legislation that would require the Government Accountability Office to investigate all 56 regional offices for problems.

It was the latest sign of congressional concern that recent findings of mismanagement at the Philadelphia VA — including neglected mail, manipulation of dates to make old claims look new and alteration of quality reviews — might point to a broader, departmentwide problem.

“The VA system again finds itself engulfed in another scandal,” said Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., co-chairman of the Senate’s VA backlog working group. VA offices nationwide are suffering from poor management, he said, proving “it is time for an overhaul of the entire system.”

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., the other co-chairman, said he too was worried that problems were not isolated to Philadelphia. “It’s simply unacceptable to have a veteran with a disability wait hundreds of days for their claim to be resolved,” he said.

The VA says there are 161,000 disability and compensations claims on backlog, defined as pending more than 125 days. That’s down from a peak of 611,000 in March 2013. But the VA inspector general has questioned the accuracy of the data.

Based on a review of VA records, the Senate report said the 10 worst-performing regional offices as judged by wait times were:Baltimore;
Jackson, Mississippi;
Reno, Nevada;
Philadelphia;
Los Angeles;
Chicago;
Oakland,
California;
Indianapolis;
Boston;
St. Petersburg, Florida

As of April, the VA’s inspector general had documented doctored data or other problems at five of the 10 offices.

The report calls on the IG to determine whether claims processors should be held to deadlines and calls on the department to beef up manager training, complete an updated assessment of staffing and budget needs within six months, and keep Congress informed about its transition to an electronic claims systems.

Allison Hickey, the VA’s undersecretary for benefits, has said she does not believe problems in Philadelphia are “systemic” but more likely a case of misunderstood policies.

Delays in compensation claims prompted veterans groups to seek changes last year before attention shifted to problems at the Phoenix VA medical center. The VA ultimately found that patient waits and falsified records in its health network were “systemic,” leading to the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

Groups including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America endorsed Wednesday’s report and the legislation.

HOPE YEN, Associated Press | 5/6/2015

Susan G. Komen Chicago and Triage Cancer Develop Innovative Resource Guide for Survivors

PinkPrint Breast Cancer Resource Guide Now Available on Komen Chicago Website

CHICAGO, May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To address the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors, Komen Chicago and Triage Cancer have partnered to develop a new website, Survivorship PinkPrint at www.SurvivorshipPinkPrint.org. Funded through a generous donation from the Martin and Mary L. Boyer Foundation, the site provides information and resources regarding employment, disability insurance and health insurance that can be impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

"Battling breast cancer, as well as understanding the complexities of health insurance and employment laws is overwhelming," commented Leticia J. Kees, Komen Chicago's Director of Community Programs and Partnerships. "This incredible new resource provides the answers and access to information so survivors have a place to turn to for support."

"This project is unique because it not only provides critical information to people about their rights and options, but it leads them step by step to the most relevant information for their situation," noted Monica Bryant, Chief Operating Officer of Triage Cancer.

To raise funds to provide additional programming for breast health and breast cancer care, treatment and support to individuals in the local community, the Mother's Day Race for the Cure will be held on Sunday, May 10th in Grant Park.

Information about the 2015 Mother's Day Race for the Cure:

• Sunday, May 10th, in Grant Park at 8:00 am.
• 10K or 5K Timed Race, 5K Walk or 1-Mile Fun Walk.
• Post-Race performances by Broadway cast members of The Book of Mormon and Beyond Words Dance Company.
• To register or volunteer, visit www.komenchicago.org.

About Susan G. Komen® - Chicagoland Area AffiliateThe Chicagoland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen was established in 1997 and holds two Race for the Cure events annually in Chicagoand Lombard. Komen Chicago recently awarded over $1 million to 14 organizations for 2015. Since its inception, Komen Chicago has awarded over $16 million towards the fight against breast cancer by funding grassroots breast health navigation, breast cancer screening and treatment projects. In addition, Komen Chicago has funded approximately $4.5 million in research. For more information, call 773-444-0061 or visit www.komenchicago.org.

SOURCE Susan G. Komen - Chicago

Chicago's Special Olympics ceremony kicks off 2015 spring games

Students from McGuane Park march Monday at the opening ceremony for Special Olympics at Soldier Field. At right is Ald.-elect Patrick Thompson. | Brian Jackson/For the SunTimes

article by Maudlyne Ihejirika, Chicago Sun Times | April 4, 2015

Chicago -- Special Olympics team members — 60-deep and proudly holding aloft their yellow banner with the logo of their agency, Envision Unlimited.

