All posts tagged Governor Rod Blagojevich

Governor Restores $55 Million for Alcohol, Drug Treatment

(Springfield, IL) – Illinois’ leading state alcohol and drug treatment advocates today congratulated Governor Rod Blagojevich for restoring $55 million to the state’s alcohol and drug treatment budget.

On November 20, the Governor signed legislation SB 1103 which would restore $55 million to state addiction treatment services for Fiscal Year 2009 and restore care to 42,000 people across Illinois.

  • Addiction treatment services were fully restored in the amount of $55,144,500.  In addition toaddiction treatment services, several other programs and services were restored.
  • Mental Health funds were fully restored in the amount of $8,851,200. Included in this amount was $4,285,000 for Supportive MI Housing.
  • Developmental Disabilities funds were fully restored in the amount of $1,094,800.  In addition, $28,100,000 was restored for preventing rate reductions in ICF’s for MR programs, rate and service reductions in fee-for-service programs, and funding cuts in grant funded programs.
  • Under Community Health funds, Domestic Violence Shelters and Services Programs were fully restored in the amount of  $236,600.  Teen Parent Services in the amount of $143,300.

“We congratulate Governor Blagojevich for his action to restore the addiction treatment money to the

Governor Rod Blagojevich

Governor Rod Blagojevich

budget,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association. “Thousands of lives will be saved from the scourge of substance abuse addiction.”

On July 9, Blagojevich cut $55 million from addiction treatment services and also line-item vetoed money from specific programs: victims of domestic violence, women returning from incarceration, youth treatment, youth in the court system, and women receiving federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who require treatment to be employed.

The General Assembly approved overwhelmingly the supplemental budget in September.

Fiscal Year 2009 ends on June 30, 2009.

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by Jud DeLoss on November 24, 2008  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on November 24, 2008

https://ilabh.net/2008/11/24/governor-restores-55-million-for-alcohol-drug-treatment/

State Cash Crunch Slows Payments to Substance Abuse Treatment Providers to Trickle, $52 Million Overdue

(Springfield, IL) – The State of Illinois’ inability to pay its bills on time—as long as 90 day delays in many cases—has created an estimated payment backlog of $52 million to local alcohol and drug treatment providers. The backlog is forcing many to tap lines of credit, spend savings, cut jobs, and it is igniting fears of deep service cuts.

“Treatment providers are draining savings, taking short-term loans, and cutting jobs to keep day-to-day operations afloat,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association, which represents 50 community substance abuse prevention and treatment providers across Illinois.

“Agencies are already burdened by the $55 million cut from their budgets this year,” said Moscato Howe.

Moscato Howe notes that the Illinois Comptroller says payments now average 47 business days once the bill reaches the Comptroller, but she estimates that in reality the state has fallen behind nearly 90 days on approximately $52 million in payments to local agencies because the state is dragging its feet on processing the bills.

Springfield’s Triangle Center, which provides alcohol and drug treatment, has been waiting 100 days for the state to pay $600,000 that is overdue. Triangle Center has begun to turn away at least 500 people who will need help this year.

“Because of prior budget cuts and the state’s failure to pay the $600,000 it owes, this year we will turn away 500 people who need help,” said Steve Know, CEO of Triangle.

In downstate Quincy, treatment provider Great River Recovery Resources, which the state owes $40,000 for Medicaid services alone, has gone unpaid for 90 and likely will close programs in December.

“The state’s failure to pay its bills will likely lead us to a broad elimination of programs and services,” said Ron Howell, CEO of Great River Recovery Resources.

Aggravating the providers’ plight is the cut of $55 million—or 43%—from the state addiction treatment budget on July 9. Legislation, SB 1103, approved by the legislature that would restore the $55 million to drug treatment is on the Governor’s desk, according to Moscato-Howe.

In State Fiscal Year 2008, nearly 98,000 people received substance abuse treatment services through the state’s publicly-funded system.

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by Jud DeLoss on October 31, 2008  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on October 31, 2008

https://ilabh.net/2008/10/31/state-cash-crunch-slows-payments-to-substance-abuse-treatment-providers-to-trickle-52-million-overdue/

IL Senate Votes to Restore $55 Million for Drug Treatment; Governor Urged to Approve Money

(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Senate yesterday voted to restore $55 million to the state’s alcohol and drug treatment budget which had been originally vetoed by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The Senate voted, 55-0, to restore the $55 million to state addiction treatment services and to halt the elimination of care for 42,000 across Illinois as part of $219 million supplement budget bill (SB 1103) to restore other state programs and services also vetoed by the Governor.

