Re: State Income Tax Increase (Was: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death)

[Guest guest]

I hope you are right, and that some of this money will end up in services. But

I have not heard any discussion of that possibility in the papers or on the

radio--or anywhere except here.

I hope we are not fooling ourselves into thinking that services will get an

increase just because the state income tax goes up. (At this point, I'd be glad

if the state was paying agencies on time.)

This morning I heard that the State Comptroller says that after getting this tax

increase, if IL doesn't cut spending, it will still be millions (or was it

billions?) in debt when the temporary hike is lifted.

-Gail

________________________________

From: N Rubin <brian@...>

" IPADDUnite " <IPADDUnite >

Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 12:48:19 PM

Subject: RE: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

WOW, I am literally in shock with some of what I have read on the " lack of need "

for the income tax increase, and the apparent lack of understanding, maybe just

a lack of appreciation of what the Arc of Illinois has accomplished over many

decades for us families of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Some have suggested that I not respond, for fear that as an attorney in

practice, I might offend some parents/clients. But the attacks on the Arc

cannot be allowed to continue without attempting to set the record straight.

I have been an advocate now for nearly 28 years, often in Springfield lobbying

for my fellow families. Before I say anything further, let me be clear, let me

disclose, that in addition to being the parent of a 30 year old son with Autism,

I am Vice President of the Arc of Illinois. I have also served on the Board of

Clearbrook for nearly 20 years, serve on the Board of Pact (PAS Agent for DuPage

County), serve as Vice Chair of the Foundation for NWSRA, among other Boards of

Not for Profits serving the DD population. I am past chair of the Division of

Developmental Disabilities Statewide Advisory Council, am Co-Chair of the

State's Autism Task Force, serve on the 7 person DHS OIG over site Board, and

was the founding Chair of the Foundation for the Special Education District of

Lake County.

The Arc does represent families. It is in fact the " main " voice of families in

Springfield (asThe Arc of the U.S. is in D.C.). I will be glad to provide Ellen

with a history of legislation that has significantly benefited families, not

agencies, that was the direct result of the Arc of Illinois, going back decades.

The involvement of the Arc in developing and negotiating the DD budget, in

getting funding for Medicaid waiver programs, is, simply stated, significant.

As to the income tax increase, Terrie Varnet was 100% correct. More than one

national study has documented the direct correlation between the funding of DD

services and the State's income tax rate. As every major newspaper editorial

has stated, there is no way the State of Illinois can cut its way out of this

mess that has been allowed to happen over decades, borrowing again and again,

and then borrowing again to pay off the debt, under both parties. Other than

the few states with no income tax, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the

country, EVEN with the increase.

Thank you Ellen Bronfeld for the years you, yourself, served on the Arc of

Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Sherri Schneider for serving on the Arc

of Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Charlotte Cronin, for as most know,

the Family Support Network IS a subsidiary of the Arc. I suggest those not

familiar with all that the Arc of Illinois is, and does, visit

www.thearcofil.org<http://www.thearcofil.org>.

Finally, thank you Tony!

______________

Rubin*

[cid:image002.jpg@...]

___________________________________

The Law Offices of

Rubin & Associates

Law practice limited to serving the future & legal planning

needs of Illinois families of children & adults with intellectual

disabilities, developmental disabilities, & /or mental illness...

(E) brian@...<mailto:brian@...>

(W) www.SNFP.net<http://www.snfp.net/>

(O) 847-279-7999

(F) 847-279-0090

(TF) 866.TO.RUBIN

Mail: 1110 West Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089-1997

* Member by invitation of SNA, the Special Needs Alliance.

(SNA is the national non-profit association of experienced " Special

Needs Planning " Attorneys. Rubin is a member of SNA's

Board of Directors.) Click for more

information.<http://www.specialneedsalliance.org/>

* Member of the Special Needs Law Steering Committee of

NAELA,<http://www.naela.org/>

the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. <http://www.naela.org/> Click for

more information<http://www.naela.org/>

* Rubin has been awarded the dale Hubbell Peer

Review<http://martindale.com/>

Rating of AV Preeminent, the highest rating given<http://martindale.com/>. Click

for more

information<http://martindale.com/-N-Rubin/903577-lawyer.htm?view=cr>

*For more information about Rubin, please visit

www.SNFP.net<http://www.snfp.net/>.

