SR0220 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0220 LRB096 12281 KXB 25102 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In times of economic downturn, states look to reduce spending and remain within their available resources; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is currently facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis; and

WHEREAS, The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 has been duly passed by the United States Congress and was signed into law on February 8, 2006 by President George W. Bush; and

WHEREAS, Among its many provisions, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provides changes to the Medicaid program that would save the State of Illinois hundreds of millions of dollars; and

WHEREAS, The State has not yet fully implemented the Act three years after it became law; and

WHEREAS, The State is looking for a responsible approach to eliminate its staggering deficit; and

WHEREAS, Implementing the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 is a responsible approach to reducing this deficit; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby direct the Governor and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to immediately submit a plan of implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor and the Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.