Public Policy Reporting Class :: essays research papers

Pending approval from the General Assembly, the funding for older Illinoisans will receive nearly an eight share increase in the fiscal year 2001 budget for the Illinois Department on Aging.The states portion of the overall spending is $234.9 million and bills the Departments community of interests Care program at $205 million. The program provides senior citizens with home care services, adult day services and custodial care.The eight percent increase is drastically needed match to Carol Aronson, spokesperson for the Shawnee Alliance for seniors. Senior programs are underpaid compared to the services of Department of Children and Family Services with a much lower 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 degenerate Program, an increase of 11 percent. Community based agencies will be able to respond to over 8,600 reports of abuse and neglect, which account for a projected increa se. The Elder abuse reports have been on the rise every year, prompting Gov. Ryan to alike 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 follow-up services to victims. Reports are increasing about 10 percent a year, as the older population grows and awareness of the problem increases.Jones 2The spring 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 work in addressing the needs and quality of life for the seniors in our state.While the bill awaits approval, a similar proposal for seniors, the 100 percent campaign, has been passed and is a working success according to Susan Pat terson, 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 less than 100 percent of the federal poverty level, or $687 a month. Currently, the eligibility is set at $308 a month, or 47 percent of the federal poverty level. Through the 100 percent plan, in July 2000 the 47 percent income threshold will jump to 70 percent of the federal poverty level, which will change their income by an additional $184.