CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, also known as "Brianna's Law" and which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. The new law is named for Brianna DiCianni, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006 and was denied coverage by her family's health insurance company.
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, also known as "Brianna's Law" and which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. The new law is named for Brianna DiCianni, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006 and was denied coverage by her family's health insurance company.
12/15/2008
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. Approximately 26,000 children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before the passage of this law, only those in large group insurance policies (50 or more beneficiaries) were able to receive coverage for children with autism and even at that, only inpatient and outpatient mental health services were covered.
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed Senate Bill 934 into law, providing insurance coverage to parents of children with autism. The new law, which received overwhelming support from the Illinois General Assembly, will provide coverage for all individuals under age 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) up to $36,000 per year. Approximately 26,000 children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before the passage of this law, only those in large group insurance policies (50 or more beneficiaries) were able to receive coverage for children with autism and even at that, only inpatient and outpatient mental health services were covered.
12/12/2008
As part of ongoing statewide efforts to reduce poverty throughout the state and protect Illinoisans from economic hardship and the impacts of the national recession, the Illinois Department of Human Services convened the unprecedented two-day Illinois Poverty Summit this week to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the number of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty. The Illinois Poverty Summit was cosponsored with the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research.
As part of ongoing statewide efforts to reduce poverty throughout the state and protect Illinoisans from economic hardship and the impacts of the national recession, the Illinois Department of Human Services convened the unprecedented two-day Illinois Poverty Summit this week to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the number of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty. The Illinois Poverty Summit was cosponsored with the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research.
12/08/2008
CHICAGO – Showing solidarity and stressing the importance of protecting workers’ rights, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today met with laid-off employees at the shuttered Republic Windows & Doors in Chicago. Governor Blagojevich told workers, who have been peacefully protesting at the plant since it closed on Friday, that the State would suspend business with Republic Windows & Doors and Bank of America, its lender, and the Illinois Department of Labor would file a complaint if negotiations are not quickly concluded.
CHICAGO – Showing solidarity and stressing the importance of protecting workers’ rights, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today met with laid-off employees at the shuttered Republic Windows & Doors in Chicago. Governor Blagojevich told workers, who have been peacefully protesting at the plant since it closed on Friday, that the State would suspend business with Republic Windows & Doors and Bank of America, its lender, and the Illinois Department of Labor would file a complaint if negotiations are not quickly concluded.
12/08/2008
The annual Keep Kids Warm and Safe Campaign is underway. The campaign is an annual effort by the State of Illinois to collect warm winter items, car seats, and food for Illinois families in need. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of items have been collected. This year's drive hopes to set a new standard. Please click here to read more.
The annual Keep Kids Warm and Safe Campaign is underway. The campaign is an annual effort by the State of Illinois to collect warm winter items, car seats, and food for Illinois families in need. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of items have been collected. This year's drive hopes to set a new standard. Please click here to read more.
12/04/2008
CHICAGO – On the heels of reports that the nation is in an economic recession, hospitals and other medical providers will receive millions of federal dollars to help them care for Medicaid patients, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) approved the Governor’s 2009 Hospital Assessment, which he advocated for and signed this summer. Federal approval means hospitals, especially those with high volumes of Medicaid patients, will receive millions of additional dollars in federal matching funds.
CHICAGO – On the heels of reports that the nation is in an economic recession, hospitals and other medical providers will receive millions of federal dollars to help them care for Medicaid patients, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) approved the Governor’s 2009 Hospital Assessment, which he advocated for and signed this summer. Federal approval means hospitals, especially those with high volumes of Medicaid patients, will receive millions of additional dollars in federal matching funds.
12/01/2008
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has recently launched the Governor's Gazette, a bi-weekly email newsletter that will allow the Governor to communicate directly with tens of thousands of Illinoisans. The Governor's Gazette will contain the latest news and updates from around Illinois, and will include valuable information for all citizens. To view recent issues of the Governor's Gazette or to sign up to receive it online, please click here.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has recently launched the Governor's Gazette, a bi-weekly email newsletter that will allow the Governor to communicate directly with tens of thousands of Illinoisans. The Governor's Gazette will contain the latest news and updates from around Illinois, and will include valuable information for all citizens. To view recent issues of the Governor's Gazette or to sign up to receive it online, please click here.
11/26/2008
SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Comprehensive Insurance Program (ICHIP) Board unanimously approved an expansion of healthcare coverage to assist seriously ill or injured teens, or those with pre-existing conditions, maintain healthcare coverage. The All Kids program offers families affordable health insurance for their children, but teens over age 18 are no longer eligible for coverage under All Kids. The Bridge program will prevent a lapse in healthcare coverage and ensure premiums stay affordable for young people when All Kids coverage ends on their 19th birthday.
SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois Comprehensive Insurance Program (ICHIP) Board unanimously approved an expansion of healthcare coverage to assist seriously ill or injured teens, or those with pre-existing conditions, maintain healthcare coverage. The All Kids program offers families affordable health insurance for their children, but teens over age 18 are no longer eligible for coverage under All Kids. The Bridge program will prevent a lapse in healthcare coverage and ensure premiums stay affordable for young people when All Kids coverage ends on their 19th birthday.
