HR0293 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0293 LRB096 12423 DRJ 25360 r

HOUSE 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; and

WHEREAS, On March 11, 2009, the President signed into law the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations bill which packages nine appropriation bills postponed from the last Congress to fund most federal agencies for this current fiscal year (FY09); the bill includes $2.5 million for Lifespan Respite for this fiscal year; (funds must be obligated before September 30, 2009; and funds could be made available to states through a competitive grant process as soon as late spring or early summer); and

WHEREAS, Illinois may not be one of the eligible states, since Illinois is not prepared to apply for funding according to that Act; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, 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.