Illinois Lawmakers Restore Illinois Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment Funding

IADDA CEO Sara Moscato Howe

(Springfield, IL) — Both the Illinois House and Senate last week approved human services budgets for next year that virtually restored and, in the senate version, fully restored drug prevention and treatment funding that Governor Pat Quinn had proposed eliminating in his original budget plan.

The House Human Services budget, HB 3717, which passed 83-25, reduces Illinois addiction treatment funding 4.4%, lowering most line items by 1%, and cuts prevention services by 20%, slicing the main line item by 1%.

House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who spoke to the chamber after the vote, noted that this is the first time since 1991 that the House has passed a budget composed of multiple bills and in which the process was spearheaded by the five House appropriations committees.

Madigan also praised the bi-partisan effort, thanking the Republicans for working together to design the budget.

“The Speaker noted, however, that the work is not yet done,” said Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association CEO Sara Moscato Howe. “There will still be negotiations with the Senate over their version of next year’s budget.”

On the heels of the House passing its human services budget—and not to be outdone by the lower chamber—State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) released a new amendment, SA 4, to the senate’s human services budget, SB 2450, that dramatically improved Steans’ original proposal, which had restored only 50% of the Governor’s funding elimination.

Steans’ new proposal fully restored funding for addiction prevention and treatment to last year’s budget level with some minor increases in the prevention, meth awareness, addiction treatment services, and DCFS line items. The full Senate approved the revised plan 32-24.

“Clearly this is a major victory in our fight to secure adequate funding for addiction services,” said Howe.

The IADDA chief executive noted, however, that the Illinois budget for next year remains a work in progress.

“Both chambers still need to reconcile their different budget proposals before a final package can be sent to Governor Quinn for his consideration,” said Howe. “And the governor could veto budget lines that fail to meet his approval.”

“Yet, it is important that we take time to thank lawmakers, like Senator Steans and State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, for their work on behalf of addiction health care during a difficult budget year.”

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 31.

SEUI Healthcare Launches TV, Radio Ads to Fight Illinois Budget Cuts

(Springfield, IL) —  The Services Employees International Union for Healthcare in Illinois and Indiana has been placing television and radio advertisements throughout the state, hoping to deter lawmakers from cutting dollars for child care and home care services for the elderly.

“These ads are really about educating the public and educating lawmakers about the importance of these programs and the critical role that they play in providing family support and care for tens of thousands of Illinois families,” said Brynn Seibert, spokeswoman for SEIU Healthcare.

In a recently released SEIU radio advertisement, the organization features a participant of the Illinois Home Service Program saying that even if funding disappears, his disability won’t. In a TV spot, a working couple from Joliet talks about the need for the state’s child care assistance program. The advertisement ends by urging viewers to tell state legislators to avoid cuts to child care.

David Morrison, deputy director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said advocacy groups typically create media campaigns to encourage the public to lobby their lawmakers.

“(But) because it’s so removed from the outcomes, groups are usually reluctant to take that kind of effort, to put those resources in that kind of effort, when it’s much more direct for them to send their lobbyists over to talk to a public official,” Morrison said.

(more…)

Illinois House OKs Health Insurance Parity for Substance Abuse Treatment, Bill Heads to Senate

(Springfield, IL) – April 7, 2011. The Illinois House yesterday decisively approved legislation requiring parity of health insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment services in Illinois, setting the stage for a final push in the Illinois Senate

The House voted 72-39 for the measure, House Bill 1530, a plan that advocates claim will generate health care savings and boost worker productivity.

“With the passage of this legislation, employers will see decreased health care costs and increased worker productivity.” said Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association CEO Sara Moscato Howe. “Additionally, across Illinois, we will see a reduction in accidents, absenteeism and crime while building healthy parents and families.”

Research shows that patients that have completed substance use disorder treatment have been shown to reduce emergency room visits by 39%, hospital stays by 35% and total medical costs by 26%, according to Howe.

The bill is being sponsored by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie).

“House approval of this legislation is an important step toward bringing health insurance parity to addiction health care,” said Lang. “However, the Senate is another key legislative hurdle in the process.”

Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith has noted before an earlier House committee hearing that the independent U.S. Congressional Budget Office found that parity will only cause health insurance premiums to rise by 0.4 percent.

Howe also stressed the importance of ensuring that Illinoisans in need of substance use disorder treatment have equal access to addiction services and equitable insurance coverage.

“Addiction is a chronic disease, like diabetes, asthma or hypertension, and paying for its treatment yields as good a return as paying for treatment for other chronic illnesses.”  said Howe.