Notices:

1. This message does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not

legal advice absent such a relationship with the recipient. This message may

contain confidential information protected by the attorney-client and/or work

product privilege. The information is only for the use of the intended

recipient. If you are not such recipient, disclosure, copying, distribution or

reliance upon this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

transmission in error, please notify The Law Offices of Rubin & Associates

by e-mail and destroy the original message and all copies.

2. IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS MESSAGE OR ANY ATTACHMENT

CONCERNS TAX MATTERS, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AND CANNOT BE USED BY A

TAXPAYER FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW.

3. Disclaimer Regarding Electronic Signature. If this communication concerns

negotiation of a contract or agreement, electronic signature rules do not apply

to this communication: contract formation in this matter shall occur only with

manually-affixed original signatures on original documents. The Signature given

hereon is not an electronic signature and is provided only for the purposes of

providing information as to the identity of the sender and for no other

purpose(s) whatsoever.

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On Behalf

Of cmfinato

Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:13 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

The only thing the tax increase is going to accomplish is give those who are

fiscally irresponsible with our money, the money to give back to pet projects

put on hold and state employees who took cuts.

As long as this state has the mentality of paying large sums per individual to

house disabled individuals in union run institutions and not pay smaller amounts

per individual to keep them home or in CILAs, then these horrible deaths will

occur.

Education is the key, not more money for the 'uneducated'.

>

> Hi all:

> I agree with Pam that a tax increase will not solve the problems at Alden. I

>don't believe Tony thinks that either. Tony's point is that we need to close

>Alden and the sooner the better. All of the Arc's messages in the past couple

of

>weeks have contained the contact info for calling in to the Capitol to support

a

>tax increase...One thing has nothing to do with the other...just happens to be

>on one memo...

> Ellen

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't think there has been any notion that DD services will get anyy more

money. The real hope is fewer agencies will be forced to shut down.

[Guest guest]

Did you hear in CA they took cell phones away from all of these government

employees that were costing millions? Sounds like a good start in CA!!!!!!

H.

Re: Re: State Income Tax Increase (Was: Arc and Alden

North Cited in Another Death)

I hope you are right, and that some of this money will end up in services. But

have not heard any discussion of that possibility in the papers or on the

adio--or anywhere except here.

hope we are not fooling ourselves into thinking that services will get an

ncrease just because the state income tax goes up. (At this point, I'd be glad

if the state was paying agencies on time.)

This morning I heard that the State Comptroller says that after getting this tax

increase, if IL doesn't cut spending, it will still be millions (or was it

illions?) in debt when the temporary hike is lifted.

Gail

_______________________________

rom: N Rubin <brian@...>

o: " IPADDUnite " <IPADDUnite >

ent: Wed, January 12, 2011 12:48:19 PM

ubject: RE: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

OW, I am literally in shock with some of what I have read on the " lack of need "

for the income tax increase, and the apparent lack of understanding, maybe just

lack of appreciation of what the Arc of Illinois has accomplished over many

ecades for us families of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Some have suggested that I not respond, for fear that as an attorney in

ractice, I might offend some parents/clients. But the attacks on the Arc

annot be allowed to continue without attempting to set the record straight.

I have been an advocate now for nearly 28 years, often in Springfield lobbying

or my fellow families. Before I say anything further, let me be clear, let me

isclose, that in addition to being the parent of a 30 year old son with Autism,

I am Vice President of the Arc of Illinois. I have also served on the Board of

learbrook for nearly 20 years, serve on the Board of Pact (PAS Agent for DuPage

County), serve as Vice Chair of the Foundation for NWSRA, among other Boards of

ot for Profits serving the DD population. I am past chair of the Division of

evelopmental Disabilities Statewide Advisory Council, am Co-Chair of the

tate's Autism Task Force, serve on the 7 person DHS OIG over site Board, and

as the founding Chair of the Foundation for the Special Education District of

ake County.

The Arc does represent families. It is in fact the " main " voice of families in

pringfield (asThe Arc of the U.S. is in D.C.). I will be glad to provide Ellen

with a history of legislation that has significantly benefited families, not

gencies, that was the direct result of the Arc of Illinois, going back decades.

The involvement of the Arc in developing and negotiating the DD budget, in

etting funding for Medicaid waiver programs, is, simply stated, significant.

As to the income tax increase, Terrie Varnet was 100% correct. More than one

ational study has documented the direct correlation between the funding of DD

ervices and the State's income tax rate. As every major newspaper editorial

as stated, there is no way the State of Illinois can cut its way out of this

ess that has been allowed to happen over decades, borrowing again and again,

nd then borrowing again to pay off the debt, under both parties. Other than

he few states with no income tax, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the

ountry, EVEN with the increase.

Thank you Ellen Bronfeld for the years you, yourself, served on the Arc of

llinois Board of Directors. Thank you Sherri Schneider for serving on the Arc

f Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Charlotte Cronin, for as most know,

he Family Support Network IS a subsidiary of the Arc. I suggest those not

amiliar with all that the Arc of Illinois is, and does, visit

ww.thearcofil.org<http://www.thearcofil.org>.

Finally, thank you Tony!

______________

rian Rubin*

[cid:image002.jpg@...]

__________________________________

he Law Offices of

rian Rubin & Associates

Law practice limited to serving the future & legal planning

eeds of Illinois families of children & adults with intellectual

isabilities, developmental disabilities, & /or mental illness...

(E) brian@...<mailto:brian@...>

W) www.SNFP.net<http://www.snfp.net/>

O) 847-279-7999

F) 847-279-0090

TF) 866.TO.RUBIN

Mail: 1110 West Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089-1997

* Member by invitation of SNA, the Special Needs Alliance.

SNA is the national non-profit association of experienced " Special

eeds Planning " Attorneys. Rubin is a member of SNA's

oard of Directors.) Click for more

nformation.<http://www.specialneedsalliance.org/>

Member of the Special Needs Law Steering Committee of

AELA,<http://www.naela.org/>

he National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. <http://www.naela.org/> Click for

ore information<http://www.naela.org/>

Rubin has been awarded the dale Hubbell Peer

eview<http://martindale.com/>

ating of AV Preeminent, the highest rating given<http://martindale.com/>. Click

for more

nformation<http://martindale.com/-N-Rubin/903577-lawyer.htm?view=cr>

For more information about Rubin, please visit

ww.SNFP.net<http://www.snfp.net/>.

Notices:

1. This message does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not

egal advice absent such a relationship with the recipient. This message may

ontain confidential information protected by the attorney-client and/or work

roduct privilege. The information is only for the use of the intended

ecipient. If you are not such recipient, disclosure, copying, distribution or

eliance upon this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

ransmission in error, please notify The Law Offices of Rubin & Associates

by e-mail and destroy the original message and all copies.

2. IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS MESSAGE OR ANY ATTACHMENT

ONCERNS TAX MATTERS, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AND CANNOT BE USED BY A

AXPAYER FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW.

3. Disclaimer Regarding Electronic Signature. If this communication concerns

egotiation of a contract or agreement, electronic signature rules do not apply

o this communication: contract formation in this matter shall occur only with

anually-affixed original signatures on original documents. The Signature given

ereon is not an electronic signature and is provided only for the purposes of

roviding information as to the identity of the sender and for no other

urpose(s) whatsoever.

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On Behalf

f cmfinato

ent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:13 PM

o: IPADDUnite

ubject: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

The only thing the tax increase is going to accomplish is give those who are

iscally irresponsible with our money, the money to give back to pet projects

ut on hold and state employees who took cuts.

As long as this state has the mentality of paying large sums per individual to

ouse disabled individuals in union run institutions and not pay smaller amounts

per individual to keep them home or in CILAs, then these horrible deaths will

ccur.

Education is the key, not more money for the 'uneducated'.

