SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement after his vote Wednesday to block Governor Rauner's attempt to reduce care for the disabled and the elderly by raising the Determination of Need (DON) score; a measurement used to decide eligibility for in-home services:
"The governor took it upon himself to raise the DON score and I believe that's an irresponsible, shortsighted strategy for fixing our state's finances. This rule change tries to save money at the expense of people who are in serious need of help.
"I've had a chance to meet with senior citizens and people with disabilities who would lose their care if this rule took effect. 38,000 people will lose services they rely on if the governor's rule change takes are adopted. To abruptly end their access to this critical aid is cruel. Additionally, the modest care many of these people rely on is crucial to their ability to live a life with dignity. If they lose services, many will be forced into nursing homes which will cost the state more money.
"The fact is that the change in the DON score eligibility requirements would cost hardworking people in Illinois their health and their livelihood and would fail to provide savings to the state. This legislation will stop these devastating changes from taking effect and allow the federal government time to develop a new assessment tool."
###