In addition to IADDA, other bill supporters include: Illinois Department of Insurance, Humana Healthcare, the Illinois Hospital Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, Illinois Psychiatric Society, Illinois Nurses Association, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois, Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing, Illinois Psychological Association, United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois, Don Moss & Associates, Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, National Alliance on Mental Health, National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois Speech Language Hearing Association, Illinois State Bar Association, American Academy of Pediatrics – Illinois Chapter, Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, Mental Health Summit, Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society and the Child Care Association of Illinois

“This legislation will improve access to lifesaving addiction treatment,” said Howe. “But we still have much work to do to get HB 1530 through the Illinois Senate.”

In addition to Lang, other House sponsors include: State Representatives Robyn Gabel, Will Davis,Naomi Jakobsson Fred Crespo, Dave Winters, Al Riley, Sara Feigenholtz, Mary Flowers, Joe Lyons, Maria Antonia Berrios, Jack Franks, Keith Farnham, Linda Chapa LaVia, Camille Lilly, Cynthia Soto, Ann Williams, Elizabeth Hernandez, John D’Amico, Daniel Biss, Pat Verschoore, and Harry Osterman.

Gov. Pat Quinn Rescinds Proposed Elimination of Illinois Alcohol, Drug Treatment Funding

(Springfield, IL) – March 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration yesterday announced that it had rescinded the proposed elimination of all state funding for non-Medicaid substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

“This afternoon, I received a call from Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Michelle Saddler informing me that the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget has recommended no additional state revenue reductions from addiction treatment in FY11, leaving all provider contracts unchanged for the rest of the year,” said Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association CEO Sara Moscato Howe.

Secretary Saddler stressed, however, that this recommendation does include the projected savings of $7 million of Medicaid funding that DASA believes they can achieve through the implementation of Utilization Management, according to Howe.

“This funding decision means that providers who had frozen admissions for DASA-funded clients should be able to starting accepting new clients as early as today,” said Howe.

On the prevention front, the Secretary indicated that the ‘addiction prevention’ line will not be cut any further in FY11, but that the governor’s budget office is still looking at possible reductions in the Methamphetamine Awareness line, says Howe.

“The Secretary will update me once a decision has been made,” said Howe.

“As an Association, we have successfully educated legislators and the news media alike on the impact of the full elimination of state GRF funding for our services,” said Howe.

“Nevertheless, we still have much work to do on Governor Quinn’s FY12 budget, which also calls for elimination of state funding for prevention and treatment services.”

“In the meantime, we must thank State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, Senator Mattie Hunter and other lawmakers who were crucial to the restoration of funding for addiction health care.”

Gov. Pat Quinn’s Sudden Mid-Year Budget Cuts Trigger Plans to Discharge 55,000 Drug Treatment Clients, 5,000 Layoffs

(Springfield, IL) – On Friday, Illinois’ alcohol and drug prevention and treatment providers learned from Governor Pat Quinn’s administration that Quinn is eliminating all state funding for non-Medicaid drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services beginning on Tuesday, February 22, triggering provider plans to discharge 55,000 out of 69,000 drug and alcohol treatment clients and to lay off more than 5,000 private sector workers.

“Department of Human Services Secretary Michelle Saddler telephoned me on Friday morning to say that all state non-Medicaid funding, which covers 80% of our clients, is being eliminated and providers would be notified on Tuesday,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association, whose group backed Quinn’s successful effort to increase the income tax to protect Illinois Human Services.

“Governor Quinn had pushed to increase the income tax to save Illinois human services,” said Howe. “The Governor’s pledge to protect the most vulnerable in Illinois has been a cruel hoax.”

Though the contract cut notifications from Quinn will have a March 15 effective date, Howe says that date is arbitrary.

“The notices will contain an amended contract amount and the state will not approve any bill above that amount, making the March 15 date meaningless,” said Howe.

“Thus, the cuts begin on Tuesday and it will start triggering layoff notices and client discharges, creating multiple medical risks involved in the sudden disruption of a client’s addiction treatment,” stated Howe.

Howe said prevention and treatment advocates will once again turn to the legislature to protect the vulnerable and fragile men, women, children, and communities served

“In past funding crises, the legislative leaders–Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, Leader Tom Cross and Leader Christine Radogno–have championed our clients and demonstrated bi-partisanship in our behalf,” said Howe.

“Additionally, many rank-and-file Democratic and Republican lawmakers have supported the work we do, lawmakers such as: Representatives Sara Feigenholtz, Greg Harris, Deb Mell, Chapin Rose, Rosemary Mulligan, Patti Bellock, Jim Watson, Dennis Reboletti, and Senators Mattie Hunter, Heather Steans, Terry Link, A.J. Wilhelmi, Maggie Crotty, Chris Lauzen, Carole Pankau, and Kirk Dillard, and we are calling upon them for help,” said Howe.

