As the General Assembly begins the final weeks of session before scheduled adjournment on May 31, the “big two” – pension and Medicaid reform – have dominated discussions throughout the state. I understand and respect the concerns of everyone who has participated in these discussions – including and especially those of you who have taken the time to call or write me with your feedback.

Over the years, every chance we get, Illinois House Republicans have been talking about enacting these reforms in order to get our state back on sound financial footing.

Now is a time to come together and put partisan, regional, and economic differences aside in order to achieve a meaningful and fair solution to the challenge imposed by the two 800-pound gorillas in the room – soaring pension and Medicaid costs.

Governor Quinn should be commended for offering his suggestions on these major initiatives, but the fact that these problems have being building for years should be lost on no one. While it is promising to finally see Democrat leaders willing to accept the challenge of working with us to solve these twin crises, we should not have had to wait until reaching the brink of financial collapse before making long-overdue structural repairs, especially with regard to public pensions.

On this issue, House Republicans have framed the discussion. Over the past two years, we’ve laid the groundwork. If you look at our pension proposal as compared to Governor Quinn’s recent plan, the end goals are the same: restore fiscal solvency, ensure current and future retiree benefits are available, and stabilize the budget. These are not new concepts or radical ideas; they are the fiscal reality we face.

While differences remain and details must still be ironed out in order to find consensus on a fair solution moving forward, I wanted to take this moment to underscore the importance of this moment. The next two weeks will determine the course of our future in the State of Illinois across a wide range of issues.

We all share the same stake in the future. Now we must all share in the responsibility to make the difficult but necessary decisions to secure that future for our kids and grandkids.

Sincerely,

Tom Cross

House Republican Leader

State Representative, 84th District

Schock-Cross Lead Effort in Demanding Senate Vote to Repeal Budget Busting Illinois Medicaid Mandate

Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross are continuing their efforts to sound the alarm about the mounting budget pressures facing Illinois taxpayers due to the duel threat of expanding Medicaid costs and the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act.

Schock and Cross have spearheaded a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitchell McConnell, signed by nine Illinois Congressional Republicans and all 54 Illinois State Republican Representatives, demanding that the US Senate follow the actions taken in the House in repealing the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort (MOE) mandate in the Affordable Care Act.

In the letter (add hyperlink) to the Senate leadership today, the group urged immediate Senate consideration of H.R. 5652 saying, “If signed into law, this legislation would give Illinois the flexibility it needs to move forward with the implementation of income verification requirements that are allowed under state law, but are currently impossible under federal law. The state legislation adopted income verification requirements, on a bipartisan basis, as a way to reduce fraud in an overburdened system. Repealing the Medicaid MOE requirements allows the State of Illinois to proceed with this important program integrity measure.”

In a joint statement last week, Congressman Schock and Leader Cross first called upon the Senate to act, “We are calling on the Senate to immediately follow the actions taken by the House and repeal the MOE requirement. The hardworking taxpayers of Illinois cannot wait for the notoriously idle Senate to delay action. We urge Senate leadership to bring this to a vote without delay.”

The Illinois Representatives end their letter urging the Senate to act and repeal the Medicaid MOE to “give Illinois’ governor and state legislature added flexibility as they consider ways to close the $2.7 billion hole in the state’s Medicaid system.”

By the Numbers: Medicaid Expansion Cost to the State of Illinois:

The Affordable Care Act covers the cost of NEW eligible Medicaid enrollees as a result of the law 100% until 2017, and then federal coverage begins to drop. As a result this will cost the state of Illinois $1.3 billion. The cost will only continue to grow after 2020.

Medicaid Expansion for newly eligible individuals

• 2014-2016 = 100% federal funding (0% IL costs)

• 2017 = 95% federal/ 5% IL

• 2018 = 94% federal/ 6% IL

• 2019 = 93% federal/7% IL

• 2020 and beyond = 90% federal/ 10% IL

(households with incomes up to 133% of Federal Poverty Level)

BACKGROUND ON REPEAL OF THE MOE REQUIREMENT:

Under current law, there is a Maintenance of Effort requirement (MOE) in place whereby a state is prohibited from having eligibility standards, methodologies, or procedures under its state Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans that are more restrictive than those in effect on March 23, 2010, the date of enactment of Obamacare. This MOE is a significant barrier for states trying to better manage their Medicaid and CHIP programs — especially for those states wanting to implement program integrity measures that would ensure proper eligibility verification.

In 2011, for example, inadequate eligibility review cost the taxpayers approximately $15 billion in improper payments under the Medicaid program. This proposal by the Energy & Commerce Committee would repeal the maintenance of effort on states for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as mandated by Obamacare. The repeal of the MOE merely allows states the same operational flexibility they have exercised since the beginnings of the Medicaid and CHIP programs. CBO has estimated that this proposal would save approximately $600 million over ten years.

