Advisory Panel to Focus on Best Practices, Recommendations

CHICAGO – November 22, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed an executive order creating the Illinois Human Services Commission. The new Commission will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly about providing high quality human services to Illinois citizens.

“Even in these tough economic times, it’s important that we always focus on providing vital human services to those in need,” said Governor Quinn. “This Commission will serve that important call to duty by recognizing and recommending practices that will ensure our State provides high-quality, efficient and effective services now and in the future.”

Governor Quinn named Toni Irving and Ngoan Le as co-chairs of the Commission. Irving is Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor. Le is a longtime public servant and Vice President of Programs at the Chicago Community Trust. (Irving Background, Le Background)

The Commission is comprised of members with expertise in both the public and private sectors. The group includes: two legislators from each of the four caucuses; chief administrators of seven of the State’s major human service agencies; human service advocates and community leaders; and two co-chairs designated by the Governor.

The Executive Order also states the Commission’s membership shall “reflect regional, racial, and cultural diversity to ensure representation of all Illinois citizens.”

The Commission will address issues such as the process for determining fair, adequate and timely reimbursement; efficient management of publicly-funded programs and services; and projections for future human services need in Illinois. The Commission will hold public hearings. (Executive Order)

The Commission will submit an initial report on its progress and objectives to the Governor and the General Assembly by June 30, 2010. The Commission will then submit interim reports on November 30, 2010 and April 30, 2011, and a final report outlining its findings and recommendations no later than November 22, 2011.