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MAY
29,
2007
WEEKLY REVIEW
Provided through the Generous Support of
the McCormick Tribune Foundation
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In this
issue:
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COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM
End of session - call your legislators NOW
and tell them to pass a reform plan
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Two new reports focus on WIA reauthorization
EVENT: FEDERAL BUDGET
Learn how the federal budget affects vital
services
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Child care assistance, First Offender Probation
Act, affordable housing
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
TANF grant increase, higher education,
immigration
NEWS FROM CTBA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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May 30, 2007: Human Services
Transportation Plan spring meeting (Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston,
McLean, Ford, Iroquois Counties)
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May 31, 2007: Human Services
Transportation Plan spring meeting (Dewitt, Piatt, Macon, Shelby,
Moultrie, Champaign, Vermillion, Douglas, Edgar, Coles, Cumberland,
Clark Counties)
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June 4, 2007: Prisoner Re-Entry
Programs Performance Measurement Training Webinar (Online event)
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June 5, 2007: Human Services
Transportation Plan spring meeting (Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin,
Montgomery, Fayette, Marion, Clinton, Bond, Madison Counties)
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June 5-6, 2007:
Construction Management: Community Housing Developers Institute
(Springfield)
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June 6, 2007: Policy Briefing on
"State Budgets or Busts: The Challenges of Funding Medicaid, Pensions,
and K-12 Education." (Chicago)
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June 6, 2007: Human Services
Transportation Plan spring meeting (Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay,
Richland, Lawrence, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Hamilton, White, Saline,
Gallatin, Pope, Hardin Counties)
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June 7, 2007: Human Services
Transportation Plan spring meeting (St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph,
Washington, Jefferson, Perry, Franklin, Jackson, Williamson, Union,
Johnson, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac Counties)
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June 21, 2007:
Community Renewal Society’s “Future Summit” (Chicago)
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June 21, 2007: Statewide Policy
Caucus (Bloomington)
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September 11-12, 2007:
Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute
(Springfield)
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October 16-17, 2007:
Property and Asset Management: Community Housing Developers Institute
(Springfield)
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November 1-30, 2007:
Affordable Housing Month (Public education events and activities to be
held throughout the state)
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COMPREHENSIVE
FISCAL
REFORM |
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END OF
SESSION - CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS NOW AND TELL THEM TO PASS A
REFORM PLAN
The May 31 adjournment date for the Illinois
General Assembly is just around the corner -- that means that it
is more important than ever for legislators to pass a comprehensive
fiscal reform package that is able to generate enough revenue so
that the state can begin to address some of its massive funding crises,
including funding for education, health care, mass transit and pension
liabilities.
THE TIME IS NOW to call your
Representative and Senator and urge them to pass a comprehensive school
funding and fiscal plan that:
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Increases school funding and quality so
that every child has access to a quality education,
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Restores Illinois' fiscal health, and
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Ends Illinois' over reliance on property
taxes to fund schools.
Use A+ Illinois’ toll-free legislative
hotline to send a message to your legislators. The call is free, and you
will be connected directly to your lawmaker's office. Call now because
the hotline is available only through May 31st, the last day of the
legislative session.
A+ Illinois' toll-free
legislative hotline: 1-800-651-0315
For more information, visit A+ Illinois'
website.
UPDATES
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HB
750 Moves out of Rules
- Yesterday,
House Bill 750, the Education and Fiscal Responsibility Act, was
moved out of the House Rules Committee and is now waiting for a 2nd
Reading in the chamber. We will keep you posted on any more
movement or opportunity for you to take action around HB 750.
Click here to read a
fact sheet on HB 750.
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"Burnham Plan" for School Reform in Illinois
- In
last week's Weekly Review, we shared information about the
recently announced
Burnham Plan, which serves as a blueprint for reforming school
quality and fiscal accountability. The Burnham Plan was
released last Monday by a bi-partisan group of civic, business and
education leaders, including the Center for Tax and Budget
Accountability. Tomorrow, May 30 at 9:30AM, the House
Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee on Accountability is
holding a subject matter hearing on accountability measures in Room
C-1 of the Stratton Building in Springfield. Various groups
familiar with the Burnham Plan have been invited to testify.
