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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
URGING THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCHES OF ILLINOIS STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE PAYMENTS FOR CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AND FAMILY SERVICES AND VARIOUS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOR SERVICES RENDERED FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
WHEREAS, for many years the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services ["HFS"] has contracted with The Cook County State's Attorney's Office, the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Cook County Sheriff ["Local Offices"] to assist HFS in meeting its child support enforcement obligations under state and federal law, including federal consent decrees; and
WHEREAS, the services provided by the Local Offices for HFS include establishing and insuring that orders of child support and parentage are entered, modified and enforced against non-custodial parents, including criminal prosecutions for delinquent payments; litigation; obtaining support and arrearage orders; performance of summonses and body attachments; expedited treatment of support cases; and prompt processing and reporting of support orders. All of these services are to the primary benefit of our most vulnerable citizens, our children, and if not performed in a timely manner would have a very detrimental effect on the children's well-being for extended periods of time; and
WHEREAS, Cook County, based on HFS' commitment to pay the Local Offices pursuant to their contract, budgeted $18,594,125.00 for the Local Offices' HFS support function for the current budget year [2016], with the understanding that this amount would be reimbursed by HFS [a portion of which is paid by State monies and the remainder paid by Federal monies]; and
WHEREAS, HFS has made no reimbursement to the Local Offices since July 1, 2015 and further if HFS does not pay the State portion of amounts due [approximately $6M] for the contracts expirin...
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