Hi all:

I agree with Pam that a tax increase will not solve the problems at Alden. I

don't believe Tony thinks that either. Tony's point is that we need to close

Alden and the sooner the better. All of the Arc's messages in the past couple

f

weeks have contained the contact info for calling in to the Capitol to support

tax increase...One thing has nothing to do with the other...just happens to be

on one memo...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

[Guest guest]

I agree that the current temp tax increase will not result in new services but

will staunch the flow of more cuts to existing services.  In order for the 5%

tax to make a difference - over time - it would have to be a permanent

increase.  A mere 4 years is not going to produce sufficient resources to

expand

service delivery systems. 

As Charlotte indicated in her email 'who wants to pay more taxes?' - not on

most

folks' wish list of things to do.  However taxes of at least 5.5% is what is

needed to run a state the size of IL.  Braddock's writings prove that when you

drop below that amount, you develop crisis situations. 

Adding to the problem is no one trusts our politicians with the extra money to

be sure money goes towards worthy causes vs. pet projects and powerful special

interest groups.  We need to make ourselves into a loud and powerful special

interest group in order to be heard!  Terrie Varnet

 

________________________________

From: G Mrozak <mrsovaltine@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 12:17:20 PM

Subject: Re: Re: State Income Tax Increase (Was: Arc and Alden

North Cited in Another Death)

 

I hope you are right, and that some of this money will end up in services. But

I have not heard any discussion of that possibility in the papers or on the

radio--or anywhere except here.

I hope we are not fooling ourselves into thinking that services will get an

increase just because the state income tax goes up. (At this point, I'd be glad

if the state was paying agencies on time.)

This morning I heard that the State Comptroller says that after getting this tax

increase, if IL doesn't cut spending, it will still be millions (or was it

billions?) in debt when the temporary hike is lifted.

-Gail

________________________________

From: N Rubin <brian@...>

" IPADDUnite " <IPADDUnite >

Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 12:48:19 PM

Subject: RE: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

WOW, I am literally in shock with some of what I have read on the " lack of need "

for the income tax increase, and the apparent lack of understanding, maybe just

a lack of appreciation of what the Arc of Illinois has accomplished over many

decades for us families of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Some have suggested that I not respond, for fear that as an attorney in

practice, I might offend some parents/clients. But the attacks on the Arc

cannot be allowed to continue without attempting to set the record straight.

I have been an advocate now for nearly 28 years, often in Springfield lobbying

for my fellow families. Before I say anything further, let me be clear, let me

disclose, that in addition to being the parent of a 30 year old son with Autism,

I am Vice President of the Arc of Illinois. I have also served on the Board of

Clearbrook for nearly 20 years, serve on the Board of Pact (PAS Agent for DuPage

County), serve as Vice Chair of the Foundation for NWSRA, among other Boards of

Not for Profits serving the DD population. I am past chair of the Division of

Developmental Disabilities Statewide Advisory Council, am Co-Chair of the

State's Autism Task Force, serve on the 7 person DHS OIG over site Board, and

was the founding Chair of the Foundation for the Special Education District of

Lake County.

The Arc does represent families. It is in fact the " main " voice of families in

Springfield (asThe Arc of the U.S. is in D.C.). I will be glad to provide Ellen

with a history of legislation that has significantly benefited families, not

agencies, that was the direct result of the Arc of Illinois, going back decades.

The involvement of the Arc in developing and negotiating the DD budget, in

getting funding for Medicaid waiver programs, is, simply stated, significant.

As to the income tax increase, Terrie Varnet was 100% correct. More than one

national study has documented the direct correlation between the funding of DD

services and the State's income tax rate. As every major newspaper editorial

has stated, there is no way the State of Illinois can cut its way out of this

mess that has been allowed to happen over decades, borrowing again and again,

and then borrowing again to pay off the debt, under both parties. Other than

the few states with no income tax, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the

country, EVEN with the increase.

Thank you Ellen Bronfeld for the years you, yourself, served on the Arc of

Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Sherri Schneider for serving on the Arc

of Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Charlotte Cronin, for as most know,

the Family Support Network IS a subsidiary of the Arc. I suggest those not

familiar with all that the Arc of Illinois is, and does, visit

www.thearcofil.org<http://www.thearcofil.org>.

