Dear Partner,
At the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), allocating resources to serve Illinois residents is one of our most important responsibilities. Our mission remains at the forefront of all we do: Providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs, and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve.
In this regard, the significant investment of resources in IDHS for State Fiscal Year 2022 signals a deep commitment by the State to IDHS, and by extension, to all of Illinois' residents and communities.
As individuals, families, neighborhoods, and regions rebuild from COVID-19, we are heartened to lead in this recovery for those who the pandemic has most impacted.
The FY22 budget, passed by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Governor JB Pritzker on June 17, is the most significant one-year investment in IDHS' history as an agency. In the following pages, you'll find some highlights of the IDHS budget.
The Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed after Governor Pritzker introduced his budget. The Illinois General Assembly appropriated a portion of the ARPA funding in IDHS's budget along with additional State funding dedicated to our programs.
Among its many components, this budget makes a continued and increased commitment to Illinois' vibrant immigrant and refugee communities, to individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity, to young people who are disconnected from work and education, along with a significant commitment to behavioral health.
The Reimagine Public Safety Act, sent to the Governor as part of the budget implementation bill, aims to reduce firearm violence in Illinois and entrusts IDHS with a new and significant administrative responsibility for the effort. I am grateful to Governor Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly, and the advocates, organizers, and families who advocated strengthening the human services network with more resources.
IDHS staff and our community partners took unprecedented steps to protect our community members during every phase of the pandemic, providing essential services and supports at the frontlines. Our human services system will need to continue in this next phase of renewed hope and recovery.
At IDHS, we are honored to serve our State, steward these resources, and deploy an historic investment in the people and communities of Illinois.
Sincerely,
Grace B. Hou
Secretary, IDHS
IDHS Budget Overview
On June 17, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2017, the FY22 Budget Implementation Act, as well as the certification of the General Assembly's concurrence on Senate Bill 2800, the State's spending plan -- with a budget of $11 billion for IDHS.
IDHS' introduced FY22 budget was an 11% increase over the FY21 budget, with most new expenditures coming from federal funds.
Budget Highlights by Division:
Division of Family and Community Services (DFCS)
- $1.3 billion to support recent federal grant awards for Child Care Stabilization Grants and additional investments in Child Care programs.
- $85 million for Welcoming Centers.
- $60 million for Youth Employment Services.
- $25 million to address Supportive Housing needs.
- The Child Care Assistance Program funding includes $60 million in general revenue funds to support the estimated liability and rate increases of 3.5% in July 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022.
- $15.7 million in general revenue funds for growth in TANF cases and increasing award amount.
- $4.2 million in general revenue funds to support the increasing participation rates in the Early Intervention Program.
- The budget also includes almost $300 million of ARPA funds to support many programs operated by IDHS, with a majority for programs managed by DFCS.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
- A historic, highest-ever investment in the DD system, with an overall DDD budget of $2.056 billion.
- $170M that will:
- Support implementation of the Guidehouse rate study,
- Provide additional increases in DSP rates,
- Extend the temporary CILA rate increase under the Appendix K through June 30, 2022, and
- Provide a 3% COLA for Children's Group Homes.
Division of Mental Health (DMH)
- $17.8 million Supplemental Federal Block Grant funds for Mental Health services and an additional $36.5 million to expand ARPA Mental Health funds.
- $50 million of ARPA funds for Mental Health, Behavioral Health, and Substance Abuse services.
- $5 million of ARPA funds for Suicide Prevention and $5.0 million for MH Services for first responders.
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
- $81.3 million to support Home Services Program provider rate adjustments, utilization costs, and 1,200 projected net new customers.
- $30 million to support wage increases for individual providers serving customers of the Home Services Program and $10 million for health insurance for eligible frontline staff.
- $1.3 million expansion of Independent Living services statewide to extend core services to all 102 counties.
Division of Substance Use Prevention & Recovery (SUPR)
- $35 million for new federal appropriation authority to expend the Supplemental Federal Block Grant funds for SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
- $45 million to expand ARPA funds for SUD services.
- Revenues made available to IDHS from the legalization of cannabis include purchasing naloxone and supporting other overdose response projects, supporting community collaborations to create crisis response interventions, and more.
Other key cross-agency initiatives:
Housing Help
In partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority, IDHS will continue and expand its efforts to support individuals and families facing housing insecurity through Housing Help. Over $1 billion in Federal Emergency Rental Assistance funds have been awarded to the State of Illinois to provide rental assistance and other housing supports to homeless persons and to persons at risk of homelessness. In addition to federal relief funds, IDHS proposed budget includes $25 million in general revenue funds. Leveraging Federal and State dollars through its community partners, IDHS will provide rental support, legal services, education, case management, and outreach.
Olmstead-Related Consent Decrees
IDHS serves as the lead agency for three Olmstead-related Consent Decrees. The State of Illinois has made and will continue to have a solid commitment to achieving compliance.
In addition to beginning to implement the DDD Guidehouse rate study, the budget includes funds to support 700 more placements from PUNS in FY22 and the annualization of the FY21 PUNS placements. Further, the FY22 proposed budget supports efforts and activities associated with the Colbert and Williams consent decrees.
Please review highlights from the State of Illinois FY22 budget here.
