Governor Quinn proposed a $33.9 billion FY 13 state budget that estimates growth in revenue by $700 million. Pension and Medicaid obligations are the most noted areas of increased spending, with obligations for both programs increasing in FY 13. Pension obligations alone will cost more than $1 billion more in FY 13 than in FY 12.

Of this $33.7 billion overall state budget, the governor proposed allocations of $5.2 billion for pension payments, $14 billion for human services, and the remaining funds to be split between education and state government operations.

Focal points of Governor Quinn's budget include:

• $90 million in additional school funding and a $20 million increase for early childhood education.
• $50 million in additional funding for the Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) for grants for lower-income students.
• 9% across-the-board cuts to state agencies and constitutional offices.
• Consolidating Department of Corrections offices, Department of Human Services local offices, and telecommunications centers.
• Reducing Medicaid spending by $2.7 billion.
• Closing 14 state facilities, including Tamms super-max prison, mental health centers in Rockford and Murray, a women's prison in Dwight, and juvenile justice centers in Murphysboro and Joliet. These closures and consolidations would save $188 million.
• Eliminating 1,474 state jobs.
• Closing tax loopholes to generate revenue.
• $3 billion for capital program.
• Abolishing natural gas tax.
• Surplus of $163 for debt reduction.

I am heavily involved in the state's Medicaid reform efforts as the chairperson of the House Human Services Appropriations Committee and member of the bipartisan legislative committee tasked with reforming the system.

Medicaid enrollment doubled between 1998 and 2008; today, roughly one in five Illinoisans depend on Medicaid for health care. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that our Medicaid costs are expected to increase by 5% over last year's costs.

To ensure that we can fund the Medicaid liability, the governor proposed cutting Medicaid funding by $2.7 billion - a daunting task.

There are many suggestions for meeting this $2.7 billion goal, including cutting reimbursement rates to doctors and providers, eliminating services, reducing eligibility, increasing co-pays, and reducing pharmaceutical benefits.

There are significant challenges as we look to reduce Illinois' Medicaid liability. Cutting state funding results in a loss of federal matching dollars. We essentially cut $2 in Medicaid funding for each $1 cut in state Medicaid spending. Additionally, eliminating some services would certainly result more costly treatments, such as emergency room visits or nursing home care. As Illinois has one of the nation's lowest reimbursement rates to providers, we risk losing qualified medical professionals if we make these rates even lower.

Over the past several years, we drastically reduced fraud and abuse in the Medicaid system and must continue to find efficiencies so that we can continue to provide healthcare to our most vulnerable populations. Democrats and Republicans are working together in bipartisan working groups to find lasting long-term solutions to this quickly growing Medicaid obligation. Nothing about this task is easy, and the decisions we make impact the lives and well-being of some of our most vulnerable populations. I welcome all of your feedback and thoughts as lawmakers consider our options.

Through the end of April, my office will be collecting donations for the Broadway Youth Center in Lakeview, which serves countless youth in our community. BYC serves youth of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and housing statuses and is a safe haven for youth in need of medical care, counseling, or a safe place to stay.

Items needed include disposable plates and utensils, hand sanitizer, pens, laundry detergent, toiletries, personal care products, and non-perishable snacks. The center is particularly in need of new socks, deodorant, face towels, and baby powder. For a full list of items on the BYC "wish list," visit www.staterepsara.com/drive.

Donations can be brought to my office at 1051 West Belmont, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

South East Lake View Neighbors, Monthly Meeting
Monday, April 9
7:00 p.m.
Wellington Avenue Church, 615 West Wellington

South East Lake View Neighbors (SELVN) is the local neighborhood organization encompassing the area bounded by Diversey, Halsted, Belmont, and the lake. All residents, associations, and businesses are welcome to join. General meetings are open to everyone to attend. You must be a member in good standing two weeks prior to a meeting in order to vote.


