Ashley’s Quality Care, a 25-year-old social service agency, is on the brink of closure due to the almost-two-year budget stalemate between Republican governor Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled legislature.

“The governor needs to be truthful and transparent. He needs to make clear his budget plan for the state, bring everyone together and lead us out of the recession we’re beginning to face,” said Michael Robinson, CFO of Ashley’s Quality Care.

Rather than forcing families to put loved ones into nursing facilities, AQC strives to enhance the quality of life for their customers by offering personal care and services to seniors and disabled individuals.

“Our employees cook, clean and handle a lot of the household duties clients are unable to manage,” said Robinson. “We’re blessed to have workers that have stayed loyal to the company throughout this fiscal battle.”  

Typically, AQC receives 99 percent of its funding from the state, but since the impasse, has been working under tight restriction.

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As a follow up from her press conference last November, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) held a meeting, Friday, February 24th to discuss the next steps in fighting the heroin epidemic plaguing Illinois.

She invited legislators, organizations and individuals around the state who have been instrumental in the fight.

Before joining the legislature in 2003, Sen. Hunter worked as a certified drug and alcohol counselor and prevention specialist.

She has championed this issue while working to bring healing and peace to families and their loved ones struggling with drug addiction.

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