Governor Quinn Addresses Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies Annual Meeting

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m., Governor Pat Quinn will address the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield. The organization serves as a network for Illinois’ not-for-profit corporations and units of government that aid Illinois’ low-income population.

Governor Quinn will also sign an executive order moving the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The move will improve accountability and accessibility and help ensure all Illinois households have access to affordable energy services. (See attached executive order)

“I want to thank the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies for all that they are doing to aid families across Illinois, especially during these tough economic times,” Governor Quinn said. “This executive order will help us better assist families across the state that are unable to meet the demands of their increasing utility bills.”

LIHEAP and IHWAP have been administered by the Department of Health and Family Services since 2004. The current economic crisis, coupled with increased energy costs, has left many low-income families unable to pay their utility bills. This has resulted in a dramatic need for these programs.

DCEO’s expertise in energy efficiency and in community development is aligned with the programs’ goals of developing energy sustainability and ensuring that energy costs do not cripple Illinois businesses and families. The transfer to DCEO will provide more efficient use of expertise and facilities and allow for greater response to the needs of Illinois’ low-income families.

Governor Quinn will be joined by Warren Ribley, Director of Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Dalitso Sulamoyo, CEO of Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies.