Joliet - State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) has decided that he will
no longer participate in the Legislative Tuition Waiver Program.
"For the past several months, I have been debating whether to continue
awarding legislative scholarships to college-bound students who live in
the 43rd District," Wilhelmi said. "In the end, I decided that the
problems with the program outweigh its benefits."
The Legislative Tuition Waiver Program allows each member of the General
Assembly to send residents of their districts to Illinois' public
universities. Legislators can award eight one-year waivers, four
two-year waivers, or two four-year waivers each year. Although often
referred to as a scholarship program, in reality, the state universities
receive no extra funding to cover the cost of students who receive
tuition waivers.
"I'm frustrated that our attempts to reform this program have failed,
and I'm concerned about removing critically important funds from our
public universities," Wilhelmi explained. "Though I regret taking this
opportunity away from the children who live in this district, I think it
makes the most financial sense for the State to use its resources on
financial aid programs that can't be abused. I also think the whole
issue has become so politicized that people have lost sight of the
program's original purpose-to help young people afford a college
education."
"Our economic situation has changed," Wilhelmi continued. "Many state
universities are struggling with funding issues, despite the fact that
families are coping with ever-higher tuition rates. It's hard to
reconcile providing free rides to some when it's the universities and
ultimately other students who have to pick up the tab."
In recent years, investigative reporters have uncovered evidence that
the program has been repeatedly abused. The General Assembly has sent
several bills to the governor attempting to prevent these abuses, but
the governor has repeatedly vetoed the bills, saying he prefers to
abolish the program entirely.
"I do believe that the tuition waiver program has merit for young adults
who simply cannot afford college," the senator said. "It also serves as
a vehicle to ensure that state-sponsored college tuition assistance
reaches every corner of Illinois. But in the end, I feel a more
comprehensive approach to college tuition assistance, such as the
Monetary Award Program, is the best way to accomplish that worthy goal
while also ensuring recipients demonstrate financial need."
Showing posts with label aj wilhelmi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aj wilhelmi. Show all posts
Monday, January 9, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Illinois General Assembly Passes Senate Bill 2412, will keep Tinley Park Mental Health Center Open this fiscal year
Springfield - During the final day of their 2011 fall veto session, the
General Assembly voted to partially restore funding to a number of
programs, including mental health grants, alcoholism and
substance abuse programs, and more. In order to pay for these
restorations, they sustained the governor's vetoes and lowered funding
in other areas, keeping all budget changes cost-neutral.
"Like any household working on its budget, we sometimes have to reassess
our priorities," explained State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet). "When
we went back and looked at the budget we passed last spring, we decided
that we needed to increase spending in some areas and reduce spending in
others. Our improved budget reflects important priorities, like care
for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled."
The restored funding will prevent the closure of several state
facilities that serve developmentally disabled individuals and the
mentally ill during the current fiscal year. It also partially restores
mental health grants that go to local healthcare facilities, alcohol and
substance abuse prevention grants, burial services for the homeless and
very poor, homelessness prevention programs, Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome education and prevention programs, and need-based college
financial aid.
"We need to act carefully when it comes to closing state facilities,"
Wilhelmi said. "They serve vulnerable populations who need continued
care. I know that many Illinois families will rest easier knowing that
their families will continue to have high quality care. Closing
facilities should not happen without a plan to relocate the people they
serve to other quality care facilities and programs."
Senate Bill 2412 has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and
now goes to the governor.
Here is the text of Senate Bill 2412:
SB2412 Engrossed OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
AN ACT concerning appropriations.