Stay tuned for more information from the Center for Tax and Budget
Accountability, as we will update you with information as details
become available.
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A letter is being circulated in the
House, asking Representatives to sign-on in opposition to a
no-growth budget. Additionally, the letter calls for adequate
and equitable funding for public schools and property tax relief.
The letter currently holds the signatures of 40 Representatives,
which is enough to indicates that a substantial portion of
Representatives are willing to consider other budget proposals.
The House letter replicates one that was circulated in the Senate
several weeks ago that expressed the same sentiments, which signals
that there is support in both chambers to back a structural fiscal
reform package.
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WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT |
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TWO NEW REPORTS FOCUS ON WIA REAUTHORIZATION
The Center for Law
and Social Policy (CLASP), released two new reports aimed at providing
recommendations for the strengthening and reauthorization of the
Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
Background
In 1998,
WIA replaced the Job
Training and Partnership Act (JTPA) as the central legislation for
federally funded job training and employment services. One of WIA’s
goals was to unite the various workforce development programs, while
expanding them in order to serve a wider range of the working
population. Unfortunately, new mandates were not met with increased
funding and, as a result, training has declined for both low income
populations and employers.
Recommendation highlights
Two new reports from
CLASP
make the following recommendations for WIA reauthorization:
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Expand access to
training for low income adults: Through the elimination of the three
tier system, and the implementation of the training priority system,
access to training for low income adults could be increased.
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Promote services
to low wage workers that support retention and advancement:
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Retention and
advancement are both key to improved job quality. ClASP recommends
these be added to the main purpose of WIA, as they benefit both
employer and employee. By connecting workers to high quality jobs,
ensuring that employers provide training and skill upgrading, and
promoting career ladders, retention and advancement could be
improved.
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Youth funding
should be directed at building an effective transition support
system for out of school, and extremely vulnerable youth: Broaden
the flexibility and scope of the WIA youth title. This will allow a
more comprehensive approach to connecting the most challenged youth
to the education, training, and support needed for a successful
market transition.
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WIA should
promote a strong research and demonstration agenda: To build a
strong workforce development system, WIA needs to have accurate
information about what is happening in the system, and how it is
impacting participants. A strong research and demonstration agenda,
along with a performance system that measures progress towards
achieving self sufficiency, and a national task force aimed at
aligning goals and accountability structures, would be the starting
tools for comprehensive impact evaluation.
To
view the full CLASP reports, click on the links below:
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EVENT:
FEDERAL
BUDGET |
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LEARN
HOW THE FEDERAL BUDGET AFFECTS VITAL SERVICES
On Thursday, May 31 from 12:00 to 1:30,
Citizen Action Illinois and AFSCME will be holding a Community
Roundtable Lunch on
the proposed 2008
federal budget and appropriations. The meeting will take place at the
Waukegan Public Library, and Congressman Mark Kirk is one of the invited
guests. Join others at this event and learn how the federal budget
process affects vital services and communicate to Congressman Kirk your
input and perspective on the needs of Illinois residents.
Lunch will be provided.
To attend the event you must RSVP to Jen Hall, AFSCME, at
jhall@afscme.org.
Event Details
What: Community Roundtable Lunch on the proposed 2008 federal
budget
When: Thursday, May 31 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County Street in the Ray
Bradbury Room
To view the event
invite
click here
For the event flyer
click here.
For more information on
this event contact organizer Jen Hall, AFSCME, at 773-259-4153 or at
jhall@afscme.org.
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LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE |
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CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE,
first offender probation act, AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HB 1009
Amends the Illinois
Public Aid Code namely by changing the eligibility standard for State child
care benefits beginning on July 1, 2007. Instead of using "no less than 50%
of the State Median Income" as the standard, the new standard will be no
less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for each family size. In
addition, the bill requires the Department, in consultation with the Child
Care and Development Advisory Council, to develop a plan to revise the
Department's co-payment scale for child care assistance by no later than
February 1, 2008, and specifies certain components that must be included in
the plan. HB 1009 has passed both houses and now heads to the Governor for
his signature.