The 24-year-old was among more than 3,500 athletes celebrating the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics Chicago’s Spring Games, a week of track and field competitions to run Tuesday through Friday at Eckersall Stadium on the city’s Southeast Side.

“It’s real fun. I like the marching and the parade. I’m ready to win a gold medal,” said the 24-year-old, who attends a day program at Envision’s Frick Center and lives in one of its residences serving people with disabilities.

The 47th Anniversary Spring Games kicked off with the lighting of the Olympic torch, carried in by Chicago Police and Cook County Sheriff’s officers, along with members of the team from the Misericordia agency — this year’s recipients of the Keith Magnuson Spirit Award — given to an individual or agency representing joyful celebration and sportsmanship.

They were cheered on by a record 15,000 supporters who filled the stands after a two-week Social Media #FillTheField campaign. The athletes were welcomed by the Special Olympics Drum Line Band from the Ray Graham Training Center, members of the Knights of Columbus, and the event’s honorary coach, Chicago White Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija.

“It’s a privilege as an athlete to be invited by my fellow athletes. Wishing all the athletes a great week of competition and good luck!” Samardzija said, noting he had been touched by the special athletes’ pervasive joy in a video of past games. “As a professional athlete, it’s a good reminder to remember just how fun sports are, and how it brings people together.”

White Sox Charities provides a grant that pays for the athletes’ uniforms.

Casey Hogan, president of the Special Children’s Charities/Special Olympics Chicago, was just happy it didn’t rain on the open-air ceremony at Soldier Field, where Special Olympics was born on July 20, 1968.

“It was a terrific day, especially because we were thinking it might have to be canceled, but Soldier Field is a magical place and skies did clear for us,” she said. “We’re really pleased with the attendance, which grew this year due to the hashtag campaign. The athletes work so hard year-round, and the Spring Games is a truly remarkable and inspiring morning celebrating athletes with disabilities.”

The Envision team, ranging in age from 23 to 74, chanted, “We’re on a mission! Envision!” They were “absolutely thrilled” about the upcoming games, said Donna Ennis, division director at the agency, and one of three dozen staff and family members accompanying and cheering them on.

Kane, a member of Envision’s Burners basketball team, which won the Special Olympics state championships last month at Illinois State University, said he’s ready for another victory.

“I have the basketball from when we won downstate, and my own trophy too,” he said. “I’m going to win again. Yup!”

Admission is free at the games at Eckersall, 2423 E. 82nd St., with more than 25 track and field events running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/7/71/576392/special-olympics-ceremony-kicks-off-spring-games-chicagoAndrew Kane bounded onto the grass Monday at Soldier Field with his 

The New Generation of Disability Rights Defenders & Advocates from around the World!

Information is from the Open Society Foundation, please explore their website for the work, and programs they are doing around the world. Open Society Foundation’s Disability Rights Scholarship Program inspires and trains the next generation of disability rights advocates around the world.

YouTube videos by the Open Society Foundations

Around the world, disabled people’s organizations are working to make communities more equal and inclusive. But many of those organizations lack the legal knowledge or know-how to take cases to court, to push for law reform efforts, or to undertake complex law- and policy-based advocacy.

“Disability rights was not being taught in law schools. There was very little curriculum developed, and law students weren’t getting practical experience in dealing with persons with disabilities or in representing them,” says Alison Hillman, a senior program officer with the Open Society Human Rights Initiative.

“We saw an opportunity to help fill that gap.”

In the video above, disability rights scholars and faculty talk about their experience in the Disability Rights Scholarship Program—a yearlong master of laws program that’s changing the landscape of disability rights.

“The success that individual scholars have had is exciting,” says Phillip Watkins, deputy director of the Open Society Scholarship Programs. “Facundo Chavez Penillas is now the human rights and disability advisor to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Likando Kalaluka was recently appointed attorney general of Zambia. And Elizabeth Kamundia has joined our partners at the Center for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria to develop disability rights curricula for law schools in southern Africa. And those are just three of many stellar examples.”

http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/meet-new-disability-rights-defenders

After 45 years, Community Counseling Center of Chicago (C4) is Closing! THERAPISTS, CLIENTS PROTEST!

very nice report from ABC7 Chicago, By Sarah Schulte

May 05, 2015

THERAPISTS, CLIENTS PROTEST CLOSE OF NORTH SIDE COUNSELING CENTERS

CHICAGO (WLS) --After 45 years, Community Counseling Center of Chicago is closing its locations on the city's North Side.

