Rep. Coulson spoke about the shortage of therapists in Illinois and across the nation, the federal therapy cap for Medicare coverage and national health care reform.

“Our members provide services to patients in nursing homes so they are particularly interested in long-term care issues,” said Alan Peterson, NASL Director of Government Relations. “Rep. Coulson’s appearance has our large therapy community very excited.”

A consistent advocate for health care professionals, Rep. Coulson has supported and sponsored a wide array of landmark legislation to improve the health care industry.

This year, she supported successful legislation which further expands the number of nurses who qualify for prescriptive authority; implements hospital strategies regarding the safe handling of patients; ensures Medicaid coverage for psychiatric services; and implements a regional plan to ensure hospitals can properly treat stroke victims.

“It was an honor to be part of national Association for Support of Longterm Care’s annual meeting. I certainly commend these bright individuals who have committed their professional lives to improving the long-term health care industry. As part of the baby-boomer generation, I share their commitment to ensuring that older adults have access to cost-effective long-term quality care,” Rep. Coulson said.

“Each year, dozens of area students become members of my Summer Reading Club. This is a great program for children because it allows them to keep their minds and imaginations active over the summer,” Rep. Coulson said.

Once a child completes reading eight books of their own choosing, they simply fill out an application, which asks a parent, guardian or family member to attest to their reading. To request a Summer Reading Club Form, either stop by Rep. Coulson’s district office at 3801 W. Lake Ave. in Glenview or contact the office at (847) 724-3233. Completed forms must be submitted by September 1.

“Through positive reinforcement and acknowledging the achievements of these young scholars, my Summer Reading Club strives to instill a love of reading and learning – which I believe is essential for academic success. Each year I am thrilled to see the ever-increasing number of children who have challenged themselves to make reading a positive part of their lives.”

“Challenging children to never stop reading will help equip them as they progress in school. Each year, I look forward to meeting more and more members of my Summer Reading Club at the Ice Cream Party,”

Rep. Coulson’s district includes parts of Glenview, Skokie, Wilmette, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Morton Grove, Golf and Evanston. All children are welcome to participate in the program. For more information about Rep. Coulson’s 8th Annual Summer Reading Club, contact her district office at (847) 724-3233.

As many of you know, the General Assembly is still trying to resolve the budget deficit Illinois faces, while constructing a balanced budget for the 2010 Fiscal Year. I have received a tremendous outpouring of communication from constituents throughout the 17th district, as well as throughout the State. Employees, volunteers and board members from the various social services agencies, as well as many constituents have contacted me -expressing their desire to preserve the vital services Illinois provides to our most vulnerable citizens. I have heard heart-wrenching stories from so many people that will be negatively affected by these cuts.

As a health care provider and educator, I have spent 13 years in Springfield, working to create new programs that will protect and help those most in need. Many of the proposed cuts will affect programs that I helped to create and have fought to expand. I am adamant in my position that early education programs, housing and services for the developmentally disabled and mentally ill, home healthcare for seniors, addiction treatment support, foster care, day care services and support plans for the ill are NOT DISPENSIBLE PROGRAMS – THEY ARE VITAL.

I believe that as elected officials, we have a responsibility to act in a fiscally responsible manner and make government run accordingly. I am determined to reform how government spends. A plan to do this successfully will necessarily include a combination of cutting non-essential services and reallocating revenues. We must employ a moratorium on new programs until the budget is balanced and a freeze in pay increases should be implemented for all government employees and elected officials. Compromises must be made, but I am not willing to abandon those children, families and seniors that need our help most.

I have met with the Governor several times to express my concerns and share my viewpoints with him, and while I do not believe that there is a quick fix solution to the budgetary problems we are now facing, I do believe WE MUST PROTECT & PRIORITIZE THESE ESSENTIAL SERVICES. I know that many of you are enduring unimaginable stress and fear. Please know that as I return this week to Springfield, I will not stop fighting for you, and will keep you informed as to the progress we make.

Thank you for contacting me and sharing your stories, sentiments and ideas with me. I do believe that as we work together, Illinois can be repaired. If you have any further comments or questions regarding the budget or any other issues relating to state government, please feel free to contact me.

Yet, the recent continuing ethical lapses in Illinois politics – from fundraising, to conflicts of interest, to outright criminal corruption – which have led to the arrest, impeachment, and indictment of Governor Blagojevich and the conviction of too many others, demanded a renewed focus on the issue. Governor Quinn established the Collins Commission and the Legislature appointed me to serve on a newly-created Joint Government Reform Committee, to craft and submit to the Legislature proposals to change the way Illinois politics and government should operate.

I can report to you that the just-recessed Legislative Session produced, as a result of these efforts, a number of worthwhile reforms, yet failed to enact many of the most-important changes that are needed. So, I have reintroduced legislation to adopt and enact ALL of the recommendations put forward by these two commissions, and will continue to work hard for their adoption.

We did pass significant new rules for state contracting that will open the process to public scrutiny and make “pay-to-play” for state contracts more difficult. We also strengthened the state FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) to make information more readily available to the public and the press. But, other needed reforms were blocked by the majority in the Legislature, which seemed at times more interested in protecting their own power than in changing the system. Legislation which ostensibly “caps” political contributions in Illinois passed both houses of the Legislature, but only after it was so watered down and riddled with loopholes that the Collins Commission, the Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Sun-Times all called the bill a “sham.” I was the Chief Sponsor of the original recommendation to cap political contributions and transfers, including “in-kind” contributions to political campaigns, but I could not, in good conscience, support the “sham” bill that passed to the Governor’s desk.

Provisions to give State prosecutors the same tools used so successfully by Federal prosecutors to combat official corruption were also rejected by the Legislature. I have also re-introduced these provisions and we will try again to have them adopted.

Illinois politics and public corruption have reduced Illinois to a laughing-stock across the country. I will continue to fight the status quo and the entrenched powers-that-be so that we can bring real reforms to the process. As always, I rely heavily on – and greatly appreciate – your feedback and your ideas. We are, after all, in this together!

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Coulson

State Representative – 17th district

Specifically, the legislation provides that a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) in effect after their 14th birthday must include measurable post-secondary transition goals related to education, employment and independent living skills. The bill also requires that the plan connect the student with resources and follow-up connections for their transition.

“Often times, children with developmental disabilities have a bumpy transition between school systems and face a lack of services available to them. This bill will ensure that they are able to receive the services they need and help them better achieve their educational goals,” Rep. Coulson said.

Rep. Coulson introduced this bill in response to concern from one of her constituents who is dyslexic and had a tough time accessing reading programs at the community college level.

In 2002, the Illinois Interagency Coordinating Council on Disabilities recommended the creation of a statewide comprehensive, seamless transition service delivery system for adolescents and young adults with disabilities must be created to ensure better outcomes for youth with disabilities.
“I have always been an advocate for students with disabilities and believe that this legislation will help limit the prevalence of students with developmental disabilities dropping out of school or not being able to gain employment due to barriers that make their transition into adulthood difficult,” Rep. Coulson said.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease caused by Type A influenza viruses, predominantly found in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen, and as we have recently seen, it is possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. including cases in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Nevada Ohio and Texas. Symptoms include: cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

“While health officials are working to fight against the swine flu virus, it’s important that people do not become overwhelmed with fear, but instead take necessary steps to keep themselves healthy,” Rep. Coulson said.

To stay healthy, officials recommend washing your hands often with soap and water; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; keeping your mouth covered when coughing or sneezing; and avoiding contact with sick people.

The CDC warns travelers to avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico. When traveling to Mexico is necessary, be aware that airports are screening people leaving Mexico for the swine flu. Travel restrictions are not currently in place, but travelers should visit: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/travel/index.html for the most up-to-date information.

“Taking control of one’s health is the first step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I am confident that Illinois’ health officials are well equipped to handle the swine flu and its impact on our State,” Rep. Coulson said.

Key Links:
The Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
Cook County Department of Public Health http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/

“There are a variety of critical issues that must be considered when developing near a watershed or floodplain. We need to ensure that our local governments are following the highest standards possible when they are approving development near our natural resources,” Rep. Coulson said.

The task force will study:

• government development standards and their impact on lands and property owners affected;

• issues like mass grading, drainage, runoff, diversion of flood waters deforestation and elimination of prairie and wetlands; and

• local government zoning authority practices and their interaction with private developers

The task force will report its recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2010. Members will include lawmakers as well as representatives from a statewide organization representing municipal interests, a land conservation entity and a property development entity.

Rep. Coulson has a longstanding record of spearheading legislation that is critical to protecting the environment.

“Residential and commercial development can have a significant impact on floodplain and watershed. We need to be critically aware of these issues so that unintended consequences like flooding and other environmental hazards do not occur,” Rep. Coulson said.

Specifically, Senate Bill 101 mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy for children under the age of 19 with congenital or genetic defects that developed at birth or at a young age.  The legislation passed in the House and Senate unanimously.

“Today is a life-changing day for many families who have been facing enormous medical bills to ensure that their children with autism, cerebral palsy or injury from a trauma, receive the care and treatment they need.  Habilitative services are critical in helping children with disabilities grow, develop and function independently,” Rep. Coulson said.

Rep. Coulson introduced this bill after insurance companies denied coverage to children who need habilitative services based on claims that since the child never possessed the skills to begin with, the therapy was not rehabilitative.  This law aims to close the gap that exists between habilitative and rehabilitative services.

“As a physical therapist, I have personally witnessed the amazing recovery of children who have access to habilitative services.  Many children who receive habilitative services demonstrate tremendous improvement and progress.  Covering the costs of these services has the potential to improve a child’s overall development and quality of life,” Rep. Coulson said.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be able to call the families in my district and let them know that they can now receive the help they need.  I will continue to fight for children with disabilities – to help ease their hardships and make certain that they have access to the very best health care programs,” Rep. Coulson said.

House Bill 168 would create grant opportunities for the cost of the Achieve Program, based on a needs-based formula determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.  Grant funding will be subject to appropriation included in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

“The Achieve Program has been extremely successful since its inception in 1978.  Providing college students with learning disabilities with extra attention may make all the difference in the world to help them succeed.  During these tough economic times, grant opportunities will allow more students to participate in this great program,” Rep. Coulson said.

This legislation heads to the Senate for approval.

“I introduced this bill in response to complaints from several of my constituents who believed that the Illinois Tollway signs bearing former Governor Blagojevich’s name were a misuse of state funds. Billboards should be used to highlight state programs and services available for taxpayers — not for political promotion,” Rep. Coulson said.

Although former Governor Blagojevich’s name has been removed from the Illinois Tollway signs in recent weeks, Rep. Coulson is confident that her legislation will prevent this type of self advertising moving forward.

“Illinois is facing a significant economic downturn and most families are tightening their purse strings and cutting costs. I am committed to protecting taxpayers from wasteful government spending,” Rep. Coulson said.

House Bill 286 heads to the Senate for approval.