SB 75, the
First Offender Probation Act, has passed both Houses. SB 75
provides that women convicted of felony prostitution will have the
opportunity to see their charges dismissed after 24 months probation. This
bill failed last year, but thanks to strong legislative support and the
advocacy leadership of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the bill will
soon become law.
HR 1427
The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007, creates an
Affordable Housing Fund of about 600 million a year. During the
first year the money will go to Louisiana and Mississippi to rebuild rental
housing that is affordable for very low, and extremely low income people.
After that, the funds will become a dedicated source of revenue for the
future National Housing Trust Fund. The bill was passed by the U.S. House of
Representatives on May 22 by a vote of 313-104.
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Opportunities
for
Action |
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TANF GRANT INCREASE,
HIGHER EDUCATION, IMMIGRATION
YES on HB 949 (now in the senate) to increase
the TANF grant by 15 percent for low-income families. Like the minimum wage,
TANF has not kept up with inflation. Read more.
TANF Grant Increase:
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HB949, The SUCCESS ACT (Supporting and Caring for Children Through Economic
Self-Sufficiency) would increase the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) cash grant by 15%
this year.
TANF has not been adjusted since 2002 and,
like the minimum wage, TANF has not kept up
with inflation.
HB 949 is currently in the Senate; if you would like to support a 15%
TANF grand increase, you can call your Senator and urge them to vote YES
on HB 949.
Higher Education -- From
Women Employed:
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As the Illinois legislature and the Governor's office plan for next
year's state budget, urge them to factor in the needs of low-income,
working women who want to gain new skills and education. Education
beyond high school is a proven strategy for getting better jobs and
higher pay. Yet systemic barriers impede women's access to postsecondary
education and the skills necessary to advance. With financial aid
programs substantially underfunded, higher education is out of reach for
too many students looking for better jobs, higher wages, and economic
security for themselves and their families.
Call on state legislators and Governor Blagojevich today to ensure that
working women have the opportunities and resources to obtain the
training and education pivotal to better futures.
Here's an opportunity to contact your
legislators and
Governor Blagojevich today!
Immigration
The Road Safety Act will be called to vote in the coming
weeks. This initiative would allow all unlicensed motorists to get
certificates and insurance which, according to a report by the Illinois
Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, would allow each driver in
Illinois to save $88 a year in policy coverage. To read the full report
please visit
www.illinoisishome.org.
If you would like to support the Road Safety Act you may
fax or email your state Senator.
The
Illinois Coalition on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is
looking to mobilize support against changes being proposed to our
immigration system.
Although the bill that is currently being debated in the
Senate offers a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants,
it also includes radical changes to our future immigration system. Namely,
it changes our immigration system from one that places emphasis on family
reunification, to one that places preference on skill and occupation.
If you would like to show support for a comprehensive
immigration reform that benefits families and workers, you may
send a fax or email to your legislators directly through the ICIRR
website. You can also participate in a National Call-in Day, where you can
call your senator toll free, (you will be prompted on what to say).
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NEWS
FROM
CTBA |
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All of us at the Center for Tax and Budget
Accountability would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
Phyllis Russell on her new position!
Phyllis joined CTBA as the Associate
Executive Director through CTBA's merger with Work, Welfare and
Families, where she served as the organization's Executive Director
for six years. We thank Phyllis for all the incredible work and
time that she has dedicated to advocating for public policies that help
low income families. If you would like to contact Phyllis
directly, you can reach her at
russell512@msn.com.
Good luck, Phyllis!
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
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CHECK OUT
OUR
WEBSITE TODAY
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WHAT?
Human Services Transportation Plan spring
meeting (Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, McLean, Ford, Iroquois)
WHEN? Wednesday, May 30, 2007,
1:30 -
4:00 PM and 6:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE? Meadows Campus Center, 24218 Gundy
Drive, Chenoa, IL (Off I-55, exit at US-24; please call if you have
questions about directions)
The same materials will be covered in both afternoon and evening meetings.
For more information, contact Erica Interrante at (312) 793-3532,
Erica.Interrante@illinois.gov
or
follow this weblink
(click on HSTP: Program Overview).
WHAT?
