The Center for Tax and

Budget Accountability

 

 

 

 

www.ctbaonline.org
312.332.2151 (phone)
312.578.9258 (fax)
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Chicago, IL 60601

February 27, 2007                                                                                WEEKLY REVIEW
  Provided through the Generous Support of the McCormick Tribune Foundation                                                          

 

In this issue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

EDUCATION AND FISCAL REFORM

A+ Illinois' 2007 legislative campaign seeks to identify state fiscal solutions

 

SCHIP REAUTHORIZATION DEBATED

Child healthcare the focus of bipartisan concern

 

REPORT: FEDERAL BUDGET

President's proposed budget cuts unfavorable to states

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

Check out these five advocacy opportunities taking place this week

 

AUDIO CONFERENCE

Making low wage jobs family friendly

 

ILLINOIS INITIATIVES FOR LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES

Check out CTBA's 2007 Legislative Roster to learn more...

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

  • February 28, 2007: National Association of Social Workers - IL Chapter Lobby Day (Springfield)

  • March 1-May 17, 2007: Skills & Strategies for Working with Employers: Spring 2007 Course for Job Developers (Chicago)

  • March 3, 2007: Moving from Poverty to Opportunity: Madison County Action Forum (Madison County)

  • March 6, 2007: Webinar training on Prisoner Re-Entry Programs (Online)

  • March 6-7, 2007: Preparing for Development: Community Housing Developers Institute
    (Springfield)

  • March 6-7, 2007: Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute (Springfield)

  • March 7, 2007: The Governor's Budget Address (Springfield)

  • March 9, 2007: Chicago Jobs Council Spring Member Meeting: Workforce Development Progress & Potential for Job Seekers with Criminal Records (Chicago)

  • March 14, 2007: Making the Connection: Basic Training (Naperville)

  • March 27-28, 2007:Illinois Action for Children's Annual Conference and Lobby Day: Spring Into Action 2007 (Springfield)

  • April 12, 2007: Understanding the Public Benefits Appeal Process Training (Naperville)

  • April 12, 2007: Understanding Spenddown Training (Naperville)

  • April 17-18, 2007: Housing Action Illinois' 2007 Annual Convention (workshops, celebration, and rally) (Springfield)

  • April 19, 2007: Early Childhood Lobby Day (Springfield)

  • April 28, 2007: Moving from Poverty to Opportunity: Champaign County Action Forum (Champaign County)

  • May 15-16, 2007: Financing Development: Community Housing Developers Institute (Springfield)

  • May 17, 2007: Making the Connection: Basic Training (Naperville)

  • June 5-6, 2007: Construction Management: Community Housing Developers Institute (Springfield)

  • September 11-12, 2007: Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute (Springfield)

  • October 16-17, 2007: Property and Asset Management: Community Housing Developers Institute (Springfield)

  • November 1-30, 2007: Affordable Housing Month (Springfield)

 

EDUCATION AND FISCAL REFORM

 

A+ ILLINOIS' 2007 LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO IDENTIFY STATE FISCAL SOLUTIONS

 

School quality, funding and tax reform coalition to release detailed policy platform and statewide field plan for winning comprehensive reform in 2007
 

This Thursday, March 1, A+ Illinois will launch an aggressive new campaign aimed at winning the votes of Illinois lawmakers for improved school funding and quality in 2007. Dubbed "Vote for an A+ Illinois: Don’t Fail Us Now,” the campaign will generate the energy, urgency and intensity of a statewide election campaign—except in this election, the “candidate” is the schoolchildren of Illinois, while the “voters” are lawmakers.

A+ Illinois kickoff events will take place in Chicago, Springfield, North Suburban Lake County and West Suburban Kane County.

“On March 1, we’re putting lawmakers on notice that we need school quality and funding reform passed this year,” said Mary Ellen Guest, A+ Illinois campaign manager. “We voted for them in 2006, and in 2007 they must vote for Illinois schools and families.”

Policy platform to set standard for legislation

At the March 1 kickoff events, A+ Illinois will release a new Policy Platform, which specifies the actions necessary to improve school funding and quality, provide property tax reform, and improve the state’s fiscal health, including options for generating additional revenues needed to meet these goals.

Previously, A+ Illinois organized around a set of broad principles for school funding and fiscal reform. But with several bills already filed—and more in the pipeline— the coalition saw a need to establish a detailed “benchmark” for evaluating legislative solutions.

Thursday’s “Vote for an A+ Illinois” launch will be held in the style of an old-fashioned campaign kickoff, complete with balloons, music, and food. 