BACKGROUND ON SCHOCK-CROSS EFFORTS:

Last week after the House voted to repeal MOE requirement, Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross issued a joint statement calling on the US Senate to join the House in passing legislation.

In April, Congressman Aaron Schock and Leader Tom Cross embarked on a state wide tour to call attention to the mounting budget pressures facing Illinois taxpayers on the duel threats of expanding Medicaid costs and the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act. In February, Governor Pat Quinn unveiled his FY 13 budget plan calling for a $2.7 billion reduction in Medicaid spending. However, the Quinn Administration has yet to secure the federal waiver needed to implement cost-saving reforms enacted last year that would require proof of income verification for all Medicaid applicants.

This failure to act comes with a big price tag as the Medicaid expansion in Obamacare is projected to have an unmanageable impact on Illinois’ already weak budget. In January 2012, the Civic Federation, based in Chicago, warned Illinois will face a $34.8 billion backlog of unpaid bills if no action is taken to reform Medicaid. Using the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ own projections, Medicaid will increase by more than 40% over the next five years (from $8.6 billion to $12.1 billion). Unless reforms are enacted, the Medicaid backlog will grow to $21 billion within five years.

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http://schock.house.gov/

From a Chicago White Sox Press Release:

Legendary White Sox Pitcher Recognized Today With “Billy Pierce Day” in Illinois 

CHICAGO – The Illinois House of Representatives honored Chicago White Sox legend Billy Pierce today with a resolution declaring “Billy Pierce Day” in the state of Illinois. Pierce was acquired by the White Sox in November of 1948.  In his 13 seasons with the team, the left-hander won 186 games, struck out 1,796 batters and was selected to the All-Star Game seven times, starting the Midsummer Classic on three different occasions.  His strikeouts rank first in team history and his win total ranks fourth.  A member of the 1959 American League Champion White Sox, Pierce threw four scoreless innings out of the bullpen during the World Series. 

Pierce retired following the 1964 season, finishing his career with 211 wins, 193 complete games and 38 shutouts.  After his playing career ended, Pierce has served as an ambassador for the White Sox, representing the club in the community.  Pierce also is a driving force on behalf of Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities, which since its inception in 1971 has raised over $13 million for cancer patient care, education and research programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital<http://www.nmh.org> and Children’s Memorial Hospital<http://www.childrensmemorial.org>. 

Pierce was surprised with the proclamation on the floor of the House today, surrounded by his family and legislators, including the sponsor of the resolution, Representative Joseph Lyons (D) Chicago. 

“What an honor it is for me to sponsor a resolution for someone I have admired all my life,” said Representative Lyons.  “On behalf of the White Sox Legislative Caucus we want to thank you, Billy Pierce.” 

“We are excited to be honoring Mr. Pierce in Springfield today,” Rep. Tom Cross (R) Oswego added. “He is an icon in Chicago, not only for his amazing talent on the mound, but also for his extensive charity work.”

“No one is more deserving of today’s recognition than Billy Pierce,” said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.  “While Billy was one of the all-time greats on the diamond, he also is a legend off the field through his endless contributions to others and to those in the community in greatest need.”

Mark you calendars for Rep. Cross’ annual Kids Fair coming up on Saturday, June 2nd at Troy Middle School in Plainfield!  There will be dozens of vendors with FREE information and activities for the whole family!

 Click here to see the flyer for the event!

MAY 10, 2012

Washington, DC – Following a state-wide tour in April highlighting the mounting budget crisis the Affordable Care Act has caused in Illinois, Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross issued a joint statement today calling on the US Senate to join the House in passing legislation to repeal the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Requirement.

“Passage of Obamacare has not only killed jobs, burdened small businesses, and put government bureaucrats between patients and their doctors, but it took flexibility away from states like Illinois to make their own health care decisions. The House repealed the burdensome MOE mandate so that Illinois can make the necessary, commonsense changes to a program that is wrecking havoc on a state budget already in dire straits. This is no small feat, as the consequences this egregious mandate will have on Illinois’ budget will be unmanageable, and will only result in reduced medical services for those who need medical care the most.

“We are calling on the Senate to immediately follow the actions taken today by the House and repeal the MOE requirement. The hardworking taxpayers of Illinois cannot wait for the notoriously idle Senate to delay action. We urge Senate leadership to bring this to a vote without delay.”

BACKGROUND ON REPEAL OF THE MOE REQUIREMENT:

Repealing the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Requirement Imposed on States: Under current law, there is a Maintenance of Effort requirement (MOE) in place whereby a state is prohibited from having eligibility standards, methodologies, or procedures under its state Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans that are more restrictive than those in effect on March 23, 2010, the date of enactment of Obamacare. This MOE is a significant barrier for states trying to better manage their Medicaid and CHIP programs — especially for those states wanting to implement program integrity measures that would ensure proper eligibility verification.

