To Governor Blagojevich,
You and your staff have met with a
number of groups and individuals, expressing a desire to
address human service issues during your administration.
We are heartened to hear such comments because a
commitment to human services is desperately needed in
our state. People with disabilities and their families
deserve and expect leadership and commitment from
Illinois' governor.
Your commitment to forge a true
partnership between government and people with
disabilities, families, friends, advocates, and
providers is paramount. True public input and
participation by all parties affected by decisions
should be the hallmark of your administration. It is
government at its best and it avoids the dissention and
disappointment that occurs when stakeholders are left
out of the process.
It is only through such a
partnership, involving all stakeholders, that Illinois
can serve and support people with disabilities and their
families. Partnership is the foundation for quality
services, which are adequately funded, to all those in
need of them. Partnership is the foundation of a
structure and system that prioritizes disability
services in our state. The critical issues before us,
including the maximization of federal reimbursements and
state resources, call for leadership. Your guidance will
ensure the equitable allocation of resources for
provision of the necessary services and supports to
individuals with disabilities and their families.
Studies show that over the course of
the last several years an alarming number of persons and
families are receiving less services and supports than
they need; this includes the 10,000 young adults who
will graduate from special education, the countless
number of individuals waiting for community residential
services and supports who are forced to endure a crisis
before the state will provide a home or housing option,
and the thousands of babies that will enter the world in
need of early intervention and supports. Our current
system is reactive and crisis-driven - not
characteristic of the leadership it deserves.
Illinois must develop systems and
service capacity to meet the needs of those individuals.
Your leadership, commitment, and partnership can direct
the needed growth and a plan to achieve it. It is sad to
say that Illinois ranks 7th in the nation in personal
income but ranks 43rd nationally in per capita spending
on community services to people with disabilities. It is
even sadder, that no one has come forth with a plan to
stop the embarrassing slide in providing services to
people with disabilities and their families.
Somewhere there is a person strong enough to say,
"Enough is enough." Somewhere, there is a person who
takes charge of the situation and commits to change.
Somewhere there is a person who will make a promise and
after they are elected, will keep it. We estimate that
nearly 1.5 million voters are interested in disability
services because it touches their lives directly. Those
voters are looking for a candidate who will take notice
of what is happening with disability services in
Illinois and provide the necessary leadership to do the
right thing.
On behalf of the 150,000 families
served in community programs, and the boards, staffs and
volunteers who proudly serve and support them, we look
forward to working with you to see Illinois once again
lead the nation in disability services.
Sincerely,
The Do the Right Thing Coalition
*****
The Coalition Represents families,
individuals, providers and all people who support
quality mental health and developmental disability
support services in Illinois.
