The Center for Tax and

Budget Accountability

 

 

 

 

www.ctbaonline.org
312.332.2151 (phone)
312.578.9258 (fax)
70 E. Lake St., Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60601

March 6, 2007                                                                                      WEEKLY REVIEW
  Provided through the Generous Support of the McCormick Tribune Foundation                                                          

 

In this issue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ADDRESS: MARCH 7

Watch the address, download fact sheets, get involved!

 

COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM

Come learn about current initiatives and opportunities in Illinois

 

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: TRANSIT

Help shape a transit agenda that works for Lake County

 

EDUCATION AND FISCAL REFORM

A+ Illinois releases policy platform around funding reform

 

COMMUNITY FORUMS ACROSS THE STATE

Forums address education funding, tax reform, ex-offender issues

 

ILLINOIS AFTER SCHOOL ALLIANCE

Coalition releases legislative priorities

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

Advocacy opportunities: RETT, SCHIP, Deficit Reduction Act

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

  • 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 10, 2007: Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith (Champaign)

  • March 11, 2007: Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith (Springfield)

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

  • March 17, 2007: Meet and Greet Your Local Candidates (Arlington Heights)

  • March 18, 2007: Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith (Quincy)

  • March 20, 2007: Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith (Carbondale)

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

  • March 28, 2007: Building Successful Mixed-Income Communities: Planning, Design and Architecture

  • 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)

 

GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ADDRESS: MARCH 7

 

WATCH THE ADDRESS, DOWNLOAD FACT SHEETS, GET INVOLVED!


Governor Blagojevich will present his budget address on the fiscal year 2008 Illinois budget on Wednesday, March 7, 2007.

 

The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability has developed two fact sheets related to the FY2008 budget. Feel free to download and use these fact sheets with your partners and legislators

  • HB/SB 750: Education and Fiscal Responsibility Act outlines a package of fiscal solutions that address education funding reform, the state's structural deficit, the need to adequately fund human services, and the need to pay off the state's pension debt.

  • Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) fact sheet shares general information on GRTs and highlights the ways in which the GRT is not the solution to Illinois fiscal crisis.

If you have questions on either of these fact sheets, please contact Valerie Chepp at 312-332-2151 or vchepp@ctbaonline.org.


The budget address will be aired at 15 locations simultaneously throughout the State of Illinois. The Governor's Office is partnering with State agencies to invite community and faith-based organizations, leaders, advocates, healthcare providers, and businesses throughout the state of Illinois to watch a screening of the Governor's address. After the screening, there will be a short presentation on the Governor's new healthcare initiative and time for questions and answers. Representatives from the Department of Human Services will be present.

Major budget issues to be discussed include tax reform, education funding, universal health insurance, lottery leasing and the state's pension debt.

 

Click on the links above for some recent press materials on the issues. 

Concerned citizens and advocates are being asked to attend these events in order to best represent the concerns of their communities. Your involvement will attest to widespread support for your cause.

Help make sure more than one voice is heard in budget negotiations over the coming weeks.

  • Budget Address Simulcast
    When: Wednesday, March 7, 2007, 11:30 AM
    Where: RSVP to find the location nearest you. You can also call (312) 491-1861 or complete this form and fax it back to (312) 491-8171.
     

  • Budget Address Debriefing
    Who: Illinois Action for Children (IAC)
    When: Wednesday, March 7, 2007, 5:00 PM
    Where: The Inn, 835 Second Street, Springfield
    What: Join fellow advocates and ‘non-healthcare folks’ for wine, cheese, and casual conversation about how the Governor’s budget will impact children and families. IAC will provide a summary of the plan and discuss how low-income families and the early care and education field stand to be affected. For more information or to RSVP, contact Christine Wilson at 773-697-6134 or wilsoncr@actforchildren.org.

COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM  

 

COME LEARN ABOUT CURRENT INITIATIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ILLINOIS

 

COALITION FOR A FAIR BUDGET (CFB)

 

More than five years ago a large statewide coalition of human service, health and education providers, advocates and community leaders came together to stop a budget-slashing train wreck. Forming the Coalition for a Fair Budget, CFB laid out a case AGAINST cutting health and human service funding, shortchanging education and pitting vital services against one another. That case was FOR looking at revenue alternatives and comprehensive fiscal reform of the way Illinois generates revenue and meets its funding obligations.

 

Since then, that case has been made again and again by an array of partners in education, human services, labor and health care.

 

AND THE TIDE IS TURNING!!!

 

  • Legislative leaders from both Chambers and both parties are talking about the need for new revenue. So is business.

  • The structural deficit is being discussed across the state.

  • Crises in school funding, pensions, Medicaid, human services and infrastructure can no longer be ignored.

  • New programs including Preschool for All and universal health insurance require funding.

 

SO WHERE ARE THINGS TODAY?

 

What is the status of the 750 plan for a comprehensive solution to the state’s fiscal crisis?