Human Services Transportation Plan spring
meeting (Dewitt, Piatt, Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Champaign, Vermillion,
Douglas, Edgar, Coles, Cumberland, Clark)
WHEN? Thursday, May 31, 2007,
2:30 -
4:30 PM and 6:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE? Piatt County Mental Health Center (“The
Center”), 1921 N. Market Street (Rte. 105), Monticello, IL
The same materials will be covered in both afternoon and evening meetings.
For more information, contact Erica Interrante at (312) 793-3532,
Erica.Interrante@illinois.gov
or
follow this weblink
(click on HSTP: Program Overview).
WHAT?
Prisoner Re-Entry Programs Performance
Measurement Training Webinar
WHEN?
June 4, 2007, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Central Standard Time
WHERE?
Online event
Click
here for more
information and to register for this event.
WHAT?
Human Services Transportation Plan spring
meeting (Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery, Fayette, Marion,
Clinton, Bond, Madison)
WHEN? Tuesday, June 5, 2007,
1:30 -
4:00 PM and 6:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE? Montgomery County Senior Center, Route
127, Taylor Springs, IL (less than 1 mile south of Hillsboro)
The same materials will be covered in both afternoon and evening meetings.
For more information, contact Erica Interrante at (312) 793-3532,
Erica.Interrante@illinois.gov
or
follow this weblink
(click on HSTP: Program Overview).
WHAT?
Construction Management:
Community Housing Developers Institute
WHEN?
June 5-6, 2007
WHERE?
Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center/President Abraham Lincoln
Museum, Springfield
Contact:
nate@housingactionil.org
or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info:
www.housingactionil.org.
WHAT?
Policy Briefing on "State Budgets or
Busts: The Challenges of Funding Medicaid, Pensions, and K-12 Education."
WHEN?
June 6, 2007, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
WHERE?
Wieboldt Hall, Kellogg School of Management, 340 E. Superior St. in Chicago
The Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University will be holding
this policy briefing. The event is free, but advanced registration is
required. Lunch will be served. Click here for
more
information.
WHAT?
Human Services Transportation Plan spring
meeting (Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wayne,
Edwards, Wabash, Hamilton, White, Saline, Gallatin, Pope, Hardin)
WHEN? Wednesday, June 6, 2007,
1:30 -
4:00 PM and 6:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE?
Illinois Employment Training Center
(“one stop” site), 303 S. Commercial St. in the Parker Plaza, Harrisburg, IL
(off of I-57 S, 30 minutes east of Marion, IL and Williamson County)
The same materials will be covered in both afternoon and evening meetings.
For more information, contact Erica Interrante at (312) 793-3532,
Erica.Interrante@illinois.gov
or
follow this weblink
(click on HSTP: Program Overview).
WHAT?
Human Services Transportation Plan spring
meeting (St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph, Washington, Jefferson, Perry,
Franklin, Jackson, Williamson, Union, Johnson, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac)
WHEN?
Thursday, June 7, 2007,
2:00 -
4:00 PM and 6:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE?
Shawnee Community College, 8364
College Rd., Ullin, IL (Meeting will be held in the River Room in the Main
Building, lot parking is available)
The same materials will be covered in both afternoon and evening meetings.
For more information, contact Erica Interrante at (312) 793-3532,
Erica.Interrante@illinois.gov
or
follow this weblink
(click on HSTP: Program Overview).
WHAT?
Community Renewal
Society’s “Future Summit”
WHEN?
June 21, 2007, 1:30-5:30
WHERE?
University of
Chicago, Graduate School of Business, Rothman
Winter Garden, 5807 S. Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL
Click here for
more information.
WHAT?
Statewide Public Policy Caucus
WHEN?
June 21, 2007, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WHERE?
The Chateau, 1601 Jumer Drive, Bloomington, IL
Topics to include: 2007 General Assembly Legislative Update, Investing in
Families and Other proposals, Federal Issues Update, FY08 Priorities and
Activities. To register or more information on how to become a member of
Action for Children call Nicole Bonilla at (773) 697-6132 or bonillan@actforchildren.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?
Public education events and activities to be held throughout the state
Contact:
nate@housingactionil.org
or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info:
www.housingactionil.org.
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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 |
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