Written by Steans Staff Friday, 11 December 2009 00:00
As an advocate for this community, Senator Steans sponsored House Joint Resolution 28 (HJR28), which develops a 7-year plan with yearly benchmarks to enhance and expand access to quality community services to those with developmental disabilities and their families. She also supported the Illinois Life Span Network, which serves as a strong web-based tool for people with disabilities and their families to more easily locate advocacy resources and information they need. "Because of the landmark Supreme Court, Olmstead decision Nuemann Family Services and the Arc of Illinois are vital for ensuring that people with developmental disabilities that want to be an active member of the community are properly prepared," Steans said. "The services, resources and quality care that these groups provide are remarkable and deserve to be strongly supported by the state. I am proud to be a supporter of such an important organization and am proud to have a role in supporting the developmental disabilities community." "It is an honor to receive this prestigious award...there is still much to be done"According to a report "The State of States in Disabilities 2008" Illinois ranks 40th nationally in fiscal effort for services for individuals with developmental disabilities and last in the nation in serving people with developmental disabilities in environments of 6 or less. During this session Senator Steans voted against a budget that was fiscally irresponsible and would harm the funds these service providers so desperately needed. She fought hard to ensure funding was available for Neumann Family Services and other entities that ensure those with developmental disabilities are getting the resources that meet their needs. Eileen Durkin, President and CEO of Neumann Family Services and a parent, said, "People with significant disabilities and their families face challenges that are almost impossible for them to describe and for others to understand. Senator Steans has recognized our struggles. She has been and continues to be our champion as we advocate to fix our broken system. I am so proud and thankful to be able to call her my State Senator." "It is an honor to receive this prestigious award and although Illinois has made great strides in ensuring that those with developmental disabilities are receiving the tools and quality care that adequately meet their needs, there is still much to be done," Steans said. "Due to the budget crisis in Illinois, it is important we fight to ensure these programs remain properly funded and as a State Senator I will continue to strongly advocate for legislation that helps lift up those with developmental disabilities."
Chicago, IL – Yesterday, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) has been recognized by Arc of Illinois and Neumann Family Services for her work on behalf of supporting advocacy groups that provide a strong voice for people with developmental disabilities in Illinois.
Senator Steans Menu
7th District
Years served: Appointed February 2008 - Present
Committee assignments: Human Services; Appropriations II; Public Health; Education (Vice-Chairperson); Environment (Vice-Chairperson); Committee of the Whole; Subcommittee on Amendments (Sub-Chairperson); Deficit Reduction; Subcomm.Medicaid &Provider Rate Ref; Subcommittee on Special Issues.
Biography: Born May 8, 1963, in Lake Forest, IL; B.A. in Urban Studies from Princeton; M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government; former budget director, WI Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations and former strategic planner, Chicago Public Schools; married (husband, Leo Smith) with three children.