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CHICAGO – Comptroller Dan Hynes has created an Advisory Council comprised of 40 professionals with diverse backgrounds that will advise him on policy issues directly impacting racial minorities. Over the next two years, the Council will discuss, research, and analyze issues such as healthcare, education, and economic stability, all in an effort to assist the Comptroller as he creates his legislative agenda.
"As I initiate various legislative proposals, I look forward to working with the Advisory Council and getting their feedback concerning critical issues facing the state," Hynes said. "It's not everyday that you get the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented group of people who know the ins and outs of their communities and can bring their professional and personal expertise to state government." The Council will hold board meetings on a quarterly basis. In between those meetings, members will participate on one of three sub-committees that focus on various policy areas.
Foremost for the healthcare sub-committee will be the creation of a plan to improve the state's Medicaid system. With nearly two million Illinois recipients lacking access to quality healthcare, tackling the Medicaid crisis is a top priority for Hynes. Major areas of interest for the education sub-committee will include inadequate funding for elementary and secondary education and the significant decrease in funding for higher education. Responsibilities of the business sub-committee will include analyzing the impact that certain legislative proposals will have on large and small business operations.
"I hope to bring an awareness to the Advisory Council about healthcare issues as well as voice concerns that community health centers might be experiencing when assisting the population we work with," said James Middleton, Personnel Director for Christian Community Health Centers. "I'm also looking to learn how best Illinois' dollars can be used to serve the needs of the population."
Cook County Circuit Court Probation Officer Maria Tejada says the Advisory Council will benefit Hynes' policy "because policy planning needs to be a bottom-up approach, the people from the community, our concerns our suggestions need to be included, and when we are included in the process, it benefits legislators and people appointed to positions of power."
Hynes met several members of the Council during a social reception on September 11, 2008. The first board meeting is scheduled for November 6.
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