Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

Minutes of February 5 & 6, 2004

Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois Attending Members:

Executive Committee:

Pam Heavens; Chair, Joliet
Anthony Arellano; Vice-Chair & Outreach Chair, Joliet
R. J. Robertson, Jr.; Treasurer & Operations Chair, Murphysboro
J. Anel Gonzalez; Secretary, Chicago

Members:

Andrea Bragg (DHS/DDD), Springfield
Christie Gilson, Urbana
Ross Grove (IDoA), Springfield
Willie Gunther, Springfield
Paul Henry, Park City
Pete Roberts, Springfield
Ken Williams (DHS/DRS), Chicago

Excused:

Barbara Anderson, Zion
John Gapsis, Effingham
Beth Hanselman (ISBE), Springfield
Mark Karner, Forest Park
Candace Keller (DCFS), Springfield
Veronica Lopez, Chicago
Allison Lourash, Moline
Judy Panko Reis, Wilmette
Peter Schultz, Rockford
Liz Sherwin, Rock Island
Marlin Thomas, Alton

Guests:

Mike Egbert (OFA-CIL), Mt. Vernon
Ann Ford (INCIL), Springfield

Staff:

John M. Eckert, Executive Director
Tara D. Dunning, Administrative Assistant

Thursday, February 5, 2004

Call to Order:

Following lunch, at 1:21 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2004 Pam Heavens, SILC Chair called the quarterly meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois to order and introductions were made.

Approval of Minutes:

The minutes of the November, 2003 SILC meeting were distributed and reviewed.

MOTION: Tony Arellano motioned to accept the minutes with the two grammatical corrections discussed. R. J. Robertson seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Ex-Officio Member Reports:

DHS, Division of Developmental Disabilities: Ex-Officio member Andrea Bragg reported that the Division is again without a Director and that Jeri Johnson has been named Acting Director. Bragg also noted that all hiring is on hold.

Illinois Department on Aging: Ex-Officio member Ross Grove shared a copy of the "formula funding" method that has been used to fund the 14 Area Agencies on Aging, as a tool for INCIL to possible utilize in its formula development. The formula is based on population, economic needs, social needs and rural factors. The formula is twenty years old and at times is still a topic of controversy about how it is managed. Grove also reported that the newly-funded Prescription Buyers Club for Seniors and people with disabilities began January 1st, but that not many people have signed on as of yet. Additionally, Grove gave an update on upcoming conferences sponsored by IDoA.

DHS, Division of Rehabilitation Services: Ex-Officio member Ken Williams reported that some hiring has taken place within the Home Services Program. Williams noted that he and members of INCIL have met with DHS Secretary Adams to discuss the need to fill many of the federal job openings as well as discuss the Olmstead decision as it applies to the state. He noted that Secretary Adams did agree to begin a process of implementing Olmstead with a small working group. Williams also reported that the Independent Living Unit is in the process of finalizing the 2004 CIL Annual Report and that continuation grants are due February 9th from all CILs, SILC, INCIL and CCDI.

Department of Children and Family Services: In the absence of Ex-Officio member Candace Keller there was no report given.

Illinois State Board of Education: In the absence of Ex-Officio member Beth Hanselman there was no report given.

Review/Recommend FY ‘05 Title VII, Part C Funding:

At this time a letter from RSA requesting the SILC/DSU recommendations to allocate additional funds of $94,384 was distributed, along with the CIL funding level chart for review and discussion. Robertson led the discussion on the SILC’s recommendations to RSA. Noting the November, 2003 minutes and the motion made at that meeting Robertson recommended that the SILC follow the priorities set at the November, 2003 meeting.

The motion is that the SILC recommend to RSA to allocate the $94,384 in this manner:

Allocate $43,935 to West Central IL CIL to raise them up to base funding ($250,000)
Allocate $20,449 to LIFE CIL
Allocate $20,000 to West Central IL CIL
Allocate $10,000 to LINC
If there are additional funds from other Region V states we recommend they are divided in this manner: 40% to LIFE 40% to West Central IL CIL, 20% to LINC

MOTION: Robertson motioned and Willie Gunther seconded this motion. Motion carried with one abstention.

Discuss ‘04 SILC Statement of Policy Initiatives:

Director John Eckert discussed proposed changes from last year’s legislative initiatives. Additions this year are references to the federal "No Child Left Behind" legislation and a sentence was added about increasing coordination between agencies. Other recommendations to be added to the legislative platform were insurance parity for people with mental illness (Pete Roberts) and older Americans with disabilities, voting access (Christie Gilson), emphasis on awareness of information technology and the difference between information technology and assistive technology (Anel Gonzalez). Eckert asked the individuals who suggested additions to provide assistance with wording, and that he will revise the Statement of Policy Initiatives. A final draft will be mailed to the SILC for a final vote of approval.

Legislative Update:

Eckert distributed a list of recently passed legislation as well as recently introduced legislation for discussion. He noted that more emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that recently passed legislation is effectively promulgated in addition to tracking new legislation

State (Recently Passed):

HB 87 (Lang- Washington- Flowers- Coulson- Franks et al.- Crotty- Trotter- Hunter- J. Collins et al.)- Department on Aging coordinate elder abuse training program. Penalties for mandated reports not reporting abuse/exploitation of elderly/disabled..
HB 209 (Franks- B. Mitchell- Hoffman- Joyce- Chapa- LaVia et al.- Halverson- Welch- Harmon- Hunter- J. Colling et al.); SB 3 (Halvorson- Crotty- J. Sullivan- Garrett- Welch- et al.- Franks- O’Brien- Flider- L. Jones- Delgato et al.)- Department of Central Management Services develop prescription drug discount program, using rebates from drug makers for eligible seniors/people with disabilities.
HB 2221 (Burke- Colvin- Delgato- Bost- Black et al.- Ronen- Schoenberg- Obama- Sandoval- Munoz et al.)- Home Services Program employees become state employees and can conduct collective bargaining, but are not eligible for benefits.
HB 2345 (Hamos- Leitch- Jefferson- Hultgren- Osterman et al.- Schoenberg- Garrett- Obama- Peterson- J. Collins et al.)- Creates Task Force appointed by Governor to develop comprehensive state housing plan focusing on building/rehabbing housing for people with low incomes and disabilities. Through ‘08, Governor to "identify" funds to promote.
HB 2848 (Coulson- Chapa LaVia- Crotty- J. Collins)-Requires prospective Early Intervention workers to be screened for history of abuse or neglect prior to employment.
SB 200 (F. Watson- Crotty- et al.- Daniels)-Department of Public Health to offer training on civil commitment, and involuntary treatment to judges, lawyers, doctors and other interested parties.
SB 252 (Halverson- Radogno- Martinez- Garrett- Walsh et al.;- Kosel- Jakobsson- Dunn- Coulson- Joyce et al.)- Department of Human Services will create database of residents with mental illness [sic], physical disabilities, or developmental disabilities who may need services.
SB 293 (Rodogno- Obama- Crotty- Maloney- Trotter et al.- McGuire- Mathias- Boland- Flinder- Jakobsson et al.)- Multiple sclerosis now covered under "circuit breaker" Pharmaceutical Assistance program.
SB 306 (Ronen- Garrett- Trotter- Obama- Hunter et al.- Feigenholtz- Miller- Nekritz- Colvin- Kelly et al.)- Department of Public Aid can use Medicaid funds to reimburse for prenatal and perinatal and plan must be developed by 1/04.
SB 989 (Obama- E. Jones- J. Collins- Daniels)-Department of Public Aid can offer home- and community-based services to prevent institutional placement of children with developmental disabilities, severe mental illness [sic], or emotional disturbances who do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to family income.
SB 1066 (Crotty- Clayborne- J. Collins- Sandoval- Hunter et al- Delgado- Soto- Yarbrough- Acevedo- R. Bradley et al.). Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administer energy assistance fund via bi-annual inserts in utility bills.
SB 1109 (Hendon- Trotter- Obama- J. Collins et al.- Miller et al.)-Under Medicaid, co-payments for generic drugs eliminated, brand-name retain $3 co-pay.

