Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Today’s number: 145,441

Posted in:

Illinois

* Press release…

Since September 28, 2015, Illinois Area Agencies on Aging have been providing a weekly alert addressing the impact of the budget Impasse. I4A is chronicling the erosion of services to seniors in the State of Illinois. Given that we are in late January and there is no visible effort to address and resolve the budget crisis, we are now projecting an Illinois that does not support older people who are in greatest need (or who can avoid unnecessary incapacitation with minimal assistance within their communities).

Last week I4A reported on the number of older people this year who have been denied meals and supportive assistance because of the budget Impasse. With major cash flow delays, no compensation under the Prompt Payment Act (meals and supportive services are distributed as grants - not eligible for interest when payment is delayed), expensive lines of credit and exhausted reserves, of course people have not been served.

The following itemizes the number of people who will be abandoned if state support for Planning and Service Grants and Community Based Services funding are forever gone:

Annual number of people served by the Illinois Aging Network (federal and state support): 484,000
Annual number of people served if only federal funding is received: 338,559
Number of people who are abandoned under the current budget impasse: 145,441

Represented within your 145,441 older citizens/constituents affected by the loss of funding are a minimum of:

1,621 people forced to enter nursing homes instead of exploring options for care
206 people no longer able to receive door-to-door assistance with transportation – doctor appointments missed
9,356 people literally missing the bus because of other lost transportation services
105,973 people without information assistance, resulting in missed benefits and financial assistance
4,067 people not receiving outreach to tell them that they can and should receive help
387 people without a functioning home environment due to lost chore/housekeeping
114 people facing added caregiver strain or leaving their loved ones alone because of denied respite
163 people risking falls and other household injuries because no one can change a light bulb, etc.
77 people left alone without a call from a concerned organization’s telephone reassurance
303 people not understanding how they can survive with lost counseling services
962 people not attending life enriching education classes
516 people with undetected health issues because of lost health screening
257 people unable to locate suitable housing, leaving them at risk of homelessness
2,257 people without legal assistance to advocate for them to receive benefits they’re entitled to
13,400 people locked out of senior centers
6,525 people without recreational activity and often without a purpose to keep going

We are facing a projected loss of $5,417,708 of GRF normally supporting senior services in Illinois. Each of the 13 Illinois Area Agencies on Aging listens to their communities to assure that services of the highest priority are supported, thus these projections show the potential impact but will be adjusted based on planning principles and needs throughout the state. The bottom line is that nothing is self-supporting – the Illinois Aging Network is a balance of state, federal and local funding that provides the most responsive and important service network for older people in Illinois (and the nation). Thus home delivered meals are similarly lost when supportive services are not part of the community agency’s budget. It is time to resolve the budget impasse and identify the resources and priorities for Illinois spending based on the dignity and importance of every Illinois citizen.

Distributed for I4A by:
Jonathan Lavin
Chief Executive Officer
AgeOptions

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 4:51 pm

Comments

Outrageous.
Go back and read the preamble to the State Constitution, as to what the purpose of state government is. And then if you are an elected state official, feel ashamed.

Comment by Capitol View Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:02 pm
Horrifying. Just horrifying.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:02 pm
The war continues.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:07 pm
Up to now, too many people have given the governor the benefit of the doubt that he would fund these programs if he got his way.

His “plan” was so good, it was worth it to inflict this kind of damage on some people because the payoff would be so sweet.

By now, I hope all rational and independent thinkers are disabuse of this notion. He just wants to get rid of them, in the worst way.

And he’s doing so, in the worst way.

The governor’s own economic and fiscal rationale is a joke.

The damage inflicted in the service of it is very, very real.

We’re not talking pork-barrel log-rolling here.

What definitions of democracy and morality justifies this?

If you want to gut social services and universities, have the testicular virility to say so.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:09 pm
Dear Democrats, present a budget (and raise taxes)
Thank you

Comment by Steve Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:13 pm
Dear - Steve -,

Ken Dunkin and #TaxHikeMike

Signed,

Raunerbots

To the Post,

Unless Rauner finds 12 more HDems, this is also on H&SGOP members.

“Why?”

@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.

If the GOP GA needs any more incentive, how about an additional 145K people hurt, because…

@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:18 pm
My Dad is 94 and is having some health issues ( no surprises here ) yet I am able to keep him with me ( with no support from any state/fed programs ).

I feel for those older adults that do not have family or support systems that they can count on to help them maintain some dignity and independence as they grow older and need additional help.

Comment by illini Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:20 pm
Capitol View: I went back and reread that state constitution you referenced. I saw nothing in it on the Illinois Area Agencies on Aging .

Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:22 pm
“Number of people who are abandoned under the current budget impasse: 145,441″

Just imagine the trouble these seniors would be in if their best friend Diana Rauner didn’t have a new $100,000 chief of staff.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:22 pm
Posted in another thread, but relevant here — even “restored” funds don’t cut it.

http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/tragedy-strikes-bonfield-family-unable-to-pay-for-heat/article_25c0b8f8-9dba-51b0-93f4-7da04d365848.html

Comment by crazybleedingheart Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:24 pm
Where is Diana Rauner in all this?

Her silence is deafening — even as an advocate for Ounce of Prevention. What, she’s fixing the mansion?

Comment by Macbeth Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:25 pm
“Bruce has no social agenda.”

Diana Rauner
President
Ounce of Prevention

If you are a leader of a Social Service, or Advocate, you may want to talk to Union leaders and Democrats and find out for March who you, your organization, your constituents, the Raunerites and…

… vote accordingly.

Facebook, “Holiday cards lists”, PTA… get involved… orote Rauner victims will be hurt after March… That’s step one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:30 pm
Willy - thank you once again.

Comment by illini Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:51 pm
Killing Unions will improve everyone’s life so much that in the long run that it will make all the pain and suffering these unfortunate people are going thru now worth while…that’s the argument Rauner is making. Easy to say for someone who isn’t currently being affected. No civilized person would advocate this. This would never happen in a civilized society, this is where he’s taking the state. The middle class is doing too well, we have to cut salaries and the underprivileged are not a priority.

Comment by The Dude Abides Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 5:55 pm
damn it - we are talking about our parents and grand-parents! Forget about the TurnAroundAgenda - we are talking about our parents!!!

Comment by illini Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:02 pm
Remember “Auntie’s Wheel” in “Mad Max - Thunderdome?” Maybe IL needs one of those to replace ALL of the politicians. One of the stops could say, “Raise the income tax to 8%”. Another could say, “Ban public service unions”. Another could say, “Increase school funding with more borrowing”, and another could say, “Bankruptcy”. Not much different than what we’re hearing right now, but at least something would get done. /S.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:05 pm
Illini is RIGHT ON THE POINT! We cannot sit here and fantasize that the elderly will be fine. We can’t just hope that they have someone like Illini taking care of them. We can’t expect that. Look, every month Miss Y calls me. She doesn’t re-certify till next year but she forgets and she calls up in a fuss about where is her paperwork. Every month I say No, Miss Y you’re just fine. Think about it. She’s a lucky one who can call someone for help. It’s not going to be long before she won’t be able too. She slurs her words as it is, probably a stroke, but it’s not going to be long.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:16 pm
“@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate. ”

The pain is no longer short term - - it is permanent. It is not worth the pain & even death that you are administering for nothing more than your political gain.

Comment by Mama Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:16 pm
Wake up people - our governor does not care about your pain.

Comment by Mama Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:18 pm
What needs to be done to stop this? What can these people above- caring citizens, do?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:23 pm
As a billion dollar man the Governor could care less if people live or die. It is part of the plan to destroy Illinois government and the Unions.
Leader Radogno pointed out recently that this impasse will continue for a long time. Past the November 2016 election Leader Radogno? Is this what you are suggesting?

Comment by JLR Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:23 pm
“A population that does not take care of the elderly and of children and the young has no future, because it abuses both its memory and its promise.” Pope Francis

Comment by burbanite Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:25 pm
The governor, and his sidekicks radogno and durkin, are shameless.

Shameless:
having no shame : insensible to disgrace

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:25 pm
Thanks Bruce–good job!! I know, “we’ll get there,we’ll get there” , and hang in there people!

Comment by kenny16 Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:26 pm
===and reread that state constitution you referenced. I saw nothing in it on===

We, the People of the State of Illinois - grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty
which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors - in order to provide for the health,
safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality;
assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual;
insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; and secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to ourselves
and our posterity - do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:42 pm
To my representatives; Representative Jimenez and Senator McCann. These people are what remains of The Greatest Generation. They’re our neighbors, aunts and former teachers.

Is the money Governor Rauner promised worth this pain??? Is it worth the harm to these people??? Is abandoning EIU and LLSI and WIU and The Illinois State Museum worth the money you’ve been promised??? Is it worth the stain?

I pray you’re better than this.

Comment by Sangamo Sam Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 6:46 pm
Sam Mcann wants what the people he represents want. Fair levels of support for at-risk children and seniors!