In 2011, for example, inadequate eligibility review cost the taxpayers approximately $15 billion in improper payments under the Medicaid program. This proposal by the Energy & Commerce Committee would repeal the maintenance of effort on states for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as mandated by Obamacare. The repeal of the MOE merely allows states the same operational flexibility they have exercised since the beginnings of the Medicaid and CHIP programs. CBO has estimated that this proposal would save approximately $600 million over ten years.

BACKGROUND ON SCHOCK-CROSS EFFORTS:

In April, Congressman Aaron Schock and Leader Tom Cross embarked on a state wide tour to call attention to the mounting budget pressures facing Illinois taxpayers on the duel threats of expanding Medicaid costs and the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act. In February, Governor Pat Quinn unveiled his FY 13 budget plan calling for a $2.7 billion reduction in Medicaid spending. However, the Quinn Administration has yet to secure the federal waiver needed to implement cost-saving reforms enacted last year that would require proof of income verification for all Medicaid applicants.

This failure to act comes with a big price tag as the Medicaid expansion in Obamacare is projected to have an unmanageable impact on Illinois’ already weak budget. In January, 2012, the Civic Federation warned Illinois will face a $34.8 billion backlog of unpaid bills if no action is taken to reform Medicaid. Using the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ own projections, Medicaid will increase by more than 40% over the next five years (from $8.6 billion to $12.1 billion). Unless reforms are enacted, the Medicaid backlog will grow to $21 billion within five years.

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HTTP://SCHOCK.HOUSE.GOV/

HTTP://WWW.TOMCROSS.COM/

Representative Cross speaks on Illinois Diabetes Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Springfield, accompanied by Lt. Governor Sheila Simon.

 The Illinois Department of Transportation released their “Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow” plan this week, a five-year highway improvement program signaling a recommitment to investment in local jobs and the economic activity generated by infrastructure maintenance. Local projects in Kendall and Will Counties were announced by State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego).

“A strong transportation system is the catalyst for commerce and economic growth,” said Cross. “Local highway projects sustain good-paying jobs while making it easier to get to work, school, and recreational activities. Our local road dollars are being put to use serving the needs of local families.”

Local projects slated for completion include various resurfacings and traffic signal and intersection improvements along the following:

Kendall County

• U.S. Route 30 at Harvey Road (intersection improvement/traffic signal installation)
• U.S. Route 34 from Illinois Route 47 to Orchard Road west of Oswego (reconstruction, additional lanes, curb and gutter work, installation of new storm sewer, utility adjustment)
• Illinois Route 71 from west of Route 47 to east of Route 126 (reconstruction, additional lanes, utility adjustment, and construction engineering)
• Illinois Route 71 from west of Route 47 to Orchard Road west of Oswego (preliminary engineering and land acquisition)
• Illinois Route 71 from Orchard Road to U.S. Route 34 in Oswego (reconstruction, additional lanes, land acquisition, and utility adjustment)
• Illinois Route 31 (Lake Street) from 0.2 miles north of Cass Street to 0.2 miles south of East Frontage Road (resurfacing)
• Hill Avenue from Montgomery Road to U.S. Route 34 (resurfacing)
• Local projects slated for completion include various resurfacings, traffic signal and turn lane improvements, bridge construction, widening and repairs, and engineering work along the following:

Will County

• I-80 from the Grundy County line to U.S. Route 30 (preliminary engineering)
• I-80 at River Road (superstructure maintenance) and I-80 at the DuPage River (bridge repair)
• U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) at Heggs Road (intersection reconstruction)
• U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) from Illinois Route 59 to north of I-55 (lane reconstruction, utility adjustment, and construction engineering)
• U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) at the I-55 ramps (left and right turn lane improvements)
• U.S. Route 52 (Jefferson Street) from Brook Forest Avenue to Eden Lane (resurfacing)
• Illinois Route 59 at Andrew Road/Pasquinelli Drive (channelization/traffic flow improvements)
• Illinois Route 126 at Meadow Lane (traffic signal installation/turn lane improvements)
• Illinois Route 126 (Lockport Street) from Wallin Drive to west of Route 59 (resurfacing)
• Illinois Route 126 (Lockport Street) at Essington Avenue just west of I-55 (intersection reconstruction and bridge widening)

Projects are slated to begin in the summer of 2013 with all scheduled to be complete by 2018. Click here to view the State of Illinois’ complete Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow plan for highway, public transportation, rail, and aeronautics improvement projects over the next five years.

# # #

(Springfield) Illinois House Republicans urged their collegues to allow a vote on a constitutional amendment that would combine the statewide offices of Treasurer and Comptroller into one office and would save the state $12 million. The effort was blocked by the majority party today. The measure has already passed the Senate and has support from both Treasurer Dan Rutherford and Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and his Ovation to Business Advisory Committee presented the Ovation to Business award to Signs By Tomorrow in Plainfield recently for continued growth over five years in business and for going above and beyond in their dedication to community service.

Click here to read the entire story.