11/24/2008
CHICAGO – In an effort to help children this holiday season, Governor Rod R. and First Lady Patricia Blagojevich today launched the annual Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe giving campaign with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the James R. Thompson Center. The Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe drive is an effort to collect winter clothing, car seats and food for children in need. Governor Blagojevich and the First Lady were joined by Illinois Department of Health and Family Services Director Barry Maram, Illinois Department of Central Management Services Director James P. Sledge, and Greater Chicago Food Depository Agency Programs and Services Director Angel Laluz.
CHICAGO – In an effort to help children this holiday season, Governor Rod R. and First Lady Patricia Blagojevich today launched the annual Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe giving campaign with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the James R. Thompson Center. The Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe drive is an effort to collect winter clothing, car seats and food for children in need. Governor Blagojevich and the First Lady were joined by Illinois Department of Health and Family Services Director Barry Maram, Illinois Department of Central Management Services Director James P. Sledge, and Greater Chicago Food Depository Agency Programs and Services Director Angel Laluz.
11/20/2008
Emphasizing the state’s need to provide core services during the current economic crisis, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today acted on a supplemental appropriations bill (Senate Bill 1103) passed by the General Assembly to restore $175.9 million in funding for several reductions made earlier this year. With the Governor’s action, funding will be available for substance abuse treatment centers, Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) frontline staff, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) reduced fare subsidy and other core services.
Emphasizing the state’s need to provide core services during the current economic crisis, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today acted on a supplemental appropriations bill (Senate Bill 1103) passed by the General Assembly to restore $175.9 million in funding for several reductions made earlier this year. With the Governor’s action, funding will be available for substance abuse treatment centers, Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) frontline staff, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) reduced fare subsidy and other core services.
11/18/2008
CHICAGO – Citing the impact of the national economic crisis on Illinois’ revenues, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a four-part plan to manage the State’s $2 billion fiscal year 2009 budget deficit. The Governor’s proposed plan includes passage of the Emergency Budget Act, which would give the Governor and other constitutional officers added authority to help them make additional cuts, a request to Congress for increased federal stimulus aid, and further administrative reductions in the state agencies. In addition to these budget solutions, the Governor is also proposing short-term borrowing which will help manage the State’s cash flow and pay providers in a more timely matter.
CHICAGO – Citing the impact of the national economic crisis on Illinois’ revenues, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a four-part plan to manage the State’s $2 billion fiscal year 2009 budget deficit. The Governor’s proposed plan includes passage of the Emergency Budget Act, which would give the Governor and other constitutional officers added authority to help them make additional cuts, a request to Congress for increased federal stimulus aid, and further administrative reductions in the state agencies. In addition to these budget solutions, the Governor is also proposing short-term borrowing which will help manage the State’s cash flow and pay providers in a more timely matter.
11/17/2008
As the struggling national economy weighs heavily on Illinois workers, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today launched “Workforce Outreach Days” to help people in North Central Illinois prepare for the job market, find new employment, and get their family through the economic slowdown. This week, Governor Blagojevich also launched a new Workforce Portal (www.illinois.gov/workforce) to connect parents, job seekers, veterans, people with disabilities, small business owners and employers with state services that can help them navigate through the poor economic climate. Illinoisans with questions about these services can call 1-800-966-9708. During the Governor’s Workforce Outreach Days, select Illinois workNet centers will not only provide their usual services such as free career planning, training and job placement services, but people will also be able to sign up for services like All Kids, Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Warrior Assistance, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), and get information about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Unemployment Assistance and Homeowner Assistance.
As the struggling national economy weighs heavily on Illinois workers, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today launched “Workforce Outreach Days” to help people in North Central Illinois prepare for the job market, find new employment, and get their family through the economic slowdown. This week, Governor Blagojevich also launched a new Workforce Portal (www.illinois.gov/workforce) to connect parents, job seekers, veterans, people with disabilities, small business owners and employers with state services that can help them navigate through the poor economic climate. Illinoisans with questions about these services can call 1-800-966-9708. During the Governor’s Workforce Outreach Days, select Illinois workNet centers will not only provide their usual services such as free career planning, training and job placement services, but people will also be able to sign up for services like All Kids, Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Warrior Assistance, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), and get information about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Unemployment Assistance and Homeowner Assistance.
11/14/2008
CHICAGO – Showing his concern for the increasing number of diabetes cases in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today strongly urged all Illinoisans to learn more about diabetes and how it can be prevented and controlled through diet and exercise. Governor Blagojevich proclaimed Wednesday, November 14, World Diabetes Awareness Day in Illinois to correspond with the national awareness campaign. The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. One of the main goals of this year’s commemoration is to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children. More information is available at: www.worlddiabetesday.org/
CHICAGO – Showing his concern for the increasing number of diabetes cases in Illinois, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today strongly urged all Illinoisans to learn more about diabetes and how it can be prevented and controlled through diet and exercise. Governor Blagojevich proclaimed Wednesday, November 14, World Diabetes Awareness Day in Illinois to correspond with the national awareness campaign. The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. One of the main goals of this year’s commemoration is to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children. More information is available at: www.worlddiabetesday.org/
11/12/2008
CHICAGO – On Veterans Day, in honor of all of the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich renewed his promise to help the state’s wounded military heroes. The Governor announced that this veto session he will once again be committed to giving a full property tax exemption to an estimated 16,000 Illinois Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more, and is urging the General Assembly to pass this tax relief legislation during the 2008 Veto Session.
