Public Information Hotline Bill Signed into Law

“In these uncertain times, a 24-hour toll-free hotline would be helpful to families and seniors searching for emergency assistance,” said State Rep. Cross. “This hotline would also be useful to spread information about access to services following a natural or non-natural disaster.”

SB 1922 requires the Department of Human Services to designate an entity to implement and run the service. It is expected the toll-free 2-1-1 hotline will be in place by early 2010.

Senate Bill 1922 is an initiative of the United Way that has been backed by State Representative Tom Cross’ Senior Citizen Advisory Council,

“2-1-1 allows people to give help and get help,” said Greg Cott, President of the United Way of McLean County and Treasurer of United Way of Illinois. “It is also a perfect example of how public-private partnerships can create innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference. I thank Representative Cross for working to make statewide 2-1-1 a reality.”