 

Attend an event near you and support education funding and fiscal reform!

  • Chicago:
    Jenner Academy of the Arts
    1119 N. Cleveland (1 block south of Division between Halsted and Orleans)
    Chicago, Ill.
    10 a.m.

  • Springfield:
    State Capitol Blue Room
    10 a.m.

  • Kane County (Western Suburbs):
    St. Charles Public Library
    1 S. 6th Street (Route 64 at Route 25)
    St. Charles, Ill.
    10 a.m.

  • Lake County (Northern Suburbs):
    Lake County Federation of Teachers Hall
    248 Ambrogio Drive
    Gurnee, Ill
    10 a.m.

For more information, contact Clare Fauke at 312-863-6012 or cfauke@aplusillinois.org.  Click here to view the press release.

 

SCHIP REAUTHORIZATION DEBATED

 

 

 

CHILD HEALTHCARE THE FOCUS OF BIPARTISAN CONCERN

The Bush Administration’s FY 2008 budget proposal includes a five-year reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); however the reauthorization plan falls short of SCHIP's goal of providing equal access to healthcare for all low-income children.

SCHIP, funded by federal and state dollars, offers healthcare coverage to uninsured low-income children. Flexibility in the SCHIP funding scheme allows such initiatives like All Kids in Illinois to provide universal healthcare, Kid Care in New Jersey to offer coverage to families at up to 350% of the poverty level, or Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur to merge with Medicaid programs and maintain a national low number of uninsured children.  Overall, healthcare access indicates state and national quality-of-life.

But equal access to healthcare for children is more than a “quality-of-life issue.” Governor Edward G. Rendell (PA-D) asserts that healthcare for children should “at the very least” be an entitlement. Healthcare providers, advocates, legislators and insurers have voiced support for making children’s access to healthcare a priority, with SCHIP reauthorization a crucial step.

Despite measurable success to date, nearly nine million U.S. children still do not have access to care.

According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, if SCHIP is reauthorized but funding remains frozen at the current annual level of $5.04 billion per year, states will not be able to sustain their programs. Without adjustments to funding, the total shortfall will reach as much as $13.4 billion over the next five years. Rolls will be closed, coverage terminated, and the goal of equality in access will be put farther out of reach.

Bipartisan support for SCHIP funding adjustments is evident (for example, Gov. Schwarzenegger wants universal coverage for children as well as adults in California) yet federal officials remark that individual children do not have a legal entitlement to benefits, and that the fixed amount of money received by states each year simply need be managed properly in order to maintain SCHIP-funded programs.

Concerned citizens and officials are incensed, urging Congress to reject the President’s budget proposal. The notion of “short-term solutions” are floating around Washington, but it is clear to those well-informed of the issue that quick spending or “better management” will not plug the gaping hole between budget and policy implementation.


Healthcare costs are rising and, without programs that offer sufficient preventive care, states will face an increased burden in emergency services, hospitalizations and undiagnosed medial conditions that would prove more costly than ensuring coverage of uninsured children today.
 

report: FEDERAL BUDGET

 

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS UNFAVORABLE TO STATES

 

According to a recent report released by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), President’s Budget Would Cut Deeply into Important Public Services and Adversely Affect States, proposed reductions in funding for public services would effectively shift billions of dollars in costs onto states, requiring states to scale back key public services or even raise taxes.


Click here to read a summary of the report.

 

Click here to read the full report.


Also included in CBPP's analysis are State-by-State tables on the budget cuts, organized by service area or program.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT THESE FIVE ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK

 

 

First Offender Probation Act (SB 75)

  • The First Offender Probation Act (SB 75) passed out of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee (Criminal) on February 21, 2007 with an 8 -- 1 vote.

    Advocates at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless are asking supporters of SB75 to call their senator and ask him or her to vote for SB75.

    Background: SB75 would allow judges to sentence those charged with first time felony prostitution to an alternative probation in lieu of prison time. Upon successful completion of 24 months of probation, the case would be dismissed and the offender would avoid a criminal record.

    Sample call to your State Senator:
    "Hello, I am ________ and I live/work in Senator ________ district. I am urging him/her to vote for Senate Bill 75. It passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8 - 1 vote. SB 75 will help many women in our district. Thank you."

    If you would like more information on SB75, contact Samir Goswami at samir@chicagohomeless.org.

Safe Homes Act

  • The Safe Homes Act amendments, SB 534, are expected to come before the Senate Judiciary Civil Law Committee this week.

    If passed, the amendments would improve lock-change provisions in the existing Safe Homes law, giving victims of sexual and domestic violence better opportunities to exit abusive situations or commitments.

    The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law is encouraging advocates to contact members of the Senate committee at their Springfield offices or district offices and ask for their support.  Click here to find your senator's contact information.

    For pamphlets and other materials about the Safe Homes Act, click here.

    For more information, contact Kate Walz at 312.263.3830 ext. 232 or katewalz@povertylaw.org, or Wendy Pollack at 312.263.3830 ext. 238 or wendypollack@povertylaw.org.

 Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers

  • The Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers, a project of the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, is working to expand school health centers in Illinois. Members are seeking a $5 million appropriation from the IDHS, Division of Community Health and Prevention, to increase the school health center program in the FY08 budget.

    The 50 school health centers across the state provide quality services like physical exams, immunizations, asthma care and mental health counseling to tens of thousands of children and adolescents. An expanded budget would help to build capacity at existing centers and enable twenty new school health centers to open over the next five years. Over thirty communities are on a waiting list for state support however; level funding prevents schools and health care providers to bring health care to children in school.

    Senator Donne Trotter and Rep. Mary Mulligan have introduced two bills this session calling for the $5 million increase, SB 715 and HB 1536, respectively. This Thursday, March 1, 2007, SB715 will be heard by the Senate Human Services Committee.

    Karen Berg, Policy Director of Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, is asking that organizations demonstrate support for school health centers by completing a support slip to be submitted this Thursday. If your organization is interested in showing support, email Karen Berg at kberg@ilmaternal.org the following information: name of person and title, name of organization, address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Proposed Amendment to The Tax Increment Financing Housing Innovations Programming Act

  • Few would argue that it is increasingly difficult to create affordable housing opportunities, either in or out of TIF districts, which are cost efficient and market effective.


    The Tax Increment Financing Housing Innovations Programming Act (TIF HIP) seeks to amend the Tax Increment Allocation Developing Act by making use of TIF resources to bring rents and home purchases within reach of people with a modest income.

    To learn more, join Maverick Advocates and Professionals for a meeting to discuss the proposed TIF Amendment.

    Friday, March 2, 2007 at 10 a.m.
    801 N. Clark, 2nd Floor Boardroom
    Park National Bank in Chicago
    (free parking, close access to Chicago L stop)

     

    For more information, contact Michael Rohrbeck at mike@policymaps.org or (312) 217-4211.

Employee Free Choice Act

  • The Employee Free Choice Act - federal legislation to ensure freedom to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions, comes up for vote this Thursday, March 1, 2007.

    Advocates for the Employee Free Choice Act say the bill would restore workers' ability to join a union, putting working families on track towards greater economic success by leveling out the playing field between those who are allowed protective contracts and those who are unable to ask for the same.

    If you would like to show your support for the Employee Free Choice Act, the AFL-CIO Working Families Activist Network makes it easy to do - just click here to fax a form to your representative urging a vote in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act.

 

AUDIO CONFERENCE

 

 

 

 

 

MAKING LOW-WAGE JOBS FAMILY FRIENDLY

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) is offering an upcoming two-part audio conference series entitled, Making low-wage jobs family friendly: An oxymoron or cutting edge?

PART I - Friday, March 9, 2007 at 3 PM EST

How are some clothing and grocery chain stores restructuring low-wage service jobs to make them more family friendly? How does advance notice help with childcare, stress, absenteeism, and productivity? What role do supervisors play? What's the bottom line on health - for the business, for the worker and family? Does family friendly translate into job retention? What has one major employer done-and why -to help workers at all incomes meet work obligations and family responsibilities?
 

Guests:

  • Susan Lambert, University of Chicago
    Leslie Hammer, Portland State University
    Steve Bigari, America's Family

  • Click here to register for the March 9th conference (Part I)

PART II - Friday, April 6, 2007 at 3 PM EST

Does workforce advancement sometimes stall because job schedules conflict with kids' care or stable parenting? Does family friendly translate into job retention? What are the research findings related to welfare "success stories"? What are some chain store practices and policies that are making a difference so that low-wage service jobs might be more family friendly? What role do supervisors play? What has one employer done for all his employees -- at all wages -- to engage them in decision-making and in scheduling?

Guests:

  • Kristin Seefeldt, University of Michigan
    Jennifer Swanberg, University of Kentucky
    Jim Johnson, Johnson Moving and Storage Company

  • Click here to register for the April 6th conference (Part II)

Both discussions will be moderated by Jodie Levin-Epstein, Deputy Director of CLASP

For more information, contact Angela Parker, CLASP Audio Conference Coordinator at (202) 906-8032 or aparker@clasp.org.

