All posts for the month November, 2011

Illinois Legislature Restores $28 Million to Illinois Substance Abuse Treatment Services

(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Senate tonight passed legislation that restores $28 million to Illinois substance abuse treatment services. Earlier this evening, the Illinois House passed the measure.

The legislation, Senate Bill 2412, which reallocated money within the current Illinois budget, now moves to Governor Pat Quinn‘s desk.

“Governor Quinn is expected to sign the measure into law,” said Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association CEO Sara Moscato Howe.

The following budget line items were restored:

  • Addiction Treatment Medicaid: $7.6M
  • Addiction Treatment Services: $16.9M
  • Addiction Treatment for DCFS Clients: $2M
  • Addiction Treatment for Special Populations: $1.5M

The bill also includes $30 million for community-based mental health services, mental health centers, burial services for the homeless and the poor, homelessness prevention programs, and need-based financial aid for college students.

Finally, the legislation will ensure that no state-run mental health or developmental disability centers will be closed this fiscal year.

“The tireless advocacy efforts of IADDA and its member agencies were key to achieve this significant victory,” said Howe. “And the leadership and the commitment of State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and State Senator Heather Steans were absolutely central in the successful restoration.”

The current state budget runs until June 30, 2012.

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by Jud DeLoss on November 29, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Illinis Substance Abuse Treatment Funding

Posted by Jud DeLoss on November 29, 2011

https://ilabh.net/2011/11/29/illinois-legislature-restores-28-million-to-illinois-substance-abuse-treatment-services/

Speaker Madigan Says Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence Are Top Budget Priorities Next Year

House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago)

(Rockford, IL) – In remarks made in Rockford last week, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) laid out his state budget priorities for next year, which include protecting key groups of vulnerable Illinois citizens.

“There are certain items I think should happen such as money for mental health, money for community service providers that deal with substance abuse, domestic violence, Madigan says, “But beyond that, we need some tough negotiating, because Illinois doesn’t have that much money to spend today.”

Madigan’s comments drew praise from the state’s leading substance abuse prevention and treatment advocacy group.

“After suffering more than a 50% reduction of state funding in the last few years, we welcome Speaker Madigan’s willingness to back substance abuse treatment services, which save the state money, and to draw a line in the sand against further budget cuts,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO, Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.

(more…)

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by Jud DeLoss on November 21, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Illinis Substance Abuse Treatment Funding
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on November 21, 2011

https://ilabh.net/2011/11/21/speaker-madigan-says-mental-health-substance-abuse-domestic-violence-are-top-budget-priorities-next-year/

IADDA Bestows Legislative Leadership Award on Senator William Delgado

IADDA CEO Sara Moscato Howe, State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago), IADDA Board Chairman Peter Palanca.

(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association yesterday recognized State Senator William Delgado (D–Chicago) for his long-time and vigorous advocacy in behalf of addiction health care, presenting him the group’s the 2011 Legislative Leadership Award.

“Senator Delgado has served as a champion for those seeking to recover from substance abuse addiction by ensuring that addiction healthcare services are available to them, including the working poor and women with children,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of IADDA.

“I have work hard alongside the IADDA to educate the general public about the disease of addiction, sharing the message that addiction can be prevented, it can be treated and people can recover from it,” stated Delgado, Chairman of the Illinois Senate Public Health Committee.

“I am honored by this recognition and look forward to continuing my work with the IADDA.”

Established in 1967, the IADDA is the only statewide advocacy organization in Illinois focusing solely on substance use disorder issues. The organization represents more than 50 prevention, treatment and recovery organizations across the state.

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by Jud DeLoss on November 10, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in IADDA Legislative Awards

Posted by Jud DeLoss on November 10, 2011

https://ilabh.net/2011/11/10/iadda-bestows-legislative-leadership-award-on-senator-william-delgado/