ACTION ALERT: PLEASE SUPPORT FULLY FUNDING THE GUIDEHOUSE RATE STUDY. cont.
A large portion of how we operate is determined by the Government and while EP!C can’t lobby, we most certainly can advocate. We feel it’s our duty to educate our Individuals, Families, Guardians, Staff and Supporters on how these decisions affect them. Last year, the Guidehouse Study identified 10 crucial investment recommendations in order to adequately reimburse provider services after decades of inadequate support. The recommendations are designed to ensure people with disabilities can lead full lives. There was a push for the findings of that study to be fully funded which was passed. (See Bill Status of HR0194)
While efforts have been made to increase the investment from the State, there remains a deficit of $154 Million. The Guidehouse findings, including $3.50/hr. increase to DSP wages, rate increases for individuals with challenging behaviors, updates to reflect present day housing costs, expanding services, etc. are still going unfunded and underfunded. With a price tag of $246.8 Million*, there is only $94.8 Million projected in the Governors 2023 budget proposal.
Public support is still needed. Help us demand the full $246.8 Million by urging the General Assembly to provide full funding and supporting people with disabilities and their caregivers by co-sponsoring SB4063 and HB4832! Let them know a $158 Million* deficit is not right.
It takes less than a minute to send emails to your legislators. Click the link provided to fill out a simple form that automates everything for you. Take direct action today and encourage your family and friends to do the same!
Learn how to take action today
*Includes an additional $45M of which was missing from the FY’22 budget.
– Kim Cornwell, EP!C CEO
BUY YOUR TICKETS – MARCH 24th
Buy your tickets for 11th Annual Bon Appétit event with Chef Maneet Chauhan of Food Network on March 24, 2022.
Limited seats available!
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
A time to educate communities on the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and reflect on the progress made toward improving the quality of life for them.
You can help by sharing EP!C with your connections.
Warm weather is approaching and so are outdoor volunteering opportunities!
Contact Katie Jurgens, our Development Coordinator, at kjurgens@epicci.org, 309-689-3606 to learn about our volunteer opportunities.
Sign up for a 2022 CSA Share today! Enjoy delicious produce and support EP!C
Save 50% on a Seasonal Flower Subscription if paid in full by March 17th. Refer a friend and receive $50 off a full CSA subscription or $25 off a half CSA subscription once they enroll. Offers limited to first 50 subscribers.
January Employee of the Month
Toni Shultz was nominated because “she lives the EP!C mission every day. She loves Community Living Services (CSL), she loves EP!C, she wants the best for the individuals we serve, and she strives daily to make sure they have just that. Toni is always respectful, but will fight for what’s right.”
February Employee of the Month
Shelly Mansfield has been with EP!C for 20 years and always goes the extra mile for staff and the people we serve. Her nominator said, “She is one of the best DSPs I know. She has formed a relationship with everyone in her Community Day Services room and I know I can depend on her.”
We continue to strive for excellence in how we empower people. See how we made an impact over the past year.
Take direct action today for people with disabilities and encourage your family and friends to do the same!
SB4063 and HB4832 would fully fund the Guidehouse Rate Study’s recommendations for the next fiscal year. The time is now for the state to continue to make meaningful investments in the community system and frontline workers.
Visit epicci.org/get-involved/advocate/ for more information and to conveniently send an email to Illinois Leaders.
HANGING BASKETS & SPRING FLOWERS JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER’S DAY!
Available beginning Tuesday, May 3rd.
Contact Rachel Grys-Doan at rgrysdoan@epicci.org or (309) 689-3607.
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