Studs Terkel 1912-2008
from NASW IL
Lost in the excitement around President-elect Barack Obama’s election victory earlier this month, was the death on Oct. 31 of a Chicago icon as well as national treasure, Studs Terkel. He would have been extremely happy with this year's election results. More

Social Workers introduce Hospice Credential
from the National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has partnered with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) to develop the premier credential for social workers who specialize in hospice and palliative care. Launched in November to coincide with the observance of National Hospice Month, this credential was designed by social workers who are leaders in the field for social workers who have demonstrated compliance with national standards of excellence. More

Illinois' Backlog of Unpaid Bills Nears $4 Billion
from The Associated Press via The Chicago Tribune
State government often has let bills pile up during tough economic times. The backlog has grown significantly during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration. Much of the backlog is owed to hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies that provide care to the poor and then submit bills to the state. These providers are waiting months to be paid for their services. More

More Countries Make Spreading HIV a Crime
from Newsweek
An increasing number of countries worldwide are making spreading HIV a crime, according to a new report from the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Expert say the move hurts prevention efforts. More

Kids Teaching Kids About Healthy Eating
from The Chicago Tribune
Waving frantically, Natalie Valadez jumped up and down as if she had springs for legs. The 6-year-old was eager to answer a question: How many servings of fruits and vegetables should you eat daily to maintain a healthy diet? She opened her hand and spread her fingers wide. "Five," she yelled excitedly, her ponytail bouncing. More

Native American Social Workers Honored
from Native American Times
Help Starts Here, an online resource for social workers, is recognizing Native American social workers in honor of American Indian Heritage Month. They asked outstanding Native American social workers to discuss their decisions to work in the profession and some of the chose the profession, along with the unique challenges facing the Native-American community. More

Justice Department Warns of Gangs in Wisconsin
from The Chicago Tribune
Police in northeastern Wisconsin are downplaying a state report on gang activity in the region, saying Thursday it overestimated the problem. The state Justice Department report said scores of gangs exist in the area, and police in big and small cities reported a "significant" problem with at least one type of gang. But police said gang activity isn't nearly as rampant as the report implies. More

Call Gov. Blagojevich Asking for Support of SB 1103

SB 1103 is a supplemental funding bill for the State Fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008. It would restore some of the cuts made to the budget by the Governor's budget veto message of July 10, 2008, including the following items that may be of interest to NASW IL members:

• $8.1 million to prevent layoffs of DCFS frontline staff
• $43 million for community based addiction treatment services
• $8.8 million for various mental health budget lines
• $1.5 million for civil legal aid
• $663,800 for various community youth services line items
• $28 million to prevent rate reductions for ICF-MRs and fee-for-service for persons with developmental disabilities
• $37 million to mass transit authorities to subsidize the free-rides program for seniors and persons with disabilities

The bill is currently on the Governor's desk. He has until Dec. 5, 2008 to act on the bill. Call his office at (217) 782-0244.