Finally, thank you Tony!

______________

Rubin*

[cid:image002.jpg@...]

___________________________________

The Law Offices of

Rubin & Associates

Law practice limited to serving the future & legal planning

needs of Illinois families of children & adults with intellectual

disabilities, developmental disabilities, & /or mental illness...

(E) brian@...<mailto:brian@...>

(W) www.SNFP.net<http://www.snfp.net/>

(O) 847-279-7999

(F) 847-279-0090

(TF) 866.TO.RUBIN

Mail: 1110 West Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089-1997

* Member by invitation of SNA, the Special Needs Alliance.

(SNA is the national non-profit association of experienced " Special

Needs Planning " Attorneys. Rubin is a member of SNA's

Board of Directors.) Click for more

information.<http://www.specialneedsalliance.org/>

* Member of the Special Needs Law Steering Committee of

NAELA,<http://www.naela.org/>

the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. <http://www.naela.org/> Click for

more information<http://www.naela.org/>

* Rubin has been awarded the dale Hubbell Peer

Review<http://martindale.com/>

Rating of AV Preeminent, the highest rating given<http://martindale.com/>. Click

for more

information<http://martindale.com/-N-Rubin/903577-lawyer.htm?view=cr>

*For more information about Rubin, please visit

www.SNFP.net<http://www.snfp.net/>.

Notices:

1. This message does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not

legal advice absent such a relationship with the recipient. This message may

contain confidential information protected by the attorney-client and/or work

product privilege. The information is only for the use of the intended

recipient. If you are not such recipient, disclosure, copying, distribution or

reliance upon this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this

transmission in error, please notify The Law Offices of Rubin & Associates

by e-mail and destroy the original message and all copies.

2. IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS MESSAGE OR ANY ATTACHMENT

CONCERNS TAX MATTERS, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AND CANNOT BE USED BY A

TAXPAYER FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW.

3. Disclaimer Regarding Electronic Signature. If this communication concerns

negotiation of a contract or agreement, electronic signature rules do not apply

to this communication: contract formation in this matter shall occur only with

manually-affixed original signatures on original documents. The Signature given

hereon is not an electronic signature and is provided only for the purposes of

providing information as to the identity of the sender and for no other

purpose(s) whatsoever.

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On Behalf

Of cmfinato

Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:13 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

The only thing the tax increase is going to accomplish is give those who are

fiscally irresponsible with our money, the money to give back to pet projects

put on hold and state employees who took cuts.

As long as this state has the mentality of paying large sums per individual to

house disabled individuals in union run institutions and not pay smaller amounts

per individual to keep them home or in CILAs, then these horrible deaths will

occur.

Education is the key, not more money for the 'uneducated'.

>

> Hi all:

> I agree with Pam that a tax increase will not solve the problems at Alden. I

>don't believe Tony thinks that either. Tony's point is that we need to close

>Alden and the sooner the better. All of the Arc's messages in the past couple

of

>

>weeks have contained the contact info for calling in to the Capitol to support

a

>

>tax increase...One thing has nothing to do with the other...just happens to be

>on one memo...

> Ellen

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Terrie,

I have been reading all the posts on this subject and I am still not convinced,

despite the Braddock's writings, we need this punitive tax increase.

If we were not paying a gazillion other taxes in Illinois, I think I could agree

to paying a little more in income taxes. However, Cook County's sale tax is the

highest in the nation. Our property taxes are through the roof even though all

of our home prices have gone in the gutter. Have you gone to buy gas? We pay

more energy taxes than most other states. Heaven help you if you smoke or want

to purchase a bottle of wine. Our sin taxes take all the fun out of sins these

days. I could go on and on. We are paying taxes on everything, some are just

hidden while others are obvious. And our businesses will now have the great

pleasure of doing business in a state where they will have to pay the highest

taxes of any place in the industrial world....this according to our state

comptroller.

The sad truth is that usually these kinds of punitive tax increases rarely raise

the revenue projected. I personally know of several families who have moved out

of Illinois even before this tax increase because of our high cost of living.

