Public Policy Agenda
United Way of Illinois Announces Agenda
United Way of Illinois is please to share with you our 2010 public policy agenda. This agenda represents the concerns and interests of a broad range of organizations and partners throughout our statewide system. It reflects the challenging economic and political climate in which we are currently operating and the adverse impact it is having on an increasing number of individuals and families in every community throughout Illinois.
In order to achieve our important policy goals we must now become actively engaged in efforts to communicate the agenda to a wide range of individuals and organizations and enlist their support for our work. Please share this agenda with those you know personally and professionally. Should you have any questions or comments about our agenda contact Jack Kaplan at 312.906.2368.
2010 UNITED WAY OF ILLINOIS PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA
Advancing the common good through public policy
As the largest non-governmental funder of human services in the state, United Way of Illinois and its 57 member organizations are dedicated to ensuring that families have access to the education, income and health programs they need to thrive. We all win when children succeed in school, when families and individuals are financially stable and everyone has access to adequate health care services. A strong, stable nonprofit infrastructure is critical if we are to maintain a safety net of services in our communities.
We all have a shared interest and responsibility to promote the common good by ensuring our public infrastructure includes a strong, well-managed network of nonprofit community services that complement traditional government institutions. In order for communities and families throughout Illinois to succeed and prosper, we must repair and strengthen the essential services that protect public health, improve public safety, revitalize local economies and enhance learning.
We must focus our attention on proven programs that provide economic stimulus, teach positive behavior and reinforce the safety net of services needed most. By ensuring programs are being funded wisely and with the greatest possible return on investment we can elevate Illinoisans and begin the process of economic recovery.
United Way of Illinois recognizes the critical role state government plays in creating systemic change that can improve people's lives. United Way engages in public policy advocacy because we recognize it is our civic obligation to use our experience and knowledge to help inform decision- makers regarding policy and funding of critical human service programs.
Like most states, Illinois must meet the needs of its residents while closing a significant budget gap and adjusting to a rapidly changing economic landscape.
In 2010 United Way of Illinois will advocate for sound policies affecting the human service sector's capacity to advance the common good:
- Wise, strategic investments - Advocate for the adoption of a state budget that preserves the current level of investment in Illinois' health and human services system and protects funding of critical programs and services that support individuals and families in our communities.
- Responsible management - Support policies and procedures that prioritize social service provider reimbursements and ensure prompt payment on an ongoing basis. Government should bear the financial responsibility of compensating providers in a timely manner and for mid-term contract changes.
- Greater Efficiency and Accountability - Promote fair, efficient and transparent contracting practices between service providers and government funders. United Way of Illinois endorses the recommendations for government contracting with nonprofit providers as put forth in the "Partnership Principles for a Sustainable Human Services System." *
- Increasing access to health & human services - Build on the public-private partnership which state government established through enactment of the 2-1-1 Service Act so that an increasing number of Illinois residents have access to this easy-to-remember, toll-free 24-hour information line that connects people in need with health and human services and people who wish to volunteer with opportunities.
Join United Way in advancing the common good by advocating for issues important to you and your community!
*http://www.unitedwayillinois.org/documents/DonorsForumPartnershipPrinciples
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