State (Recently Introduced):

SB 2265 (W. Jones)-Amends the School Code to increase state reimbursements to school districts for furnishing special educations services to students with disabilities. Specifically, increases annual reimbursements per student for teachers, professional workers, school psychologists, readers and non-certified employees (in addition, subsequent 2% COLAs).
SB 2291 (Schoenberg)-Splits Department of Human Services into (3) Departments: Department of Community Disability Health Care, moves rehabilitation services, community developmental disability, mental health substance abuse/addiction into one), Department of State facilities for Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health, and Department of Social Services and Welfare (serve welfare recipients with employment, income assistance and child care programs).
HB 1083 [formerly 2268] (Madigan- Currie- Flowers)/SB 1430 (Jones)-Creates Health Care Justice Act of 2003. Is a process plan to achieve universal health care. Create Health Care Task Force consisting of various Department heads and appointees; seeks public input via public hearings, development of comprehensive plan, and enactment of final plan by General Assembly.
HB 4020 (Daniels)-Stipulates that any funding level reductions from state operated facilities for Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health be re-directed towards related services within the community. Creates Funding Reinvestment Task Force for implementation.
HB 4019 (Daniels)-Amends the Illinois Act on Aging to require Department on Aging– subject to appropriation– to establish/administer program to provide financial assistance to older parents of family members with developmental disabilities.
HB 4021 (Daniels)-Amends the Department of Human Services Act to create a Task Force to conduct management audit and develop several reports for the General Assembly.
HB 4022 (Daniels)-Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act to create Community Developmental Disability Services Medicaid Trust Fund which ensures that federal matching funds are utilized for DD/MH services.

Federal Updates:

PL 108-99- "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004" Omnibus bill passes Senate, signed by President Bush on 1/23/04. Appropriates $4.5 mil. increase in Title VII, Part C funds (to $74 mil.), $40 mil. in "Real Choice Systems Change" funding, and 97% funding level for Section 8 vouchers.
Special Education, Title I Programs- "No Child Left Behind" - Bush proposes $1 billion additional for special education and low-income school programs.
S 971 (Harkin-IA, Spector-PA)/(HR 2032 (Davis-IL, Shimkus- IL, et al.)-"Medicaid Community Attendant Services and Supports Act" (MiCASSA) requires all states to provide community-based attendant services to people with disabilities and older Americans.
S 1394 (Harkin- IA, Smith- WA, Spector- PA, et al.)- "Money Follows the Person Act." - Gives states additional funds to administer home- and community-based services for individuals wanting to move from nursing homes and other institutions. Public hearings being called to address institutional bias in the Medicaid program.
ADA (U.S. Supreme Court)- "Tennessee v. Lane." State challenging constitutionality of lawsuits for monetary damages under Title II which prohibits discrimination in the accessibility of state facilities, programs and services. Lane forced to crawl up flight of stairs to attend scheduled court date.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act re-authorization will be heard in the Senate in early March. Advocates fear current Senate version weakens rights of students with disabilities.

SILC Congress Report:

Chair Heavens and Arellano reported on their recent trip to Arizona for the 2004 SILC Congress. Arellano distributed and discussed the draft SILC Standards and Indicators that were introduced at the SILC Congress. It is the hope that each state will formally adopt the Standards and Indicators with any changes they feel necessary. Additionally, both Heavens and Arellano discussed the positive experiences they had and noted that it is clear that the Illinois SILC is seen as a leader and progressive in its activities as a SILC.

Closed Session Discussion – FY05 Budget Proposals:

MOTION: Gunther motioned that we go in to a closed session to discuss the FY ‘05 budget proposals as prepared by staff. Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Proposed budgets and goals were distributed for fiscal year 2005 for SILC’s three DHS continuation grants: (1) SILC Operations grant (including Capacity development) $227,124; (2) SILC Homeownership Coalition for People with Disabilities grant $12,000; and (3) Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit grant for $11,000.

There was discussion about the allocation of funds to develop a needs assessment and allocation of funds for the stipend program. It was agreed that the Programs Committee should review the stipend program policy annually to make sure the program is running smoothly.