1
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented
2
in the General Assembly:
3
ARTICLE 1
4
Section 5. The following named amounts, or so much
5
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, for the objects
6
and purposes hereinafter named, are appropriated to the
7
Department of Children and Family Services:
8
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
9
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
10
For Personal Services ............................12,001,400
11
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
12
For State Contributions to
13
Social Security ....................................918,100
14
For Contractual Services ..........................2,301,800
15
For Travel ..........................................167,800
16
For Commodities .......................................6,500
17
For Printing ..........................................1,400
18
For Equipment .........................................9,500
19
For Telecommunications ..............................219,700
20
For Attorney General Representation
21
on Child Welfare Litigation Issues .................744,100
22
SB2412 Engrossed -2- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
Total $17,244,800
1
PAYABLE FROM DCFS SPECIAL PURPOSES TRUST FUND
2
For Expenditures of Private Funds
3
for Child Welfare Improvements .....................689,100
4
Total $689,100
5
Section 10. The following named amounts, or so much
6
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
7
to the Department of Children and Family Services:
8
INSPECTOR GENERAL
9
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
10
For Personal Services .............................1,345,600
11
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
12
For State Contributions to
13
Social Security ....................................103,000
14
For Contractual Services ............................591,500
15
For Travel ...........................................12,700
16
For Commodities .......................................4,800
17
For Printing ............................................190
18
For Equipment ...........................................950
19
For Telecommunications
20
Services ............................................42,800
21
Total $2,225,400
22
Section 15. The following named amounts, or so much
23
SB2412 Engrossed -3- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, for the objects
1
and purposes hereinafter named, are appropriated to the
2
Department of Children and Family Services:
3
ADMINISTRATIVE CASE REVIEW
4
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
5
For Personal Services .............................5,892,500
6
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
7
For State Contributions to
8
Social Security ....................................450,800
9
For Contractual Services .............................21,400
10
For Travel ..........................................117,000
11
For Commodities .........................................950
12
For Printing ............................................190
13
For Equipment .........................................2,900
14
For Telecommunications Services ......................13,300
15
Total $6,841,500
16
Section 20. The following named amounts, or so much
17
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, for the objects
18
and purposes hereinafter named, are appropriated to the
19
Department of Children and Family Services:
20
OFFICE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE
21
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
22
For Personal Services .............................3,455,200
23
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
24
SB2412 Engrossed -4- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For State Contributions to
1
Social Security ....................................246,300
2
For Contractual Services ............................227,900
3
For Travel ..........................................180,900
4
For Commodities .......................................7,600
5
For Printing ..........................................3,200
6
For Equipment .........................................2,900
7
For Telecommunications ...............................20,000
8
For Child Death Review Teams ........................120,000
9
Total $4,506,000
10
Section 25. The following named amounts, or so much
11
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
12
to the Department of Children and Family Services:
13
CHILD WELFARE
14
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
15
For Personal Services ............................48,037,100
16
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
17
For State Contributions to
18
Social Security ..................................3,674,900
19
For Contractual Services ..........................2,134,700
20
For Travel ........................................4,332,600
21
For Commodities .....................................289,600
22
For Printing ........................................200,000
23
For Equipment ........................................39,900
24
SB2412 Engrossed -5- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For Telecommunications Services ...................3,156,900
1
For Targeted Case Management ......................9,907,700
2
Total $75,077,700
3
PAYABLE FROM DCFS CHILDREN’S SERVICES FUND
4
For Independent Living Initiative ................10,300,000
5
PAYABLE FROM C&FS FEDERAL PROJECTS FUND
6
For Federal Child Welfare Projects ..................780,900
7
Section 30. The following named amounts, or so much
8
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
9
to the Department of Children and Family Services:
10
CHILD PROTECTION
11
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
12
For Personal Services ............................91,518,400
13
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
14
For State Contributions to
15
Social Security ..................................7,001,100
16
For Contractual Services ............................203,700
17
For Travel ........................................1,635,300
18
For Commodities .......................................4,600
19
For Printing ..........................................1,900
20
For Equipment ........................................21,400
21
For Telecommunications Services .....................469,700
22
Total $106,168,900
23
PAYABLE FROM C&FS FEDERAL PROJECTS FUND
24
SB2412 Engrossed -6- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For Federal Child Protection Projects .............6,941,600
1
Total $6,941,600
2
Section 35. The following named amounts, or so much
3
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
4
to the Department of Children and Family Services:
5
BUDGET AND FINANCE
6
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
7
For Personal Services ............................12,418,500
8
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
9
For State Contributions to
10
Social Security ....................................950,000
11
For Contractual Services .........................21,062,500
12
For Travel ..........................................118,100
13
For Commodities .....................................140,200
14
For Printing ........................................266,000
15
For Equipment .........................................6,200
16
For Electronic Data Processing ....................3,215,800
17
For Telecommunications Services ...................1,171,400
18
For Operation of Automotive Equipment ................66,500
19
For Refunds ...........................................5,500
20
For Cook County Referral
21