The House voted, 113-3, last week to restore the money.

“The General Assembly’s action will restore drug treatment services to more than 42,000 people across the state,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association. “Now, we urge the Governor to act swiftly to approve the legislature’s action.”

On July 9, Blagojevich cut $55 million from addiction treatment services and also line-item vetoed money from specific programs:  victims of domestic violence, women returning from incarceration, youth treatment, youth in the court system, and women receiving federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who require treatment to be employed.

The legislation now goes to the Governor’s desk for approval.

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by Jud DeLoss on September 24, 2008  •  Permalink
Posted in Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois Budget, Substance Abuse Treatment
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on September 24, 2008

https://ilabh.net/2008/09/24/il-senate-votes-to-restore-55-million-for-drug-treatment-governor-urged-to-approve-money/

IL House Votes to Restore $55 Million for Drug Treatment; Senate Urged to Approve Plan

(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois House yesterday voted unanimously to restore $55 million to the state’s alcohol and drug treatment budget which had been originally vetoed by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The House voted 113-0 to restore the $55 million to state addiction treatment services and to halt the

Sara Moscato Howe, CEO, IADDA

Sara Moscato Howe, CEO, IADDA

elimination of care for 42,000 across Illinois as part of $219 million supplement budget bill (SB 1103) to restore other state programs and services also vetoed by the Governor.

“The House’s action will restore drug treatment services to more than 42,000 people across the state,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association. “Now, we urge the Senate to act swiftly to approve the House’s action.”

On July 9, Blagojevich cut $55 million from addiction treatment services and also line-item vetoed money from specific programs:  victims of domestic violence, women returning from incarceration, youth treatment, youth in the court system, and women receiving federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who require treatment to be employed.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

“It is critical to our state’s health care system that the Senate restore the $55 million to addiction treatment,” said State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Therefore, I urge advocates and voters to convince the Senate to return to Springfield and to approve the money, too.”

Since the Governor’s budget veto was announced in July, treatment programs across the state have begun to eliminate services.

In suburban East Hazel Crest, Governor Blagojevich’s Administration eliminated $879,911 of a $4,273,054 grant to local treatment provider, South Suburban Council, which provides substance abuse treatment to more than 3,000 people each year.

“We will turn away approximately 600 South Suburban residents during the next year and 20,000 will soon be turned away across Cook County,” said Allen Sandusky, President of the South Suburban Council and Chairman of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.

Sandusky noted that the Governor’s cuts also will trigger a loss of $55 million in federal matching funds, reducing the overall state addiction treatment budget by 43%. A 43% reduction will eliminate treatment for 42,140 people in Illinois out of 98,000 currently served, Sandusky estimates.

Meanwhile, Democratic State Senators Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), William Delgado (D-Chicago), Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago), and Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) had previously announced that they too favored the restoration the $55 million to the addiction treatment budget.

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by Jud DeLoss on September 11, 2008  •  Permalink
Posted in Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois Budget, Substance Abuse Treatment
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on September 11, 2008

https://ilabh.net/2008/09/11/il-house-votes-to-restore-55-million-for-drug-treatment-senate-urged-to-approve-plan/

More than 1,500 Alcohol, Drug Treatment Clients, Advocates March on James R. Thompson Center, Urging State Senate to Override Governor’s Vetoes

(Chicago, IL) – On July 22, more than 1,500 advocates and clients marched at the James R. Thompson Center in

More than 1,500 demonstrators march on the James R. Thompson Center calling on the Illinois Senate to return to Springfield and overrid Gov. Rod Blagojevichs budget vetoes.

More than 1,500 demonstrators march on the James R. Thompson Center calling on the state Senate to return to Springfield and overrid Gov. Blagojevich's budget vetoes.

Chicago to urge Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) to return to Springfield and restore more than $43 million to the state budget for alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support programs.

Governor Rod Blagojevich recently vetoed the money, and the Illinois House overrode that veto last week.

“If the Senate fails to override the Governor’s veto, the prevention and treatment system in Illinois will throw more than 42,000 people out of care, igniting a health care crisis,” stated Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA).

Blagojevich cut $58 million from addiction treatment services and also line-item vetoed money from specific programs: victims of domestic violence, women returning from incarceration, youth treatment, youth in the court system, and women receiving federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who require treatment to be employed.

