FY 2008 - 2011 One Illinois Vision

Leadership

• Work with stakeholders to develop a 4-year plan within the first six months of the term with measurable outcomes for improving the community infrastructure so that it may best serve persons with disabilities and mental illness.  The Governor will commit to updating the plan in each annual State of the State and will fund the plan in the annual Budget Address accordingly.

 

• Initiate and pass legislation with stakeholder input that defines community services for persons with disabilities and mental illness as core and essential.  Whereas the community is providing more of the services and supports formerly provided by the State, such a shift should be acknowledged by the State as a clear priority through legislation that states the value of community services and supports for persons who choose to live and work in those settings, with the needed resources following the individual.

 

• Establish a clear focus on community services at DHS that follows the 4-year plan and is implemented by staff with relevant experience/expertise, professional training, and contemporary knowledge of services and supports which will efficiently prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities and mental illness.  Community services would include developmental disabilities, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, rehabilitation services, and early intervention services for adults and children.

 

Invest for Success

• Increase funding for community services 10% every year for the next four years to build the community infrastructure through rates and reimbursement review and enhancement, increases to staff wages and benefits to market levels, and expansion of the system for those who wait.  This action will begin to bring Illinois to the median of states nationally in terms of funding for community services.  It is also necessary to protect the capital investments made by community agencies to support persons with disabilities by providing $50 M to help fund renovations, maintenance, new residences, equipment, and vehicle needs. Services are eligible for federal Medicaid matching funds.

 

• Support legislation that provides an annual increase for all Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Rehabilitation Services, and Early Intervention reimbursements to keep pace with economic pressures (e.g. Employment Cost Index) and prevent erosion in quality and availability of services and supports. 

 

• Appoint a commission within the first six months of the term with representation from the Department, the General Assembly, persons with disabilities and mental illness, community providers, and trade associations to develop rate and reimbursement methodologies that reflect the cost of providing services and supports, recognize individual disability needs, consider geographic differences, transportation costs, required staffing ratios and mandates not currently funded.

 

The Return on this Investment of Leadership and Resources

• Increase in the stability and quality of community services provided.  Less staff turnover and increased continuity of supports/services.
• Increased community capacity through a continual investment in rates and reimbursements that reflect the cost of providing quality services.
• Decrease in the waiting list for those with urgent needs through properly funded expansion of the system.
• Increase in community integration consistent with the spirit of Olmstead.