Democratic legislators expressed their discontent over the way Illinois provides care for nursing home residents at a joint hearing of the Illinois Senate’s Public Health and Human Services Committees.

"The quality of care that residents in nursing homes receive is simply inadequate and insufficient," opened Mattie Hunter who serves as Chair of the Senate’s Human Services Committee.

Democrats heard testimony from advocates, the public, state agencies, and representatives of the nursing home industry. All agreed that it is time to work together to bring substantive change.

"Year after year, nothing has really changed," said Sen. Susan Garrett. "The time has come where rubber has to meet the road."

Participants also included Michael Gelder who serves as the coordinator of Governor Quinn’s Nursing Home Safety Taskforce. He stressed that any policy recommendations the Task Force makes will ultimately need the General Assembly’s approval. Democrats asked for the Governor’s support amidst drafting their own legislative solutions.

On September 22, Democrats gathered to hear the horror stories of neglect in Illinois nursing homes in urban areas. Witnesses provided factual evidence which brought to light a pattern of compromised care while every day citizens told anecdotal stories which painted a vivid picture of this problem. Most importantly the resounding theme expressed was that the current system of nursing home care in Illinois must be changed.

Since that time Senator Jacqueline Collins has expressed her willingness to author legislation which would put us in federal compliance by adding legislation to our state laws to prohibit racial discrimination in long-term care facilities.

"This is the type of policy solution these hearings are intend to bring forth," said Public Health Chair William Delgado. "Progressive policies which will help the executive branch oversee those who care for our loved ones."