Comment by Omega Man Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 7:07 pm
After looking at polls on income taxes, much of this suffering is partially caused by us. Many of us apparently would rather not pay a modestly higher state income tax, no matter who or what gets cut.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 7:31 pm
Rich,
1. Political liberty gave us the RAUN Man(yikes!)
2. In order for us to adequately provide for the health,safety and welfare we need a growing population and wage increases for middle class working folks. We need the elderly to be able to afford to live in their homes w/ reasonable property tax bills.
3. Maintain a representative and orderly government? I am 71 yrs old. I started thinking term limits are our only chance about 25 yrs ago.
4.eliminate poverty and inequality. Democrats say they have the solution. Republicans say they have the solution.
5. Assure legal,social and economic justice. See 4. Above.
6. Provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual. There is one presidential candidate out there “trumpeting” -Make America Great Again. Well, I for one never thought America or Illinois for that matter wasn’t still great. Opportunities still abound for those willing to work hard. It isn’t supposed to be easy.

Respectfully, old blue dog.

Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 7:35 pm
For Pete’s sake wake up. Most of these people are Democrats so who cares? Secondly if you asked him really nicely maybe the Gov could find room at one of his nursing homes. Probably out of state which would prove his point about people fleeing from higher taxes or perhaps no services. Sooner or later what goes around comes around.

Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 8:29 pm
I encourage everyone to pay attention and help their neighbors. Food banks are their. Take it yourself if need be.

Comment by present Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 8:36 pm
Some of us don’t want to pay more income taxes because we don’t want to give any more money to this government. Illinois has a long history of state govt misfeasance and malfeasance, including during this most recent, decade plus of Democratic rule. What are our choices: cough up even more, so the malfeasance so go on, hoping that many a little tiny bit of the money supposedly en route to the needy will actually get to the needy. Or say no to same old same old Tammany Hall routines which have dominated the state for decades. Madigan is far from the only politician or state bureaucrat profiting hugely from this dysfunctional govt and legislature. There are lots of politicians,state bureacrats, and connected contractors who have become rich off Illinois state goverment. Yet liberals can only say-give them more.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 8:49 pm
As for this malfeasance, you see who is being hurt by a lack of revenue now. It isn’t those you accuse of corruption is it? If there is malfeasance, attack those involved, not elderly and disabled people… not everyday, hard working union members and public workers, just wanting to go to work and live a decent honest life. Get the villains sorted out and deal with them! Don’t make innocent people pay. If you say it’s too hard to get to those in power, does starving those not in power help? If Rauner is trying to “shake up Springfield” and make changes, is this slash and burn path logical? Who is he shaking up? Starving grandmas?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 9:32 pm
I hope that AgeOptions has blasted this PR out to every media outlet in this state so all can see the dispicable collateral damage this man is causing all for his pittance of an an ROI TA and start asking this failure of a governor the hard questions as to how he can justify this and otherwise destroy the social services, higher education and fiscal fabric of our state. This is his idea of transforming Illinois into a compassionate state. What a travesty!

Comment by XDNR Monday, Jan 25, 16 @ 10:37 pm
…and, gee, that week’s paycheck in state income tax that I contributed in 2014 made the difference between our most vulnerable receiving care or not. Because now, without it? They’re not. I would very, very gladly contribute that week’s paycheck again…

Comment by ChiGal Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 1:01 am
==They’re not. I would very, very gladly contribute that week’s paycheck again…==
So what’s stopping you? Rich’s favorite charity would be more than happy to take your check. I doubled my United Way contribution this year and gave it all to the Salvation Army (wiping out most of the savings from the lowered tax rate). The S.A. is likely more efficient than most of the providers serving the state anyway, and it avoids “The Combine” taking their cut off the top. I’m sure that most of the non-profits in the state are well-run. But I’ve always wondered how many were set up for the benefit of the administrators vs. the intended recipients. Who vets these organizations, to make sure the state gets the best bang for the buck?

Comment by Tom K. Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 3:32 am
Little else to say than exceptionally sad.

Comment by Tinsel Town Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:29 am
“…the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped. ” ~ Last Speech of Hubert H. Humphrey. Heartless. No morality here.

Comment by Iron Lady Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 5:46 am
Looks like Governor Rauner wants to do like the Native Americans of the past and leave seniors out in the elements when they become to frail to care for themselves. I’d rather see some form of tax on retirement income.

Comment by SAP Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 8:25 am
The immediate problem is not that there is no money for these services but that the money is not going out from the state treasury. We’re paying our taxes regularly, my check gets hit up every month, but the current Illinois political elites of both parties have decided it shouldn’t be paid out.

Should the govt pay more for social services than it already is, and how to avoid the massive misfeasance and, yes, corruption that goes along with Illinois’ distribution of goods and services to the needy. How do you define needy. These are separate questions, unrelated to the present impasse. Both parties want to raise taxes, although it is unclear how much of the additional taxpayer cash would actually go to those in need vs. to poltiicians, state bureaucrats, and politically connected state contractors.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 8:57 am
Many people have commented that 1.4% doesn’t care about the decimation of social services. He doesn’t care because his wealth insulates him from the adverse impacts. The poor and needy are unseen and beneath him.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jan 26, 16 @ 9:23 am