Support System .....................................247,200
22
Total $42,219,300
23
PAYABLE FROM DCFS CHILDREN'S SERVICES FUND
24
SB2412 Engrossed -7- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For all expenditures related to the
1
collection and distribution of Title
2
IV-E reimbursements for counties included
3
in the Title IV-E Juvenile Justice Program .......5,000,000
4
For Title IV-E Reimbursement
5
Enhancement ......................................4,228,800
6
For SSI Reimbursement .............................1,513,300
7
For AFCARS/SACWIS Information
8
System ..........................................22,370,400
9
Total $33,112,500
10
Section 45. The following named amounts, or so much
11
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
12
to the Department of Children and Family Services:
13
CLINICAL SERVICES
14
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
15
For Personal Services .............................7,290,200
16
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
17
For State Contributions to
18
Social Security ....................................557,700
19
For Contractual Services ............................171,600
20
For Travel ..........................................111,700
21
For Commodities .......................................1,700
22
For Printing ............................................380
23
For Equipment .........................................1,900
24
SB2412 Engrossed -8- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For Telecommunications Services ......................55,500
1
Total $8,625,700
2
OFFICE OF THE GUARDIAN
3
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
4
For Personal Services .............................4,692,600
5
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
6
For State Contributions to
7
Social Security ....................................359,000
8
For Contractual Services ............................387,300
9
For Travel ...........................................53,200
10
For Commodities .......................................4,800
11
For Printing ............................................475
12
For Equipment .........................................1,900
13
For Telecommunications ...............................99,800
14
Total $5,902,500
15
PURCHASE OF SERVICE MONITORING
16
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
17
For Personal Services ............................29,770,500
18
For Retirement Contributions ..............................0
19
For State Contributions to
20
Social Security ..................................2,277,400
21
For Contractual Services ..........................1,674,000
22
For Travel ...........................................53,200
23
For Commodities .......................................5,500
24
For Printing ..........................................1,200
25
SB2412 Engrossed -9- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For Equipment .........................................5,700
1
For Telecommunications ..............................116,600
2
Total $35,726,500
3
Section 50. The following named amounts, or so much
4
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, for payments for
5
care of children served by the Department of Children and
6
Family Services:
7
GRANTS-IN-AID
8
REGIONAL OFFICES
9
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
10
For Foster Homes and Specialized
11
Foster Care and Prevention .....................184,504,400
12
For Counseling and Auxiliary Services ............12,128,500
13
For Institution and Group Home Care and
14
Prevention .....................................151,206,600
15
For Services Associated with the Foster
16
Care Initiative ..................................6,812,200
17
For Purchase of Adoption and
18
Guardianship Services ..........................137,867,600
19
For Health Care Network ...........................1,788,700
20
For Cash Assistance and Housing
21
Locator Service to Families in the
22
Class Defined in the Norman Consent Order ........1,432,000
23
For Youth in Transition Program .....................966,400
24
SB2412 Engrossed -10- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
For MCO Technical Assistance and
1
Program Development ..............................1,600,500
2
For Pre Admission/Post Discharge
3
Psychiatric Screening ............................3,200,200
4
For Assisting in the Development
5
of Children's Advocacy Centers ...................2,069,500
6
For Psychological Assessments
7
including Operations and
8
Administrative Expenses ..........................3,273,600
9
For Family Preservation Services ..................1,709,500
10
For Homeless Youth Services .......................3,259,800
11
Total $511,819,500
12
PAYABLE FROM DCFS CHILDREN'S SERVICES FUND
13
For Foster Homes and Specialized
14
Foster Care and Prevention .....................145,913,100
15
For Cash Assistance and Housing Locator
16
Services to Families in the
17
Class Defined in the Norman
18
Consent Order ....................................2,071,300
19
For Counseling and Auxiliary Services ............12,047,200
20
For Institution and Group Home Care and
21
Prevention ......................................96,346,000
22
For Assisting in the development
23
of Children's Advocacy Centers ...................1,398,200
24
For Children's Personal and
25
SB2412 Engrossed -11- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
Physical Maintenance .............................2,856,100
1
For Services Associated with the Foster
2
Care Initiative ..................................1,477,100
3
For Purchase of Adoption and
4
Guardianship Services ...........................78,732,400
5
For Family Preservation Services .................19,326,700
6
For Purchase of Children's Services ...............1,314,600
7
For Family Centered Services Initiative ..........16,489,700
8
Total $377,972,400
9
Section 55. The following named amounts, or so much
10
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, for the objects
11
and purposes hereinafter named, are appropriated to the
12
Department of Children and Family Services:
13
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
14
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
15
For Department Scholarship Program ..................817,700
16
Section 60. The following named amounts, or so much
17
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
18
to the Department of Children and Family Services for:
19
CHILD WELFARE
20
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
21
For Reimbursing Counties ............................338,500
22
SB2412 Engrossed -12- OMB097 00012 SDT 40012 b
Section 65. The following named amounts, or so much
1
thereof as may be necessary, respectively, are appropriated
2
to the Department of Children and Family Services for:
3
GRANTS-IN-AID
4
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5
PAYABLE FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
6
For Tort Claims .....................................164,900
7
PAYABLE FROM CHILDREN’S SERVICES FUND
8
For Tort Claims ...................................2,800,000
9
CHILD PROTECTION
10
PAYABLE FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE FUND
11
For Protective/Family Maintenance
12
Day Care ........................................25,928,500
13
PAYABLE FROM THE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION FUND
14
For Child Abuse Prevention ..........................500,000
15
CLINICAL SERVICES
16
PAYABLE FROM THE DCFS CHILDREN’S SERVICES FUND
17
For Foster Care and Adoption Care Training .......14,608,500
18
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1,
19
2011.