In addition to the fiscal year 201180% mid-year budget cut, Quinn’s newly unveiled fiscal year 2012 budget also eliminates $55 million or 55% of state funding from the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse for prevention and treatment which will reduce the number people receiving treatment from 69,787 this year to 13,957 next year. As recently as fiscal year 2007, the state served 98,000 people.  Quinn’s proposed budget also eliminates addiction prevention services for 229,536 youth.

Currently, untreated addiction costs the State of Illinois $3.5 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 Howe.

“Crime rates, domestic violence incidents, and traffic accidents will explode across Illinois, starting next week,” said Howe. “Governor Quinn will have to answer for the consequences.”

“We urge the General Assembly to reverse Quinn’s callous cuts to the addiction healthcare system and prevent a doomsday that will decimate Illinois communities.”

Feigenholtz, Schoenberg Win Addiction Health Care Advocacy Leadership Awards

Sara Howe (left) and State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA) today announced that its two 2009 legislative honors has been awarded to State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston).

“Representative Feigenholtz has been a loyal and energetic advocate for addiction health care services who has worked tirelessly on our behalf in the Illinois House,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of IADDA.

IADDA’s Legislative Leadership Award is presented to one House and one Senate member annually to recognize their efforts to support and advocate for community-based addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services.

“Since 1995, the number of Illinois women in drug, alcohol

Sara Howe and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg

treatment has surged 41%,” said Howe. “Rep. Feigenholtz has fought to ensure that necessary prevention, treatment, and recovery funding is available to care for women burdened by addiction.”

First elected to the House in 1994, Feigenholtz serves as the Chair of the House Human Services Committee.

“Senator Schoenberg has been a enthusiastic and trusted advocate for addiction health care services and we owe him well deserved gratitude for his efforts in the Illinois State Senate,” said Moscato Howe.

“In 2009, a resurgent heroin crisis killed more than 100 people in the northern Illinois suburbs, a crisis that is zeroing in on local teens. said Howe.

“Senator Schoenberg has recognized the vital need to maintain necessary prevention, treatment, and recovery funding to avoid these tragic deaths.”

First elected to the House in 1990, Schoenberg was elected to the Senate in 2003.

New Reports Reveal Chicago Tops Nation in Arrestee Drug Use; Illinois Drug Treatment Spending Paltry

(Springfield, IL) – Chicago leads the nation in illicit drug use among arrestees, with 87% testing positive for drugs, according to a new report.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, which made the data public today, reports heroin use in Chicago leapt 45% in one year, and Chicago is the number one city in heroin use among arrestees.

Positive heroin tests jumped 45% from 20% of arrestees in 2007 to 29% -nearly a third of arrestees-in 2008.

And Chicago leads the nation in arrestees-40%-testing positive for more than one drug.

“Illinois’ drug problem is worsening and state government is failing to adequately fund criminal justice drug treatment,” said Melody Heaps, president of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC, Inc.). “Governor Pat Quinn and legislative leaders must fully fund treatment to stop the spiraling cycle of drug use and crime.”

In addition to the new White House report, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has also released a new study that shows Illinois spends $4.8 billion annually on the consequences of addiction, e.g. prisons and emergency care. However, it spends only a paltry $179 million or 4% on prevention and treatment.

“In the face of escalating crime-related drug use in Chicago, Governor Quinn’s proposed state budget cuts drug prevention and treatment by $13 million and leaves an additional $53 million budget hole, which will only worsen Illinois’ drug problem,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.

State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is sponsoring legislation, HB 4557, to increase the state alcohol tax by a nickel-a-drink, raising $254 million annually, to provide a reliable revenue stream to state addiction health care services.

The Feigenholtz bill is one of many revenue raising proposals still on the table as lawmakers debate the final state budget.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 31.

YouTube: IADDA Pushes for 5¢-a-Drink Alcohol Tax Increase in Illinois

(Springfield, IL) — Illinois leading addiction prevention, treatment and mental health advocates today unveiled legislation at a Springfield press conference that increases the states alcohol tax by nickel a drink to help fund state human services and reduce drinking.

The bill, HB 4557, sponsored by State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), would raise $254 million for cash-strapped Illinois and boost addiction healthcare services by $140 million and mental health care services by $92 million and the remaining $22 million would be deposited in the states general revenue fund—its daily checkbook.

A nickel-a-drink increase will raise $254 million to help offset the state budget deficit and provide critical investments to addiction healthcare services, said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA).

News Video: Feigenholtz Pushes 5¢ a Drink Alcohol Tax Increase

(Springfield, IL) — Illinois’ leading addiction prevention, treatment and mental health advocates today unveiled legislation at a Springfield press conference that increases the state’s alcohol tax by nickel a drink to help fund state human services and reduce drinking.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

The bill, HB 4557, sponsored by State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), would raise $254 million for cash-strapped Illinois and boost addiction healthcare services by $140 million and mental health care services by $92 million and the remaining $22 million would be deposited in the state’s general revenue fund—its daily checkbook.

