July 27, 2010

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives,

96^th General Assembly:

            In accordance with Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution, I hereby return House Bill 5752 with a specific recommendation for change.

            House Bill 5752 creates a Chronic Disease Nutrition and Outcomes Advisory Commission to advise the Department of Human Services on how best to incorporate nutrition as a chronic disease management strategy to improve health outcomes and avoid Medicaid hospitalizations.  Earlier this year I issued an Executive Order transferring the diabetes-related grant program; the diabetes, asthma, and pulmonary disorder educational prevention functions; and the Illinois State Diabetes Commission from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Public Health to strengthen the diabetes program’s effectiveness and maximize state resources. During this period of unprecedented financial strain, we must continue to find ways to maximize the limited state resources available to us.

            For that reason, I would like to work with the sponsors on creating the Chronic Disease Nutrition and Outcomes Advisory Commission under the auspices of the Department of Public Health. The Department of Public Health has considerable expertise in developing health strategies and educating the general public in controlling and preventing chronic disease.

            Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 5752, entitled “AN ACT concerning State government.” with the following specific recommendation for change:

on page 3, by replacing lines 13 and 14 with: “Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2011.”

            With this change, House Bill 5752 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Pat Quinn

Governor