Few of us can move now...we can't sell our houses. However, people will reach

a breaking point and leave. Businesses will move and instead of expanding in

Illinois will build new plants somewhere else. If they have to pay more taxes

they will not hire. Families will have less disposable income to spend in this

already fragile economy. Look at what happened in New York. Their

millionaire's tax did not result in added revenues...just a whole lot of

millionaires moving to other states. The unintended consequences are endless.

I really don't see how any of this will help our children and loved ones with

disabilities. It will just make all of us have less money to help care for

those with disabilities in our own homes.

Okay, my rant is done. I will now vow to never read another book with

" Freakonomics " in the title again. I promise.

Carmel

________________________________

From: Theresa Varnet <tvarnet@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 3:18:47 PM

Subject: Re: Re: State Income Tax Increase (Was: Arc and Alden

North Cited in Another Death)

I agree that the current temp tax increase will not result in new services but

will staunch the flow of more cuts to existing services. In order for the 5%

tax to make a difference - over time - it would have to be a permanent

increase. A mere 4 years is not going to produce sufficient resources to expand

service delivery systems.

As Charlotte indicated in her email 'who wants to pay more taxes?' - not on most

folks' wish list of things to do. However taxes of at least 5.5% is what is

needed to run a state the size of IL. Braddock's writings prove that when you

drop below that amount, you develop crisis situations.

Adding to the problem is no one trusts our politicians with the extra money to

be sure money goes towards worthy causes vs. pet projects and powerful special

interest groups. We need to make ourselves into a loud and powerful special

interest group in order to be heard! Terrie Varnet

________________________________

From: G Mrozak <mrsovaltine@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 12:17:20 PM

Subject: Re: Re: State Income Tax Increase (Was: Arc and Alden

North Cited in Another Death)

I hope you are right, and that some of this money will end up in services. But

I have not heard any discussion of that possibility in the papers or on the

radio--or anywhere except here.

I hope we are not fooling ourselves into thinking that services will get an

increase just because the state income tax goes up. (At this point, I'd be glad

if the state was paying agencies on time.)

This morning I heard that the State Comptroller says that after getting this tax

increase, if IL doesn't cut spending, it will still be millions (or was it

billions?) in debt when the temporary hike is lifted.

-Gail

________________________________

From: N Rubin <brian@...>

" IPADDUnite " <IPADDUnite >

Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 12:48:19 PM

Subject: RE: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

WOW, I am literally in shock with some of what I have read on the " lack of need "

for the income tax increase, and the apparent lack of understanding, maybe just

a lack of appreciation of what the Arc of Illinois has accomplished over many

decades for us families of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Some have suggested that I not respond, for fear that as an attorney in

practice, I might offend some parents/clients. But the attacks on the Arc

cannot be allowed to continue without attempting to set the record straight.

I have been an advocate now for nearly 28 years, often in Springfield lobbying

for my fellow families. Before I say anything further, let me be clear, let me

disclose, that in addition to being the parent of a 30 year old son with Autism,

I am Vice President of the Arc of Illinois. I have also served on the Board of

Clearbrook for nearly 20 years, serve on the Board of Pact (PAS Agent for DuPage

County), serve as Vice Chair of the Foundation for NWSRA, among other Boards of

Not for Profits serving the DD population. I am past chair of the Division of

Developmental Disabilities Statewide Advisory Council, am Co-Chair of the

State's Autism Task Force, serve on the 7 person DHS OIG over site Board, and

was the founding Chair of the Foundation for the Special Education District of

Lake County.

The Arc does represent families. It is in fact the " main " voice of families in

Springfield (asThe Arc of the U.S. is in D.C.). I will be glad to provide Ellen

with a history of legislation that has significantly benefited families, not

agencies, that was the direct result of the Arc of Illinois, going back decades.

The involvement of the Arc in developing and negotiating the DD budget, in

getting funding for Medicaid waiver programs, is, simply stated, significant.