Haymarket Executive Vice President Anthony Cole addresses marchers.

Haymarket Executive Vice President Anthony Cole addresses marchers.

The House was able to override only $43 million of the vetoed money.

If the Governor’s cuts remain, the Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse will also lose $55 million in federal matching funds and witness its $253 million annual budget fall by $110 million, or 43%.

A 43% budget reduction will eliminate treatment for 42,140 people out of 98,000 currently served by state-financed community providers, Moscato Howe estimates.

“These cuts will swamp Illinois hospital emergency rooms and local jails with thousands from the fallout of untreated addiction,” said Moscato Howe.

Currently, untreated addiction costs the State of Illinois $3 billion a year. Increases in health insurance rates,

Demonstrator express their frustration with the state political leaders.

Demonstrator express their frustration with the state political leaders.

incarceration of non-violent drug offenders, domestic violence, on-the-job accidents, lost worker productivity, school drop-out rates, teen pregnancy, and traffic accidents and fatalities are all attributable to untreated addiction, says Moscato Howe.

Additionally, the loss of the Federal dollars will eliminate the state’s community-based prevention system, because it will lose more than 85 percent of its existing funding.

“Without the Federal money, every community-based prevention provider will be shuttered,” said Moscato Howe.

“We urge Senator Jones to return to Springfield and override the Governor’s vetoes,” said Moscato Howe.

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by Jud DeLoss on July 29, 2008  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on July 29, 2008

https://ilabh.net/2008/07/29/000-alcohol-drug-treatment-clients-advocates-march-on-thompson-center-urging-senate-to-override-gov-vetoes/

Advocates Urge Restoration of $55 Million for Drug, Alcohol Treatment Vetoed by Blagojevich

(Chicago, IL) – Advocates on July 14 appeared at a Chicago press conference to urge Governor Rod

Pastor Ray Mosby of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Robbins, Illinois, speaks to reporters

Pastor Ray Mosby of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Robbins, Illinois, speaks to reporters.

Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly to restore more than $55 million to the state budget for alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment programs.

The money was vetoed by the Governor last week.

“If the Governor’s budget cuts stand, the prevention and treatment system in Illinois will be crippled, throwing more than 42,000 people out of care,” stated Allen Sandusky, Board President of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA).

“The Governor and General Assembly must set-aside their differences and restore the funding,” said Sandusky.

Blagojevich cut $55 million from addiction treatment services and also line-item vetoed money from specific programs: victims of domestic violence, women returning from incarceration, youth treatment, youth in the court system, and women receiving federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who require treatment to

IADDA Chairman Allen Sandusky addresses reporters.

IADDA Chairman Allen Sandusky addresses reporters.

be employed.

If the Governor’s cuts remain, the Illinois Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse will also lose $55 million in federal matching funds and witness its $253 million annual budget fall by $110 million, or 43%

“Cuts of this magnitude will expose Illinois hospital emergency rooms and local jails to the financial and human fallout of untreated addiction this year and years to come,” said Sandusky.

Currently, untreated addiction costs the State of Illinois $3 billion a year. Increases in health insurance rates, incarceration of non-violent drug offenders, domestic violence, on-the-job accidents, lost worker productivity, school drop-out rates, teen pregnancy, and traffic accidents and fatalities are all attributable to untreated addiction, says Sandusky.

Shannon, a nurse and pregnant mother, tells reporters that treatment has kept her drug free for 4 1/2 months and has saved her life.

Shannon, a nurse and pregnant mother, tells reporters that treatment has kept her drug free for 4 1/2 months and has saved her life.

Additionally, the loss of the Federal dollars will eliminate the state’s community-based prevention system, because it will lose more than 85 percent of its existing funding.

“Currently, our statewide substance abuse prevention system serves youth ages 12 to 17,” said Sandusky. “Without the Federal money, every community-based prevention provider will close.”

“We urge the General Assembly and the Governor to work together to resolve the budget challenges and restore full-funding to Illinois’ substance abuse treatment system,” said Sandusky.

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by Jud DeLoss on July 18, 2008  •  Permalink
Posted in Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois Budget, Illinois General Assembly, Substance Abuse Treatment
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Posted by Jud DeLoss on July 18, 2008

https://ilabh.net/2008/07/18/advocates-urge-restoration-of-55-million-for-drug-alcohol-treatment-vetoed-by-blagojevich/