SPRINGFIELD REPORT

State Representative

ANDR THAPEDI
1. PENSION REFORM. Thapedi voted No because of constitutional protections. Thapedi has his own Bill that is constitutional. A Conference Committee was appointed to resolve the impasse. 12 Members on the Committee (6 Senators 6 Representatives). First Meeting was in July. They met again later in the month. They recently met to discuss a proposal advanced by the Universities which is being rejected by the Unions. They met again a few weeks ago in groups (to avoid Open Meetings Act) still no resolution. SB 1 originated in the Senate and passed. It was amended in the House and passed. The Senate rejected the changes of the House. SB 2404 originated in the Senate and was passed. It was amended in the House with the same language as what was passed in the House the first time. Thapedi is taking the position that a deal is a deal. You cant change the rules of the game while you are playing, and certainly not after you have retired from the game. No increase in age (i.e. 67 years old) State retirees must pay for health insurance. Thapedi says No. COLA has been compounded for years at approx. 3% Employees decision focused on Health Care Coverage & COLA. A. Change COLA & Agree to wait until 67 years old or 5 years post retirement B. Keep COLA but loose health coverage and future increases in salary irrelevant C. Cost shift. State pays pension costs for suburban and downstate teachers. Change: 1% paid for six years. Then .5% until normal cost assumed. 6% end of career cap is eliminated when normal cost assumed by employer 2. GAMING. Not called for a vote. Chicago, Rockford, South Suburban, Waukegan/Lake County, Danville Slots at the racetracks (racinos) and both airports Very limited support at this time.

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CONCEAL and CARRY We were the only state in the Union with no form of conceal and carry The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the legislature to pass a conceal and carry law by June 9, 2013 and then extended it to July 9, 2013. The Governor Vetoed the Bill but was overridden. HB 183. Criminal History and Background Check 16 hours of training $150.00 fee 21 Years Old No bars (50% booze), schools, libraries, parks, zoos, casinos, hospitals, sporting stadiums, buses/trains, playgrounds, Cook Cty Forest Preserve Five components of budget passed House with little Republican support Human Services K-12 Education Higher Education General Services Public Safety (more Republican support because of money for Prisons) Equality Marriage. Not called for a vote. Thapedi has asked what is the difference between a civil union which is the law in Illinois AND Equality Marriage. I have been told there is no basic difference between the two. It is just the right to be married. Medicaid Expansion Invocation of Obamacare in Illinois Barely passed the House 63-55 with Republicans all voting No and 1st Tier Democratic Targets voting No For the first time, Medicaid will be available to all adults regardless of parental or health status. All adults w/ incomes below 133% of FPL ($15,282 or $21,408) are eligible. But, because Obamacare allows the first 5% of income to be disregarded the expansion goes to 138% of FPL ($15,415 or 31,800). Begins January 1, 2014. Applications can be submitted beginning 10-1-13. SB 26 350,000 people now eligible. HFS is contact. 1-217-782-1200. Obama pays 100% for the new enrollees for 2014-2016. Then its a drop to 90% by 2020 (phasing down 2% each year). If feds go below 90% match its over.

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Accountable Care Entities (ACE) Must be able to serve 40,000 in Cook County Coordinated health care under Medicaid Must have primary care, specialty care, hospital, behavioral health, etc. Ultimately become a HMO or Managed Care Community Network (MCCN)

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Health Insurance Marketplace Those people who do not qualify for Medicaid may qualify for financial help to purchase private, affordable coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace operated in partnership with the federal government. The Marketplace will make it easier to apply for and enroll in comprehensive health coverage, compare private health insurance plans and enroll in the plan that is the best for them. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person beginning October 1, 2013. Department of Human Services will be the contact. 1-800-843-6154 5 Major Insurers have submitted 165 different plans (G/B/S) to select Aetna Cigna Blue Cross/Blue Shield Humana Co-Op Lincoln Land (for small ER) (Purchasing Group) $50M in low interest loans from Feds to compete

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Dental Services can be considered emergencies Cancer tx, diabetics, pregnant women, getting ready for surgery are all covered Wheelchair approval for repairs over $400.00 Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) New, user-friendly. Online, smart system. Medicaid, Food, and Cash Assistance applications State will be able to verify eligibility. Department of Human Services will be the contact. 1-800-843-6154

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Reforms on the Private Market No more coverage denials for pre-existing conditions. No more service denials for pre-existing conditions. No more excess charges based upon health status. No more annual or lifetime limits for essential services.

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Legislatures Paychecks Held by Governor Quinn Lawsuit filed on July 30, 2013 in the Circuit Court of Cook County by Speaker Madigan & President Cullerton. Next Court date is September 16, 2013. Legislature can easily override Quinn, but leaders want a ruling on the precedent set for a Governor who wants to essentially strong arm the legislature when they dont get there way. Separation of Powers.

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State Police Initiative Status Mayor said okay, but deferred to Sup. Thapedi on Jud. Committee & Sub-chair of Criminal Procedure & Penalties Sup said no! Presence does not equal deterrence Thapedi will file Resolution anyway and put the onus on CPD CPD prefers to be more aggressive on UUW statutes (Hadiya Pendelton) ISP have no objection to providing the support following Resolution Monies are there via Lottery sales at OHare and Midway (1985 Harold)

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Veto Session October 22 24, 2013 November 5-7, 2013