Representative Dan Swanson’s December 5 Capitol News Update

Inside:

• Policy Champion award
• Know your rights in skilled nursing facilities
• Illinois public university enrollment nears 190,000
• More News

"Policy Champion" award

This week I was honored with the "Policy Champion" award from Americans for Prosperity-Illinois for working on behalf of Illinois taxpayers.

"Illinois needs more principled leaders like Rep. Swanson in Springfield fighting for Illinois taxpayers and reining in out-of-control government spending," said AFP-Illinois State Director Jason Heffley. "Rep. Swanson has consistently prioritized fiscal responsibility over special interests. Rep. Swanson is a conservative, commonsense leader and AFP-Illinois will help educate constituents on his dedication and service to the Land of Lincoln."

During my time in Springfield, I have worked hard to advocate for responsible spending and lower taxes. I voted against this year's record-setting state budget, which was the largest spending bill ever passed in Illinois history, and which included millions in tax increases.

I appreciate AFP-Illinois recognizing the work I have done in Springfield on behalf of Illinois taxpayers. I will continue to call for fiscal responsibility when we return to the Capitol to start the spring session.

Grace Lattz, the Grassroots Engagement Director for AFP-Illinois, stopped by my office in Woodhull to present the award.

Know your rights in skilled nursing facilities

Our area is lucky to have some excellent skilled nursing facilities to care for our seniors. But unfortunately, there are occasional bad actors. All of us want to ensure the best care possible for those in their golden years, whether it is for ourselves or our loved ones.

State and federal law guarantee certain rights to residents of long-term care facilities. The law requires facilities to provide services for physical and mental health, and to protect against abuse, whether it is physical, mental, financial or any other kind. Residents have the right to participate in their own care, including choosing your own doctor, expecting reasonable arrangements to meet your needs, and the right to see your own medical records upon request. Residents' privacy rights are also protected by law.

The Department of Public Health has established a toll-free hotline for Illinois residents who feel their facility is violating their rights, or the rights of a loved one. You can contact the agency at 1-800-252-4343, or find more information about the laws governing skilled nursing facilities by clicking here.

The state has established a Long-Term Care Ombudsman to work with nursing homes residents, families and community groups to ensure the highest quality care and to resolve problems for their residents. You can find out more about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman by clicking here.

Illinois public university enrollment nears 190,000

Illinois' dozen public four-year colleges and universities hit a ten-year enrollment high, with 189,791 students signed up for classes this year.

The increase in student enrollment was driven by a 6.8% rise in first-time enrollment by first-year students studying full-time. There was also an increase in dual-enrollment students and students transferring to Illinois schools.

Recently, some Illinois colleges and universities have rolled out the One Click College Admit website, a way to expedite the process which Illinois students use to apply for Illinois public colleges and universities. The website is oriented toward high school juniors and seniors who are looking for their next academic steps. Next month, the program will expand to cover community college students who want to transfer to a four-year school.

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