 

What about the expenditure side, especially human services, education and health care?

 

What is the plan for the 2007 legislative session?

 

What does it mean for you and your organization?

 

CFB BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION

 

Friday, March 9 - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30

Metropolitan Family Services, 1 N. Dearborn, 10th Fl., Chicago

If you have questions or to RSVP, contact Phyllis Russell  (prussell@ctbaonline.org).

After February 2, call 312-332-8508. 

 

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT: TRANSIT

 

 

 

HELP SHAPE A TRANSIT AGENDA THAT WORKS FOR LAKE COUNTY

 

TRANSIT
Is a Hot Topic these days!!!

  • The Regional Transit Authority (RTA), the financial oversight and regional planning body for PACE, Metra, and the Chicago Transit Authority, is asking the state for billions of dollars for transit to maintain and improve the regional system, including Lake County. Also, the Auditor General just released a major report on the RTA with some important findings.

  • There is a “Human Services Transportation Planning” process going on across the RTA region right now.

  • Lake County legislators are seeking input as they develop their transportation priorities.

  • Lake County leaders are looking at transit as a vital component of economic development.

We need voices speaking together on behalf of the low wage workforce and

those in Lake County who rely on public transit.


THE TIME IS NOW!!!


2 years ago a group of Lake County organizations and individuals came together around the Getting-To-Work project facilitated by Work, Welfare and Families. Much has happened since then, but as of today the proposed projects to assist low income people get to jobs and services have not been funded or made a priority, although we’ve come close.

Now we are working toward collaboration, developing a common priority project agenda with partners interested in meeting the transit needs of working people, seniors, those with mobility challenges and those who prefer public transit over driving. We want to build a strong, clear, shared agenda of transit priorities for Lake County.


JOIN US

For a briefing and discussion. Hear about what is going on in transit. Talk with others about assuring that the interests of low income families are represented in planning for transit in Lake County and about coordination of efforts.

(This is a perfect opportunity if you don’t think you know much about transit. Community voices NEED to be heard, even if you aren’t an expert in transit. This really is about PEOPLE, the people you work with and serve.)

  • Wednesday, March 14
    8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
    United Way of Lake County, 330 S. Greenleaf

For further information or to RSVP, call or e-mail Phyllis Russell, Center for Tax & Budget Accountability (was Work, Welfare and Families) at 312-332-8508 or prussell@ctbaonline.org.
 

EDUCATION AND FISCAL REFORM

 

A+ ILLINOIS RELEASES POLICY PLATFORM AROUND FUNDING REFORM


On Thursday, March 1, 2007, A+ Illinois launched its school funding reform campaign aimed at winning the votes of Illinois lawmakers for improved school funding and quality in 2007.


“Vote for an A+ Illinois: Don’t Fail Us Now” began last week with kickoff events in Chicago, Springfield, North Suburban Lake County and West Suburban Kane County. The Policy Platform, unveiled at the events, specifies what must be done 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.

  • To read a summary of the platform, please click here.

  • To read the full 6-page platform, follow this link.

Take a look at Catalyst Chicago's initial coverage, Campaign seeks $4 billion for schools

For more information on the campaign, contact Clare Fauke, cfauke@aplusillinois.org or (312) 863-6012.

 

COMMUNITY FORUMS ACROSS THE STATE

 

FORUMS ADDRESS EDUCATION FUNDING, TAX REFORM, EX-OFFENDER ISSUES

 

Protestants for the Common Good will be hosting a series of community forums across the state.  The Forums will discuss education funding, tax reform, ex-offender issues and challenges for people of faith.  Click on the city of your choice for more information. 

Featured speakers include Rev. Jennifer Kottler from Protestants for the Common Good and Ralph Martire from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, in addition to other special guests.  These meetings are free and open to the community.

 

ILLINOIS AFTER SCHOOL ALLIANCE

 

 

 

 

 

COALITION RELEASES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

 

Illinois After School Alliance’s Legislative Agenda
 

The Illinois After School Alliance has consistently worked toward developing and expanding high quality after school programs in Illinois. As the legislative session kicks into high gear, the After School Alliance has released its legislative agenda, highlighting the following priorities:

Increase Teen REACH for FY08 by $3.8 million to $22.9 million to retain current level of service delivery to school aged children and youth. Established by IDHS in 1998, Teen REACH (Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope) is a proven, model program that offers academic support, positive services and activities for youth between the ages of 6 and 17 during non-school hours. For the second consecutive year 3000 of the 26,300 thousand children and youth enrolled in Teen REACH programs across the state, were informed that their programs might be forced to close due to a discontinuance of state funding, which for many translates into diminished interest in the positive development of 3000 Illinois kids. Funding Teen REACH after school programs at the total FY07 funding level of $22.9 million will exemplify a continued state commitment to all children and youth currently served.