CHICAGO – On Veterans Day, in honor of all of the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich renewed his promise to help the state’s wounded military heroes. The Governor announced that this veto session he will once again be committed to giving a full property tax exemption to an estimated 16,000 Illinois Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more, and is urging the General Assembly to pass this tax relief legislation during the 2008 Veto Session.
11/10/2008
Serve Illinois offers a great deal of information and services for volunteer programs and anyone who wants to give back. Search for events and organizations that need you to make a difference.
Serve Illinois offers a great deal of information and services for volunteer programs and anyone who wants to give back. Search for events and organizations that need you to make a difference.
11/10/2008
CHICAGO – To aid in the research, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $190,000 in grants generated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund. The fund was created through donations made by Illinois taxpayers on their 2007 Illinois individual income tax returns. In an effort to promote advocacy activities, the study of Alzheimer’s disease and to honor those whose lives have been impacted by it, the Governor also proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Illinois.
CHICAGO – To aid in the research, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $190,000 in grants generated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund. The fund was created through donations made by Illinois taxpayers on their 2007 Illinois individual income tax returns. In an effort to promote advocacy activities, the study of Alzheimer’s disease and to honor those whose lives have been impacted by it, the Governor also proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Illinois.
10/30/2008
CHICAGO – Standing with Ada Brown at the home she almost lost to an unaffordable adjustable rate mortgage, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today renewed his call for legislation to help Illinois homeowners in jeopardy of foreclosure. The legislation, which will be sponsored by State Senate Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), will provide up to three months to work out new mortgages for homeowners who enter counseling. Governor Blagojevich also announced today that despite recent reports of mortgage delinquencies reaching all-time highs, many Illinois homeowners are seeing an improvement in their own financial situations due to the Homeowner’s Assistance Initiative launched by the Governor in February. At the nine-month mark, approximately $1 billion in low-cost, fixed-rate loans have been written to help more than 4,000 families keep their homes.
CHICAGO – Standing with Ada Brown at the home she almost lost to an unaffordable adjustable rate mortgage, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today renewed his call for legislation to help Illinois homeowners in jeopardy of foreclosure. The legislation, which will be sponsored by State Senate Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), will provide up to three months to work out new mortgages for homeowners who enter counseling. Governor Blagojevich also announced today that despite recent reports of mortgage delinquencies reaching all-time highs, many Illinois homeowners are seeing an improvement in their own financial situations due to the Homeowner’s Assistance Initiative launched by the Governor in February. At the nine-month mark, approximately $1 billion in low-cost, fixed-rate loans have been written to help more than 4,000 families keep their homes.
10/27/2008
CHICAGO – As part of the ongoing effort to help Illinoisans through the tough economic times, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that his administration will convene the first Illinois Poverty Summit, entitled Opportunities for Change: Taking Action to End Extreme Poverty in Illinois, on December 9th and 10th, 2008. The summit will be hosted in partnership with Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research in Evanston, IL. Those interested in attending the summit can register online at www.illinois.gov/povertysummit. The summit, cosponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University, will bring together leaders and advocates to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the numbers of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty.
CHICAGO – As part of the ongoing effort to help Illinoisans through the tough economic times, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that his administration will convene the first Illinois Poverty Summit, entitled Opportunities for Change: Taking Action to End Extreme Poverty in Illinois, on December 9th and 10th, 2008. The summit will be hosted in partnership with Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research in Evanston, IL. Those interested in attending the summit can register online at www.illinois.gov/povertysummit. The summit, cosponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights and hosted with Northwestern University, will bring together leaders and advocates to develop recommendations to bring about a substantive decrease in the numbers of Illinoisans living in extreme poverty.
10/23/2008
SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Friday, low-income disabled individuals will be allowed free rides on all regularly scheduled buses and trains that run on fixed-routes throughout the state. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich welcomed the implementation of the new People with Disabilities Ride Free program for which he signed Senate Bill 1920 in August, which requires transit systems throughout the state to provide free rides to people with disabilities who meet the income requirements of the State’s Circuit Breaker program. Since August, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has contacted approximately 114,000 current Circuit Breaker enrollees with disabilities to notify them of their eligibility to receive free transit rides.
SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Friday, low-income disabled individuals will be allowed free rides on all regularly scheduled buses and trains that run on fixed-routes throughout the state. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich welcomed the implementation of the new People with Disabilities Ride Free program for which he signed Senate Bill 1920 in August, which requires transit systems throughout the state to provide free rides to people with disabilities who meet the income requirements of the State’s Circuit Breaker program. Since August, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has contacted approximately 114,000 current Circuit Breaker enrollees with disabilities to notify them of their eligibility to receive free transit rides.