“A nickel-a-drink increase will raise $254 million to help offset the state budget deficit and provide critical investments to addiction healthcare services,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA).

Watch news video report from WAND-TV Ch. 17 (NBC) of Springfield. WLS-TV Ch. 7 (ABC) of Chicago has a brief story. And WTVW-Fox 7 of Evansville, Indiana carries a piece. And from the Chicagoist.

Feigenholtz, Winters Push a Bi-Partisan “5¢ a Drink” Alcohol Tax to Reverse Cuts, Boost Drug, Alcohol Treatment; Mental Health Care

(Springfield, IL) — Illinois’ leading addiction prevention, treatment and mental health advocates today unveiled legislation at a Springfield press conference that increases the state’s alcohol tax by 5¢ a drink to help fund state human services and reduce drinking.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

The bill, HB 4557, sponsored by State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), would raise $254 million for cash-strapped Illinois and boost addiction healthcare services by $140 million and mental health care services by $92 million and the remaining $22 million would be deposited in the state’s general revenue fund—its daily checkbook.

“A nickel-a-drink increase will raise $254 million to help offset the state budget deficit and provide critical investments to addiction healthcare services,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA).

Sara Moscato Howe, CEO, IADDA

Sara Moscato Howe, CEO, IADDA

“Without a financial rescue, without $92 million invested in community mental health care, more than 45,000 will lose mental health services by June 30, 2010 according to our new survey,” said Frank Anselmo, CEO of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association.

“Illinois’ chronically under funded addiction and mental health care services need dedicated money from an alcohol tax to maintain care and taxpayers need to know their money is being wisely spent,” said Feigenholtz, Chair of the House Human Services Appropriations Committee and a state budget negotiator, who noted Governor Pat Quinn’s budget cuts the programs further.

“Instead of throwing these services a lifeline, Governor Quinn’s budget throws then an anchor,” said

State Rep. Dave Winters (R-Shirland)

State Rep. Dave Winters (R-Shirland)

Feigenholtz.

The nickel-a-drink tax would be applied on wholesale alcohol by the gallon that is distributed as packaged beer, wine, or distilled spirits to stores or as beverages purchased at bars, restaurants, and hotels.

A “drink” is 12 oz of beer (bottle), 5 oz of wine (glass), and 1.5 oz of liquor (1.5 shots). Using this definition, a nickel-a-drink tax would add 30 cents per six-pack of beer, 25 cents per bottle of wine, and 85 cents per 750 ml bottle of liquor.

In addition to funding state addiction prevention, treatment and mental health services, the nickel-a-drink would reduce drinking consumption by five million gallons or 2 percent annually. The estimated drop in consumption would be up to 3.94% for beer and cider, 2.5% for wine, and 6.76% for spirits

State Rep. Naomi Jakobbson (D-Champaign)

State Rep. Naomi Jakobbson (D-Champaign)

“We will reduce the probability of accidents among adults and youth alike,” said Howe.

Howe noted alcohol abuse and drunk driving continue to exact a terrible, deadly toll on youth and children in communities throughout Illinois.

She pointed to the most recent media reports of drug and alcohol-related driving tragedies which reinforce the need for adequate addiction healthcare funding.

  • February 5 Edwardsville, IL – “A wrong-way driver whose license was yanked several times for alcohol-related offenses caused the crash early today that killed two adults and a boy and left an 11-year-old girl hospitalized.
  • February 17 Johnsburg, IL –“Police are investigating who provided alcohol to a 17-year-old Johnsburg High School student who froze to death after a minor car accident last month.
  • February 18 Elgin, IL – “The blood-alcohol level of an Elgin teen who crashed into a house last fall, killing his passenger, was nearly three times the legal limit for driving, police said…

Howe also noted an Illinois Department of Human Services study revealed that in 2006 nearly 40 percent of Illinois 12th graders had ridden in a car with a drunk or high teenager in the last year and 30 percent had the same experience with a drunk or high adult.

Illinois last raised the alcohol tax in 1999 and before that in 1969.

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

Joining Feigenholtz as co-sponsors of the legislation are State Representatives: Dave Winters (R-Shirland) Deborah Mell (D-Chicago),  Greg Harris (D-Chicago), Kathy Ryg (D-Vernon Hills), Esther Golar (D-Chicago), Naomi Jakobbson (D-Champaign).

Advocates are also looking to gain Governor Quinn’s support for the nickel-a-drink tax increase to reverse his initial budget cuts.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the final state budget by their scheduled May 31 adjournment.

A simple majority of lawmakers is required to pass a budget if voted on or before May 31. If after May 31, a 3/5th super-majority would be needed to approve the annual state spending plan.