Restore Summer Bridges to the FY02 funding level of $26 million. The Illinois Bridges Program is an extended learning program designed to improve the reading, writing, and mathematical skills of students enrolled from pre-kindergarten through grade 6 in districts where a significant number of students do not meet state learning standards based on the ISAT. This program is designed for students who are at risk of academic failure in pre-kindergarten through grade 6 with a concentrated curriculum on reading and writing. During its funding peak, 75-88% of Illinois students showed gains in reading. Over 90% of teachers reported increases in student knowledge of reading instructions. And, up to 90% of parents and teachers reported improved student attitudes toward reading.

Maintain the ISBE After School, Mentoring and Student Support line item at $24 million. More children and youth gained access to after school activities in FY06 and FY07 because of increased legislative commitment to addressing critical shortages in services and activities provided by after school programs. The current funding level of $24 million should be maintained. And, to assure program quality, cost effectiveness, and positive outcomes for children and youth without sacrificing flexible program design, ISBE should develop a system of accountability and transparency for this budgetary line item.

Support the continuance of the Child Care reimbursement rate increase and insure parity of increase for center-based programs. Last year’s budget achieved part of this goal but there are still too many Illinois children and youth being denied access to high quality childcare because many providers are unable to serve families in need and enrolled in the Child Care Assistance Program.

Monitor policies that support further development of Community Schools. The community school model is rooted in partnership between local schools and the varied community institutions that impact student life and development. This includes family, community organizations, businesses and government, and together they create an integrated program of learning that acknowledges that all learning does not occur during the traditional school schedule. After school services are a critical component of the community school model.

For more information, contact Lydia Taylor at (312-986-9200) or afterschoolalliance@icvp.org. Click here to view their website.
 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

 

 

 

 

 

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES: RETT, SCHIP, DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT

 

Support the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT)
Coalition members on board for the Open Doors, Open Lands Campaign are seeking support and further endorsements for SB445, Reforming the Real Estate Transfer Tax. RETT would generate an estimated $215 billion, with $99 million in new funding, for affordable housing and open spaces.

  • SB455 will be heard in the Senate Revenue Committee this Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. in Capitol 400.

You are invited to attend and fill out a proponent slip supporting the bill.  If you are unable to attend but would still like to fill out a support slip or, if you would like your organization to be added to the list of endorsers, contact Susannah Levine, Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, at (312) 759-8260.

 

 

Speak Out for Children’s Healthcare
Families USA wants your voice to be heard. Calls are needed this week, March 6-8, to all Senators and Representatives for the reauthorization and growth of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).


Supporters can call Congress, toll-free at 1-800-828-0498.  Below is a suggested message to send:

  • Congress must ensure that there are at least enough funds to cover the children who are eligible for SCHIP, but not yet enrolled. To do this, we will need at least $60 billion in new federal funds over the next 5 years.

  • No one should lose coverage because there are not enough federal funds. The $60 billion includes funding to ensure that no one currently enrolled in the program will lose coverage because of a lack of federal funds.

Why now?
The House and Senate Budget Committees are making decisions NOW about federal funding levels for the SCHIP program. These Senators and Representatives, and all Members of Congress, need to know the importance of fully funding this program.

For more information, check out "Where Things Stand" in the Medicaid and SCHIP Action Center.


Congressperson Invites Testimony
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), passed last year, brought a significant number of changes to programs serving low-income families—most notably, TANF work participation rates, state monitoring procedures, and child support regulations and enforcement.

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support of the Committee on Ways and Means, announced that the Committee hopes to assess “the potential impact of recent changes to programs serving low and moderate-income families."  The Committee will hear from those running programs to determine if changes in the DRA are helping or hurting state and local efforts to assist needy families and to promote true self-sufficiency.

  • Individuals and organizations interested in submitting a written statement for consideration by the Committee and for inclusion in the printed record of the hearing must meet the extended deadline of March 20, 2007.

For details on how to submit a written comment and formatting concerns, click here.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TODAY

 

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? 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? Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith

WHEN? Saturday, March 10, 2007, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

WHERE? University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Champaign

Click here for more information.

 

WHAT? Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith

WHEN? Sunday, March 11, 2007, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

WHERE? Luther Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2600 S. Fifth Street, Springfield

Click here for more information.

 

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? Meet and Greet Your Local Candidates

WHEN? Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE? Wheeling Township Democrats Office, 1310 W. Northwest Hwy., Arlington Heights

 

WHAT? Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith

WHEN? Sunday, March 18, 2007, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

WHERE? Melrose Chapel United Methodist Church, Quincy

Click here for more information.

 

WHAT? Education or Incarceration? Education Funding, Tax Reform, Ex-Offender Issues and the Challenge for People of Faith

WHEN? Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

WHERE? Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ, Carbondale

Click here for more information.

 

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? Building Successful Mixed-Income Communities: Planning, Design and Architecture

WHEN? Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

WHERE? Walnut Room of the Hotel Allegro, 171 West Randolph, Chicago

For more information, click here.

 

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