Illinois State Budget Awaits Governor’s Signature

AARP applauds the Illinois General Assembly for passing a budget that more adequately addresses the needs of our state’s senior population and recognizes the value and cost effectiveness of home and community based senior services. The budget addresses concerns about the backlog of unpaid bills owed to senior service organizations for the past several years. While the backlog still exists, the budget ensures that no additional bills will go unpaid moving forward. For the first time in a decade, the state’s Community Care Program will be funded more adequately to reflect the true cost of services. The Community Care program enables seniors to stay in their own homes and live independently as they age. The budget allows approximately 10,000 more Illinois seniors to access that program. The budget also means additional funding for critical programs such as the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program, the Adult Protective Services Program and home delivered meals. We all understand that the state budget faces many challenges – but AARP commends the General Assembly for passing a budget that protects the community services and supports that Illinois seniors rely on to remain in their own homes as they age and we urge Governor Quinn to sign the measure into law.

 

This is a post from AARP Illinois intern, Debbie Liu.