20
Saturday, October 15, 2011
State Senator AJ Wilhelmi Hosts Umemployment Workshop for Local Businesses
JOLIET - On September 28, 2011 State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) hosted a workshop on unemployment insurance and the services offered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) at Joliet Junior College. "I am committed to working with local business leaders to improve our state's business climate and help them create good-paying jobs," Wilhelmi said. "Unemployment insurance is an important partnership between businesses, the State, and workers. The purpose of this workshop is to help employers learn the ins and outs of the unemployment system." More than 40 business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs attended the workshop, where a representative from IDES answered questions and explained some of the services the department offers to Illinois companies. He explained how businesses can file unemployment insurance complaints, detailed various state incentives for hiring new workers, shared Illinois labor market information, and demonstrated the Illinois Skills Match Exchange System, an online tool that helps employers find workers with the skills they need. "The Department of Employment Security does more than just manage the unemployment insurance system," Wilhelmi explained. "It works with job creators and other state agencies to make sure state government is helping our economy grow and producing jobs. It is important for local businesses to be aware of the tools the State of Illinois has developed to help them succeed." Wilhelmi emphasized that he wants to work with local businesses to improve the Will County economy and strengthen Illinois' place in the global economy. "I encourage any business owner or manager who has a question or concern about state rules and regulations to contact my office," he added. "I also welcome ideas about how state government can help develop our local and state economy. My door is always open." |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
State Senator AJ Wilhelmi to celebrate Will Grundy Big Brother Big Sisters New Sign
State Senator AJ Wilhelmi will flip the switch to light up Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy's new electric, full-color, double-sided sign.
The sign lighting ceremony will take place Monday, June 27th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 417 Taylor Street in Joliet (near the University of St. Francis on Route 30).
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, the sign will assist the organization in reaching out to more children, recruiting more volunteers, thanking generous sponsors, and publicizing fundraising events.
The sign lighting ceremony will take place Monday, June 27th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 417 Taylor Street in Joliet (near the University of St. Francis on Route 30).
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, the sign will assist the organization in reaching out to more children, recruiting more volunteers, thanking generous sponsors, and publicizing fundraising events.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Illinois 43rd State Senate Election Results: AJ Wilhelmi defeats Cedra Crenshaw 37,876 to 24,276
Incumbent Democratic State Senator AJ Wilhelmi defeated Republican challenger Cedra Crenshaw 37,876 to 24,276.
Here is a map from the Will County Clerk which shows which precincts went for each candidate. Blue of course represents precincts that went for Wilhelmi and red represents precincts that went for Crenshaw:
The Will County Clerk's office also has a page where you can see how many people voted for each candidate by precinct.
Loading Map ...
Here is a map from the Will County Clerk which shows which precincts went for each candidate. Blue of course represents precincts that went for Wilhelmi and red represents precincts that went for Crenshaw:
Loading Map ...Thursday, October 14, 2010
Cedra Crenshaw publishes her tax return on her website
As she mentioned during her debate with State Senator AJ Wilhelmi, Cedra Crenshaw has published her 2008 and 2009 tax returns on her website.
Crenshaw has continuously touted her fiscally conservative values throughout the campaign, and she said posting her tax returns was a matter of openness and transparency.
Crenshaw has continuously touted her fiscally conservative values throughout the campaign, and she said posting her tax returns was a matter of openness and transparency.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Cedra Crenshaw and AJ Wilhelmi debate on WJOL
Democratic State Senator AJ Wilhelmi and his Republican challenger Cedra Crenshaw went head to head on WJOL. The debate got heated as Crenshaw accused Wilhelmi of "pay to play" politics while Wilhelmi questioned how Crenshaw planned to cut state programs when 90% of state spending goes to health, education, and social service programs that depend on state money to serve children and families.
Wilhelmi and Crenshaw are battling it out for the 43rd State Senate Seat. The 43rd District includes many Will County Townships, such as: Manhattan Township, Jackson Township, Joliet Township, Troy Township, and DuPage Township.
Map of the 43rd Illinois State Senate District, from http://www.ajwilhelmi.com/
Listen to the entire conversation at WJOL.
Wilhelmi and Crenshaw are battling it out for the 43rd State Senate Seat. The 43rd District includes many Will County Townships, such as: Manhattan Township, Jackson Township, Joliet Township, Troy Township, and DuPage Township.
Map of the 43rd Illinois State Senate District, from http://www.ajwilhelmi.com/
Listen to the entire conversation at WJOL.
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