MOTION: Pete Roberts motioned to approve the FY05 proposed budgets as presented. Robertson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Motion to come out of Closed Session:

MOTION: Robertson motioned to come out of the closed session. Roberts seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn for Day:

MOTION: Gunther motioned to adjourn for the evening and reconvene tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. and was seconded by Robertson. Motion carried.

Friday, February 6, 2004

Chair Heavens reconvened the Council at 8:35 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2004 and introductions were made for the guest presenter.

Guest Presenter- Pat Curtis, Illinois Dept. of Public Aid:

Bureau Chief, Pat Curtis gave a presentation on the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (Medicaid Buy-In) program. The program was designed to allow people with disabilities to work and not loose benefits by purchasing their health premiums through the Department of Public Aid. The average premium costs $48.00 per month; however, it was noted that premiums appear to be the biggest barrier to keeping individuals enrolled in the program.

Curtis distributed a copy of the annual report which indicated that 532 individuals had enrolled since the program’s inception two years ago, as well as a demographic breakdown of program participants. A discussion on barriers to program expansion included the state needing to increase its current 200% federal poverty level (FPL) eligibility requirement to a much higher level, and it was noted that the FPL would have to be increased for the state to apply for the next round of waivers.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Outreach Committee Report:

Committee Chair Arellano reported on the top ten Training and Technical Assistance needs the Centers for Independent Living identified in their 2003 704 Reports. The top two (2) training needs will be developed into trainings for FY05 Capacity Development activities.

Arellano also reported on this recent meeting with the State Rehabilitation Council of which he is the representative for SILC. He shared dates for trainings for the Regional Transition Planning Consortium that are being held in several locations across the state.

Programs Committee Report:

Committee Chair Gunther distributed an update on the Homeownership Coalition for People with Disabilities. Gunther discussed many grants SILC has underway including the Workforce Incentive Grant #2 which ends June 30, 2004, the Department of Labor Home Modification Grant SILC and SCIL are coordinating which ends September 30, 2004, and the Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing Initiative Project which ends March 31, 2004.

An update on the Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit was given by Project Manager Tara Dunning. The theme for this year’s Summit is "The Power of YOUth" and the dates are July 26, 27 & 28, 2004 with Greg Smith giving the keynote address. Applications for youth participants and adult mentors will be in the mail the first part of March with a May 14 deadline. Dunning noted that a brochure has been developed and will be widely distributed as we continue to market the Summit to additional potential participants.

Planning Committee Report:

No report was given in the absence of the Committee Chair.

Operations Committee Report:

Committee Chair Robertson discussed the current budget reports included in members packets. Suggestions were made to Dunning on how to make the reports easier to read and understand.

Robertson distributed a draft policy for Personal Assistant reimbursement. Changes and additions were discussed and another draft will be presented to the SILC at the next meeting. Robertson noted that other policies such as the Travel Policy need to be revisited by this Committee.

State Plan for Independent Living 2005-2007:

Each SILC Committee reviewed and discussed their Committee charges, goals and objectives. All revisions will be incorporated into the SPIL: 2005-2007.

INCIL Report:

INCIL representative Roberts reported that a strategic planning was held in November in Bloomington. INCIL formed new Committees and eliminated others. Roberts also reported that INCIL has change the monthly meetings to begin earlier in the day so that time can be spent at the Capitol in the afternoon. INCIL’s SPIL Ad-hoc Committee that has started the process of each CIL hosting focus groups for the development of the next State Plan. INCIL’s Executive Committee is developing position papers on Olmstead, reintegration, voting, mental health parity, and senior parity.

Executive Director Report:

Eckert reported that the SILC website has been updated. Eckert also reported on terms of members. Robertson and Roberts’ terms have expired and they are due to be replaced. Since Roberts is the INCIL representative, INCIL will have to appoint a replacement.

MOTION TO ADJOURN:

A motion to adjourn the meeting of the SILC was made by Robertson and seconded by Arellano. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting of the Council will be held on May 6 & 7, 2004 at the Chicago Renaissance Hotel.

Minutes prepared for J. Anel Gonzalez, Secretary by Tara Dunning and John Eckert.