Public Policy Reporting Class :: essays research papers

Pending approval from the General Assembly, the funding for older Illinoisans impart receive nearly an eight percent gain in the fiscal year 2001 budget for the Illinois Department on Aging.The states draw of the over only spending is $234.9 million and funds the Departments community of interests Care program at $205 million. The program provides senior citizens with home lot services, adult day services and custodial care.The eight percent increase is drastically needed according to Carol Aronson, spokesperson for the Shawnee Alliance for seniors. cured programs are underpaid compared to the services of Department of Children and Family Services with a much turn down rate of funds for seniors, even with an eight percent increase, Aronson said.An additional $7 million has been allocated to the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program, an increase of 11 percent. confederacy based agencies leave behind be able to respond to over 8,600 reports of corrupt and neglect, which account for a projected increase. The Elder abuse reports have been on the rise every year, prompting Gov. Ryan to also respond to the problem by forming a new Elder Abuse Task Force.The Illinois Department on Agings Elder Abuse and Neglect Program responds to all reports of abuse of people age 60 and older. The program provides investigation, intervention and carry through services to victims. Reports are increasing about 10 percent a year, as the older population grows and awareness of the problem increases.Jones 2The retract session was certainly fruitful for all Illinois seniors, said Illinois Department on Aging Director Margo E. Schreiber.The budget will help the Illinois Department on Aging fulfill its mission, and we are grateful to the Governor and legislators for their diligent lick in addressing the needs and quality of life for the seniors in our state.While the peter awaits approval, a similar proposal for seniors, the 100 percent campaign, has been passed and is a workings s uccess according to Susan Patterson, field coordinator for the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Specifically, Senate Bill 677, increased access to the states Medicaid program for those whose income is slight than 100 percent of the federal need level, or $687 a month. Currently, the eligibility is shape at $308 a month, or 47 percent of the federal poverty level. Through the 100 percent plan, in July 2000 the 47 percent income brink will jump to 70 percent of the federal poverty level, which will change their income by an additional $184.