FEBRUARY
2016
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
was able to leave with a couple of new contacts which seemed interested in learning more about Garden Center Services and how they could support us.
Gerry & Linda
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 VOLUNTEERS Page 2 A GENEROUS GIFT Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
I certainly would not have spent the time, energy, and resources to travel to Springfield last Wednesday to listen to Governor Rauner’s State of the State address if I would not have had other meetings and events that made the trip worthwhile. The professional association that represents disability providers throughout Illinois, IARF, held a meeting that morning, and I was able to sit with a staff from one of our funding agencies to discuss some specific concerns. That evening I was invited to stop by a very nice networking event by one of our Board members and
I’m afraid that the governors’ remarks did not shed new light on how the contentious relationships and dug-in positions we are so tired of hearing about would be resolved so that State of Illinois could have a budget. As I’ve shared with you in past newsletters, the governor and some legislators seemed more concerned with issues of power rather than negotiating a way to fund services that are a safety net to those individuals that need our help. I so appreciate that the Illinois’ justice system understands and has supported, by court order, the importance of funding Medicaid-covered programs because of the support and assistance we provide our state’s most vulnerable citizens.
But even when we are receiving our state funding it does not adequately cover the expenses of the quality services we strive to provide. Given the stalemate in Springfield, who knows what decisions will be made for the next fiscal year and the impact they will have on our rates and funding levels. I ask you to continue your calls to your legislators, imploring them to challenge their leadership to craft and pass a budget that contains no cuts to the already inadequate funding we have received for years, and in fact should include additional revenue to provide the quality of care that persons with intellectual disabilities deserve. That is why it so important that you make it a priority to attend GCS’s Family Forum meeting on Feb. 13th, 10:30am to noon at the State Road Building (details inside). I look forward to seeing you there,