 

ILLINOIS INITIATIVES FOR LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT CTBA'S 2007 LEGISLATIVE ROSTER TO LEARN MORE...

The Legislative Roster is an annual list of legislative initiatives that benefit low and moderate income families. It is an opportunity for our partners to share information about the legislation they author or endorse. The roster includes key information including a brief synopsis of legislation, lead sponsors and contact organizations. Throughout the year, we provide regular updates on the legislation and opportunities for advocacy.

 

Click here to see CTBA's 2007 Legislative Roster.
 

Please share with us the legislative initiatives that your organization will be working on this year. Contact Valerie Chepp at vchepp@ctbaonline.org or 312-332-2151.
 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TODAY

 

 

WHAT? National Association of Social Workers - IL Chapter Lobby Day

WHEN? Wednesday, February 28, 2007

WHERE? Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, IL

Click here for more information.

 

WHAT? Skills & Strategies for Working with Employers: Spring 2007 Course for Job Developers

WHEN? March 1 - May 17, 2007

WHERE? Chicago Jobs Council, 29 East Madison, Suite 1700, Chicago

Click here for more information.

 

WHAT? Moving From Poverty to Opportunity: Madison County Action Forum

WHEN? Saturday, March 3, 2007, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

WHERE? St. Mary & St. Mark Catholic Church, Engelbert Hall, 1621 10th St., Madison

 

For more information, contact Doug Schenkelberg, Associate Director of Policy Mid-America Institute on Poverty of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, at 773.728.5960 x6284. Click here to see the flyer.

 

WHAT? Webinar training on Prisoner Re-Entry Programs

WHEN? March 6, 2007, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM CST

WHERE? Online
Click here for more information and to register.

 

WHAT? Preparing for Development: Community Housing Developers Institute

WHEN? March 6-7, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute

WHEN? March 6-7, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Chicago Jobs Council Spring Member Meeting: Workforce Development Progress & Potential for Job Seekers with Criminal Records

WHEN? Friday, March 9, 2007, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

WHERE? University Center, Loop/River Room, 525 S. State Street, Chicago

For more information, click here to view the flyer.

 

WHAT? Making the Connection: Basic Training

WHEN? Wednesday, March 14, 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville

 

This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons.  For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.

 

WHAT? Illinois Action for Children's Annual Conference and Lobby Day: Spring Into Action 2007

WHEN? Tuesday, March 27 and Wednesday, March 28, 2007

WHERE? President A. Lincoln Hotel in Springfield

For more information, contact Nicole Bonilla at 773-697-6132 or bonillan@actforchildren.org

 

WHAT? Understanding the Public Benefits Appeal Process Training

WHEN? Wednesday, April 12, 2007, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville

 

This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons.  For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.

 

WHAT? Understanding Spenddown Training

WHEN? Wednesday, April 12, 2007, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville

 

This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons.  For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.

 

WHAT? Housing Action Illinois' 2007 Annual Convention (workshops, celebration, and rally)

WHEN? April 17-18, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL

Click here to register and view the flyer.  Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Early Childhood Lobby Day

WHEN? Thursday, April 19, 2007, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

WHERE? Springfield

 

Join the Ounce of Prevention Fund and Healthy Families Illinois for an Early Childhood Lobby Day. Background materials, training, a box lunch, and transportation from Chicago to Springfield will be provided. For more information, contact Rashanda Perryman at 312-922-3863 ext. 3353.

 

WHAT? Moving From Poverty to Opportunity: Madison County Action Forum

WHEN? Saturday, April 28, 2007, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

WHERE? Location to be determined

For more information, contact Doug Schenkelberg, Associate Director of Policy Mid-America Institute on Poverty of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, at 773.728.5960 x6284.

 

WHAT? Financing Development: Community Housing Developers Institute

WHEN? May 15-16, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Making the Connection: Basic Training

WHEN? Wednesday, May 17, 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville

 

This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons.  For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.

 

WHAT? Construction Management: Community Housing Developers Institute

WHEN? June 5-6, 2007

WHERE? Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center/President Abraham Lincoln Museum, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute

WHEN? September 11-12, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Property and Asset Management: Community Housing Developers Institute

WHEN? October 16-17, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.

 

WHAT? Affordable Housing Month

WHEN? November 1-30, 2007

WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.
 

 

For any questions on information contained in this Weekly Review,
or to JOIN OUR MAILING LIST, please contact Valerie Chepp at:
312.332.2151, vchepp@ctbaonline.org