13 Sep 2013

Simon: State should prioritize mental health funding

By Ted Nelson

CARBONDALE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, will advocate for the state to prioritize mental health funding following a tour of a group home and crisis center Friday.

"Mental health providers are on the front lines, serving some of our state's most vulnerable residents, and they depend on state funding," said Simon. "I am committed to working with the governor, legislators and stakeholders to support programs that are allowing people with developmental disabilities to thrive."

Simon will visit a group home and a mental health crisis center operated by The H Group. For more than 50 years the agency has provided mental health services in Franklin, Jackson and Williamson Counties. Simon's visit follows a tour earlier this spring of the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia.

Lt. Governor Simon is the only Southern Illinois member of the state's Budgeting for Results Commission. In order to evaluate programs, the bi-partisan commission - comprised of Lt. Governor Simon, legislators and leaders in business, education, budgeting and finance - spent the summer holding public hearings to gather testimony from service providers, advocates and stakeholders, regarding the success of existing programs and services. The commission will advise the Governor on the Fiscal Year 2015 budget.

Between 2009 and 2011, Illinois cut general revenue funding for mental health services by almost $114 million and was fourth in the nation for total cuts.

DATE: Sept. 13, 2013

TIME: 2:30 p.m.

PLACE: The H Group Administration & Counseling & Wellness Center, 310 West Plaza Drive, Carterville

11 Sep 2013

Simon: Remember September 11 tragedy by helping others

By Ted Nelson
Sept. 11 is National Day of Service and Remembrance 

CARBONDALE - September 11, 2013. On the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is encouraging Illinois residents to participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

"As we pause to remember the tragedy that changed our nation forever, let us remember the extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness demonstrated by first responders," said Simon. "It is fitting that we honor these fire fighters, law enforcement officers and medical personnel who risked their own lives to save strangers, by taking time to serve others."

Simon is urging residents throughout Illinois to participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, which was started in 2002. The service day is a means of honoring the men and women who responded to the attacks with sacrifice and compassion. Sept. 11 was officially designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed by President Obama.

"Today is a day to reflect and dedicate ourselves to helping others," said Simon. "By remembering the victims and honoring survivors through service in our communities, we are building a stronger tomorrow."

To learn more about Sept. 11 volunteer opportunities, or to learn about the more than 250,000 service projects available throughout the year, visit www.Serve.gov.

###

06 Sep 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to tour Midwest Technical Institute

By Ted Nelson
Simon continue efforts to increase career credentials, job placements

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is visiting the Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) today in an effort to learn more about how for-profit schools can benefit students looking for a quick entry into the workforce.

"It is essential to prepare our students to succeed in today's job market," said Simon. "It is my hope that by visiting vocational schools I can help foster academic success and promote job creation in rural areas and across the state. Illinois is fortunate to have a range of schools ready to meet those needs."

During Simon's visit, she will speak with MTI students, view classes in progress and tour facilities. Established in 1995, MTI is a vocational school providing course offerings in busy career fields that include : welding, heating and air conditioning repair, nursing, dentistry and medicine. According to its web site, MTI has a 100 percent job placement rate in its Dental Assistant Program. The United States Department of Labor reports the median pay for a dental assistant is over $33,000 while MTI notes a median loan debt for the program being $5,474.

"I am aware of concerns about the default rates and questionable credentials of some for-profit schools and believe the best way to learn more about a topic is to go straight to the source," Simon said. "I hope to count MTI as a partner in our state's college and career readiness movement."

Previously, Simon has visited the state's 48 community colleges and 12 public universities to see how the schools are working to improve completion rates and workforce development, and gather ideas on how the state can help schools overcome barriers to completion goals. Affordability is the most significant non-academic barrier to students seeking career and college credentials, Simon said.

As the chair of the Joint Educational Leadership Committee, Simon is working to increase to 60 percent the proportion of working-age adults in Illinois with meaningful college degrees or certificates by 2025.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.