As to the income tax increase, Terrie Varnet was 100% correct. More than one

national study has documented the direct correlation between the funding of DD

services and the State's income tax rate. As every major newspaper editorial

has stated, there is no way the State of Illinois can cut its way out of this

mess that has been allowed to happen over decades, borrowing again and again,

and then borrowing again to pay off the debt, under both parties. Other than

the few states with no income tax, we have one of the lowest tax rates in the

country, EVEN with the increase.

Thank you Ellen Bronfeld for the years you, yourself, served on the Arc of

Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Sherri Schneider for serving on the Arc

of Illinois Board of Directors. Thank you Charlotte Cronin, for as most know,

the Family Support Network IS a subsidiary of the Arc. I suggest those not

familiar with all that the Arc of Illinois is, and does, visit

www.thearcofil.orghttp://www.thearcofil.org>.

Finally, thank you Tony!

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Rubin*

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From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On Behalf

Of cmfinato

Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:13 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Fw: Arc and Alden North Cited in Another Death

The only thing the tax increase is going to accomplish is give those who are

fiscally irresponsible with our money, the money to give back to pet projects

put on hold and state employees who took cuts.

As long as this state has the mentality of paying large sums per individual to

house disabled individuals in union run institutions and not pay smaller amounts

per individual to keep them home or in CILAs, then these horrible deaths will

occur.

Education is the key, not more money for the 'uneducated'.

>

> Hi all:

> I agree with Pam that a tax increase will not solve the problems at Alden. I

>don't believe Tony thinks that either. Tony's point is that we need to close

>Alden and the sooner the better. All of the Arc's messages in the past couple

of

>

>

>weeks have contained the contact info for calling in to the Capitol to support

a

>

>

>tax increase...One thing has nothing to do with the other...just happens to be

>on one memo...

> Ellen

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to for really spelling things out.

Just because each individual family does not see whatever difference they feel

they should be seeing at this time, doesn't mean that others are not benefiting.

I as well, was pretty taken back last week when someone referred to assistace

money/ services (quite frankly of ANY kind), as a " hand out " . When my paycheck

is several thousand a month less than my gross earnings, me getting something

back in the way of any services or funding, IS NO HANDOUT!

I tried to be as diplomatic as I could, to try to be nice, and explain, that

others persons with a disability, may be what some might refer to as " lower

functioning " in vocational (or personal maintainance ability). And God, I hate

even saying those words Lower functioning, because it makes some people go

crazy- however, I have the right to refer to my own child however I want to, and

I say he is lower functioning. Not incapable, or stupid, just having less

independent skills at the current time. MY son needs services and funding, and

hey even IF, it WERE a " hand out " , then that is what I want and need, for MY

child. That costs lots of money.

n Maybe there has been no exact explanations of where the additional tax moneys

are going or whatever, or maybe there has been and I am preoccupied with other

stuff and wasn't listening close enough. However, it's just like over spending

on your credit card, you can cut back all you want, however the debt remains,

and it's simple math that at some point the person gets either a second job or a

higher paying job, thus taking in more money, or you start losing the house, the

car, etc.

Personally, I am not willing to RISK LOSING MY SERVICES Over $1000, or even

$2000 a year. I surely receive more than that, in benefits, with just 1 medicaid

waiver program. And even if I dont have all the services at the current time

that I want and need, my fellow listmates do get some funding too,and I would

pay more taxes just for that.

The risks of the whole thing collapsing are much greater without the tax hike.

And we all have choices too, we can move, if we don't like where we are living.

Maybe that's not fair, but hey life is never fair, we all here know that. I for

one at this time will stay and pay more.

I am not on state committees or any service agency board, because at this time I

am unable to do so. So I have faith in the information that comes from those

here who ARE in these positions, who surely know way more about it than I do,

and they supported the tax hike.

Diane S.

> >

> > Hi all:

> > I agree with Pam that a tax increase will not solve the problems at Alden. I

> >don't believe Tony thinks that either. Tony's point is that we need to close

> >Alden and the sooner the better. All of the Arc's messages in the past couple

of

> >weeks have contained the contact info for calling in to the Capitol to

support a

> >tax increase...One thing has nothing to do with the other...just happens to

be

> >on one memo...

> > Ellen

> > Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> > egskb@

> >

> >