Almost two weeks ago workers and clients learned C4, as it's called, was closing its doors for good at the end of the month. Therapists said they have not been told why one of the largest mental health providers in the city is closing.

"We need to know what happened, why it happened and what's going to happen now?" therapist Maya Joseph Brooks said.

Workers marched to C4 administrative offices to demand answers on Tuesday. Employees said they were given four days' notice that their own health insurance would be cut off. The 45-year-old organization employs 300 people and serves more than 10,000 at-risk individuals and their families.

"I have a child who has been hospitalized eight times in two years. What is she going to do without her psychiatrist, medications, therapists whom she depends upon? Please consider these things," one woman who said her family has gone to C-4 for 24 years said.

With already closed city mental health clinics and Governor Bruce Rauner's proposed cuts that may affect many more clinics, therapists worry about where their clients can continue to get the help they need.

"We specialize in child/ adolescence services, psychiatry, a lot of Spanish speaking staff and things that don't exist elsewhere," Max Beshers, therapist, said.

Therapists say most of their clients are low income, at risk families that need the continuity of the same doctor and therapist. In her statement, C-4's CEO said here is not a specific transition plan for the clients. However, C-4 has reached out to city, county, state and their peer providers for help.

http://abc7chicago.com/health/therapists-clients-protest-close-of-counseling-centers/698607/

RELATED POST:

Chicago reality, the 'Devastating' Closure of C4's Mental Health Centers to hit 10,000 Patients Immediately

Mental Health Rally in Chicago May 13th! Come and Show Your Support!

as shared by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Chicago

Come and show your support for mental health on May 13 at the Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph St. in Chicago!

The rally will be from 12pm-1pm and will feature different individuals affected by the mental health funding cuts! Please join with us to show your support for mental health and mental health funding!

Advocacy is an important part of both the history of NAMI Chicago and our current activities. Our advocacy efforts, today as in the past, are focused on decreasing the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. Stigma is the single largest problem in the wide array of issues associated with mental illness. Societal, cultural, familial, and personal ignorance and fear fuel and perpetuate the misunderstanding. Self-stigma, blaming oneself for the illness, deters help-seeking for both consumers and family members.

We strive to empower individuals living with a mental illness and family members in their recovery journeys by teaching them how to overcome self-stigma and to advocate effectively for themselves. Educating individuals living with a mental illness and family members about the facts about mental illnesses, their rights, and available services, enhances their ability to access quality services.

Efforts to educate the broader community include an annual mental health rally, meeting with local legislators about support for mental health related legislation, and providing consultation and/or speakers for a broad array of community agencies and organizations. We also partner with a variety of coalitions to help bring about favorable public policies, and actively participate in the Mental Health Summit, a collaboration of mental health organizations from across the state of Illinois and the Responsible Budget Coalition.

More information about current advocacy opportunities in Illinois is available on the Mental Health Summit website.

Check out some of our recent advocacy efforts in the media:
WBEZ Mental Health Awareness and Law Enforcement, Education Programs Manager Ashley Fontaine speaks on NAMI Chicago’s involvement in the CIT program for Chicago Police.

http://namichicago.org/get-involved/advocate/

TAKE ACTION to Ensure Veterans with Disabilities Get the Support They Need At Home - Act Now!

as shared by Easter Seals

Veterans who return home with service-connected disabilities should not have to fight to secure the government benefits they have earned or to access local supports that could assist in their reintegration. Unfortunately, newspaper headlines and research findings remind us that veterans who may need assistance during their transition continue to struggle to access this timely assistance which is critical to their reintegration.

Easter Seals supports new legislation (H.R. 1843) that would help to address this service gap for veterans with disabilities and their families by connecting to or providing supportive services that promote successful transitions into civilian life. Your voice is needed now to help grow support for H.R. 1843 in the United States House of Representatives.

• TAKE ACTION: Tell your Representative to cosponsor and approve H.R. 1843 to increase access to supportive services for veterans with disabilities.

You will also have the opportunity to send a 'thank you' if your Representative is among current co-sponsors.

Your assistance will help give back to American’s veterans who have honorably served and sacrificed for our nation.

Sincerely,

Katy Beh Neas

Senior Vice President, Government Relations

Easter Seals Headquarters, 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606