The “Monday Morning Quarterback Club” will still view the state bailout passed last week for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace as poor public policy. Nevertheless there were a few crumbs of reform in HB656 that may make this state financial rescue package last longer than past bailouts.
The legislation required many of the changes in the region's public transportation recommended by the Auditor General. The new law will give the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) more oversight and planning authority over the CTA, Metra and Pace. The legislation allows the RTA to resolve disputes between service boards regarding fares or services. Finally, it requires employees and the transit agencies to contribute more funding for the employee healthcare and pensions plans and reduces some of the lucrative benefits.
I still believe local governments in the region should be more fiscally responsible for the public transportation system since they have control over its operations. It's difficult to understand why “Chicago simply deserves” another $110 million next year and an uncapped draw on the state treasurer in the years ahead. During debate, legislators put taxpayers on notice that this bailout could cost the state over a billion dollars while only requiring riders to pay 50 percent of the cost of operations by 2012.
The Governor didn't even have time to sign the bill into law before transit officials were saying the bill did not address the crumbling infrastructure issues of the CTA, Metra and Pace. It seems they have been using capital dollars intended for replacing busses and repairing track instead for operations.
Maybe this push from Chicago means the rest of Illinois will get a capital (spelled jobs) bill it desperately needs this spring. I would like to see public transportation extended to other areas in Illinois like Ogle and LaSalle Counties, roads repaired and state assistance for community infrastructure restored.
Option to Lower Healthcare Costs
The rising cost of healthcare is becoming a very significant issue for the state, employers, and patients. Convenient Care Clinics (CCC's) are one option that is being proposed to lower healthcare costs and they have the support of such groups as the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA).
CCC's provide care for a limited scope of general conditions such as a sore throats, colds and cuts. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants treat the patient at major retail chains like Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart. IRMA claims the clinics are a cost effective alternative to the emergency room or urgent care, are often more convenient and easier for the patient to receive care.
Though the Illinois State Medical Society feels the quality of care is being compromised, IRMA says the clinics follow federal and state recognized guidelines, are properly supervised by physicians, and encourage patients to regularly see their primary care provider.
This issue may be debated in the spring session of the legislature so share your views with me about Convenient Care Clinics. Do you feel this is an acceptable way to cut healthcare cost without sacrificing quality and would your family take advantage of care in a retail setting?
State Falling Further Behind in Paying Bills
The Governor may like to announce new programs and give money to special projects but the state is broke and unable to pay its bills. Comptroller Dan Hynes recently announced that Illinois has a backlog of unpaid bills halfway through the fiscal year that totals $1.7 billion. This is about equal to the deficit we had in FY2007 for the entire year.
As a result, the state is again taking four or more months to pay providers for services and material. While large suppliers like hospitals and national companies may be able to handle the cash flow problems late payments create, non-profit organizations and small companies have to borrow money if they can, which increases their cost of operations. Several local providers for services to the developmentally disabled and senior citizens have contacted me saying the payment delay may force them to close their doors.
With the passage of the new mass transit plan, another $150 million in state funds which could be used to pay our providers throughout Illinois will now be channeled to Chicago for their transportation systems.
In addition, the Governor's plan for giving free rides to seniors is simply taking money for them out of one pocket and putting it into another. Some seniors are more in need of in-home care and medical treatment than riding public transportation.
Our state cannot continue to spend money that it doesn't have and expand some programs while other services are cut and providers that have helped to create a workable safety net for citizens go out of business. I will continue to push for fiscal responsibility and meeting obligations to our current care providers in a timely manner.
Changes to Medicaid Reimbursements
To add insult to injury, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has announced several changes to the Medicaid Reimbursement rates this year, including a freeze on hospital outlier payments. Such payments were instituted to encourage hospitals to take Medicaid patients with complex and costly needs that exceed the regular cost reimbursement structure.
Since base hospital rates have not increased in several years while enrollment for children and family programs have been expanded, outlier payments have increased to cover hospital costs. To control the growth of these payments, the department plans to implement a payment freeze.
This move will increase the financial burden on hospitals for accepting Medicaid patients needing high-cost care, and will likely cause them to increase rates for non-Medicaid patients.
Grants Available for Crime Victim Assistance Programs
Legislation was passed in 1985 to assist victims of crime and witnesses, and reduce unreported crimes. The Attorney General's office was authorized to offer grants for programs from court fees paid by criminals. Funding which totaled a little more than $586,000 in 1985, reached $7,746,704 in 2007. Any government or non-profit agency has until February 8 to apply for a 2009 grant to hire staff and pay employee benefits. The funding is to provide information, counseling and help for crime victims and witnesses. The grants are also to sensitize individuals working with victims, decrease the number of unreported crimes, and inform victims of progress of their court case.
Last year DeKalb County agencies received $101,500 for such programs and Ogle County received $41,500. More information about the program is available on the Attorney General's web site or by calling 800-228-3368.
Amendment to Smoke Free Illinois Introduced
A number of citizens and business owners object to the Smoke Free Illinois law which took effect January first. As a result, legislation has been introduced to allow local government to license specific establishments for smoking.
House Bill 4184 seeks to give people choice in the way they operate their business and where they can smoke. The local liquor control commission would issue smoking licenses to eligible establishments and be able to charge a license fee. Places where gambling operations are conducted would be eligible for licenses as well as private clubs if they can document that 3/5ths of its members approve of smoking on the club's premises.
Upcoming Events
Primary election on February 5
Remember that new election laws allow voting before election day at the county clerk's office for any reason. Your vote is important in selecting party candidates for the general election and on referenda.
February 6 Property Tax Assessment Forum
The meeting which begins at 7 p.m. in the Sycamore High School cafeteria will explain the assessment process, how to make certain your property assessment is fair and how assessments impact your property tax bill.
February 18 Continue Farming In An Urban Area
Those who attend this forum at 7 p.m. in the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Center will hear conclusions of a national study of farming in urban areas and strategies for continuing a viable agriculture as our urban population grows.
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