WELCOME The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by Co-Chair Ryan Croke. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.
ROLL CALL Members Present in Chicago: Hugo Saltijeral, Lori Harrison
- Guests Present in Chicago: Ebony Sadat-Shelby, Maria Doughty, Dr. Kimberly Pinckney
- Members Present in Springfield: Kimberly Mercer-Schleider, Patricia Walters, Rahnee Patrick, Ryan Croke
- Guests Present in Springfield: Tereta Love-Rutherford, Barbara Hobrock
- Members Present via WebEx: Beatriz Gonzalez (Anthony Vaughn), Benjamin Evangelista Lumicao, Benro Ogunyipe, Britney Godwin, Casey Burke, Ganapathi Ramaswamy, Joshua G. Evans, Kathy Carmody, LaMetrice Lane, Lisa Jones, Lori Harrison, Mariel Hamer-Sinclair, Melissa Cory, Mohammed Khan, Nkechi Onwuameze, Rafael Rivera, Shea Haury
- Guests Present via WebEx: Ben Schatzel, Celina Cavalluzzi, Danielle Geracaris, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Gary Arnold, Kraig Kistinger, Margaret Harkness, Meg Cooch, Mike Briggs, Rebecca Clark, Robyn Lewis, Steven Dennis, Teresa Rodriguez
- Members Absent: Ahlam Jbara, Alex Weidenhamer, Anna D'Ascenzo, Brion J. Brooks, Cheryl Jansen, Darius McKinney, Katie Blank, Marilyn V. Green, Michael Roush, Philip Milsk
INTRODUCTIONS Ryan introduced two new Task Force members:
- Mo Kahn - Senior Director of Advancement and Government Relations, Special Olympics Illinois. Mo was instrumental in advocating for the passage of the Dignity in Pay Act. He brings a wealth of experience in workforce development initiatives and policy advocacy.
- Ben Lumicao- Director and Assistant General Counsel, person with lived experience with cerebral palsy, and long-standing Board Member and former Chair of Access Living. Ben emphasized the importance of employment in achieving independence for people with disabilities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve the December 11, 2024, minutes was made by Director Kimberly Mercer-Schleider and seconded by Lisa Jones. Motion carried, and minutes were approved unanimously.
DHS UPDATE ON BOARD AND COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS Barbara Hobrock, Director of External Engagement at DHS, provided updates on mandated trainings and Open Meetings Act (OMA) compliance. She emphasized the importance of all members completing their mandatory trainings to maintain the integrity of the task force's work. Members were reminded to submit completion certificates and to contact DHS staff with any questions.
ANNUAL REPORT PROGRESS UPDATE Ryan Croke provided a brief update on the status of the annual report, reminding members that the report is due May 1, 2025. Subcommittees that have not yet submitted their recommendations were encouraged to do so promptly to ensure their input is included.
NEON CORE STATE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE Tereta Love-Rutherford and Mariel Hamer-Sinclair reported on Illinois' participation in the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON). Highlights included:
- Attendance at the Beyond 4P Conference in Washington, D.C.
- Illinois' focus areas for technical assistance include14(c) phase out, data infrastructure, Employment First strategy, and behavioral health reentry.
- Illinois received 300 hours of technical assistance, the most of any participating state.
APPROVAL TO ADD A TRANSPORTATION SUBGROUP TO THE EMPLOYER WORKGROUP Motion to establish a transportation-focused subgroup within the Employer Workgroup was made by Director Rahnee Patrick and seconded by Kathy Carmody. This subgroup will focus on transportation providers and barriers statewide. Ebony and Biswa will coordinate initial meetings, with members agreeing to share meeting notices broadly for input opportunities.
WORKGROUP UPDATES
- Employer Workgroup: Ebony Sadat-Shelby reported ongoing recruitment efforts. New members introduced included Kraig Kistinger (National Tube Supply), Beth Gonzalez (Pace Suburban Bus), Ben Schatzel (Stand Up Core Solutions), and Danielle Geracaris (Grainger).
- Provider Workgroup: Casey Burke reported continued focus on supporting individuals with significant barriers to employment. Kathy Carmody's leadership was recognized.
- Workforce Development Workgroup: No substantial updates.
- Transition Workgroup: Mariel Hamer-Sinclair reported the group is finalizing its recommendations and preparing to submit information for the annual report.
- Legislative Workgroup: No substantial updates.
- Dignity in Pay (DIP) Workgroup: Director Kimberly Mercer-Schleider reported that the DIP Workgroup is finalizing its final recommendations, with a request to hold a special EEOPD meeting on June 25, 2025, for a final vote on the multi-year plan that is due July 1, 2025. She emphasized the collaborative work of the workgroups and thanked members for their contributions. Ryan agreed to send out an email to members requesting a special meeting for 06/25/2025 at 10:00 a.m., to approve the plan
PRESENTATION: NEON APSE 14(C) TRANSFORMATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Celina Cavalluzzi from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) presented on the NEON APSE 14(c) Transformation Project. Illinois is working with nine providers to develop transformation plans, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities to support the phase-out of subminimum wage employment. Feedback highlighted the need for sustained support beyond the project's seven-month timeframe.
PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments.
ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Ryan Croke and seconded by Kathy Carmody. Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
