VERNON HILLS –State Senator Terry Link issued following statement about Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka’s passing:

“I am saddened by the loss of a dedicated public servant and good friend,” Link said. “The state has suffered a tremendous loss and my deepest sympathy goes to her family in this difficult time.”

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SPRINGFIELD, IL -- State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) voted with the Senate Democratic Caucus today to pass a Medicaid overhaul measure that will ensure the continued viability of the program. “Illinois’ Medicaid program is one of the most concerning spending pressures on the state budget,” stated Link. “And without a fix, that backlog will balloon to $21 billion in just five years.” Almost 2.7 million people in Illinois, or about 21 percent of the state’s population, currently rely on Medicaid. More than 60% of those are children, about nine percent are adults with developmental disabilities, and just over six percent are seniors that primarily receive help paying for nursing home care. Since 2000, Medicaid enrollment has nearly doubled – 1.4 million to 2.7 million. More recently, the number of people on Medicaid has increased due to the recession. In fact, since 2007, almost 700,000 more people have qualified for Medicaid and by 2013, it is estimated that more than 150,000 more people will be eligible. Senate Bill creates the Save Medicaid Access and Resources Together Act which aims to curb the State’s Medicaid programs growth and costs in the years to come without taking important services away from the neediest populations in Illinois. This measure has passed the Illinois Senate and the House of Representatives and now goes to Governor Quinn for his consideration.

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