Weiss Memorial Hospital, "Medical ID Cards"
Tuesday, April 10
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Weiss Memorial Hospital, WISE Senior Center, 4700 North Marine

Receive your free medical ID card which includes: emergency contact, medical conditions and allergies, doctor's contact information, any insurance provider details, and more. Card will be available the same day of the event. Please RSVP to (800) 503-1234. The program is sponsored by the Office of the City Clerk, Susana Mendoza.


Weiss Memorial Hospital, "The Learning Cafe: Podiatry"
Tuesday, April 10
12:00 p.m.
Weiss Memorial Hospital, Auditorium (ground floor, A elevators), 4646 North Marine

Join WISE Senior Center for this special presentation by Lee Russell Stein, DPM, who will discuss what you need to know about your feet. Register by noon Monday, April 9 to (800) 503-1234. Registration is required to receive a complimentary lunch.


Central Lake View Neighbors, Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 12
7:30 p.m.
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (Clarke Auditorium), 836 West Wellington (7th Floor)

Central Lake View Neighbors is a community based and funded non profit volunteer organization. CLVN represents the residents within the boundaries of Belmont to the north, Halsted to the east, Racine to west and Diversey to the south. The organization was formed to provide residents a forum to discuss issues ranging from development proposals, zoning, liquor license, street fairs and other community matters. The Alderman recognizes this group and refers local issues to this organization for comment, review and approval.


Weiss Memorial Hospital, Senior Citizen Law Enforcement Academy
Friday, April 13
1:30 p.m.
Weiss Memorial Hospital, Auditorium Foyer, 4646 North Marine

This program strives to educate seniors on crimes targeted at their age group as well as provide them with an overview of police department operations and insight into how they can work with law enforcement agencies. Please RSVP at (800) 503-1234. Sponsored by the Cook County Sheriff's Department.


4th Annual Job Fair at Truman College
Friday, April 13
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Truman College, Front Lobby, 1145 West Wilson

Join Business Partners - the Chamber for Uptown and Uptown United along with co-sponsors: Chicago Workforce Center, Northside, Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), Truman College, State Senator Heather Steans, Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, and Alderman James Cappleman 46th Ward, WorkNet Chicago, Chicago Workforce Investment Council (CWIC), Asian Human Services, Howard Area Community Center, and Inspiration Corporation. Prepare that new resume, polish your introduction, come ready to impress, and get that precious face-to-face time with some of the biggest employers in Uptown and Chicagoland. Space is limited and registration is required.. if you are an employer looking to hire new faces and would like to participate in the event, contact the Business Partners - The Chamber for Uptown at info@uptownbusinesspartners.com.


Race to Wrigley, 7th Annual 5K Run
Saturday, April 14
8:00 a.m.
Wrigley Field

The 7th Annual Race to Wrigley 5K Run presented by Athletico is now open for registration. The race takes place Saturday, April 14, at 8 a.m. and benefits Chicago Cubs Charities and Children's Memorial Hospital. The run starts and finishes at legendary Wrigley Field, where runners race through Wrigley Field's ground level concourse, finishing under the famed Wrigley Field Marquee at Clark and Addison. Runners can set up personal fundraising pages to benefit Children's Memorial Hospital.


Inter-American Magnet School, Fiesta Cultural
Saturday, April 14
4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
InterAmerican Magnet School, 850 West Waveland

Inter-American Magnet School is hosting their annual spring benefit featuring food and entertainment from Spain, Latin America and Brazil in support of Inter-American's "Curriculum of the Americas." Fiesta Cultural celebrates Latin America's rich and diverse cultural heritage with live music and dance performances, a savory food fair, children's art displays, artisan bazaar and children's art activities. The mission of the event is to celebrate cultural and artistic diversity while raising much-needed funds for Inter-American Magnet School. The event is bilingual, family-friendly and open to the public. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 children. Family tickets for two adults and their children will be available for $25. Free parking will be available at the Addison/Halsted public lot and at the Lakeview Lutheran Church lot at 835 West Addison.