AID and other organizations thank local legislators on bill's passage

The Association for Individual Development and other organizations, family, staff and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gathered to thank state Rep. Anna Moeller, state Sen. Linda Holmes, retired state Sen. Karen McConnaughay and the legislative co-sponsors for passing SB 3041.

"SB 3041 was designed to provide more resources for children and adults with developmental disabilities in their home communities," Moeller said.

"We were very pleased that both the House and Senate passed the legislation with overwhelming support," reported Senator McConnaughay.

"I was happy to be part of the bill's passage," commented Senator Holmes.

Jim Royster, an AID client and Aktion Club president (sponsored by the Elgin Noon Kiwanis) presented the awards to the legislators.

"This law will let voters decide to help people with disabilities. This is a good thing because we have so many people with developmental disabilities waiting to get help with jobs and a place to live and to join clubs like the Aktion Club. We have 1,855 waiting here in Kane County. That is why we want to say thanks," Royster said.

"SB 3041 permits local communities to provide local resources for supporting and creating local services for their residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities," commented Kim Zoeller, president and CEO of the Ray Graham Association.

"SB 3041, now the Community Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, was supported by over 300 community advocates and providers throughout Illinois who pushed for support during the fall legislative override session," said Laura Anderson of Winning Systems.

"There are over 20,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities looking for services now, and over 50,000 currently on the statewide PUNS, registered waitlist. Only 1,000 individuals are selected for services from the waitlist each year" according to Laurie Jerue, parent, Ray Graham Association, and IPADD administrator.

"SB3041 provides an opportunity for additional resources to support programs for those receiving services locally, and will help provide relief for those who will otherwise wait an average of 20 years before their name is pulled from the state waitlist. This resource is desperately needed," said Lynn O'Shea, the retiring AID president and CEO.