HJ0043 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0043 LRB095 11715 DRJ 34378 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, As our State's seniors live longer lives, Illinois faces a major challenge in addressing long-term healthcare needs; and

WHEREAS, Eighty-six percent of people age 85 and older have at least one chronic condition which can cause pain, disability, and loss of functioning; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 48 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from chronic pain; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 18 million children in the United States have developmental, physical, and/or behavioral disabilities that require significant home care; and

WHEREAS, Family caregivers provide 80 percent of long-term care in the United States, a level of care valued at $306 billion a year, more than what is spent on nursing home and paid home care combined; and

WHEREAS, 29 million Americans provide home respite care to family members of all ages; and

WHEREAS, The Comprehensive Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 was passed by both chambers of the United States Congress and subsequently signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 21, 2006; and

WHEREAS, The Comprehensive Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 authorizes $289 million to be provided to the states for the purpose of developing lifespan respite care at the state and local level, providing respite care services for family caregivers caring for children and adults, recruiting and training respite care volunteers and workers, providing information to respite caregivers about available respite or support services, and assisting caregivers in gaining access to such services; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the appropriate State agencies should take the necessary steps to secure federal funds available under the Comprehensive Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 for respite care development and implementation as soon as such funds are appropriated by the Congress and made available; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Governor.