2-1-1 SERVICES-COOK COUNTY
The bill highlights the importance of 2-1-1 services as a connector for residents to various resources, effectively aiming to strengthen the social safety net in Cook County. By implementing these services on a 24/7 basis, the measure seeks to provide timely assistance to community members seeking help. However, the provision of such services is contingent on the availability of funds, raising questions about future funding and sustainability of the program. This could present a challenge in terms of consistent support for operational needs in the long run.
House Bill 1028 amends the 2-1-1 Service Act to establish a framework for providing 2-1-1 services specifically in Cook County, Illinois. The bill mandates that the Department of Human Services designate and approve a public or nonprofit agency to implement these services. The primary objective of this bill is to ensure that residents of Cook County have access to comprehensive information about community services, support, and resources. To facilitate this, the Department is required to provide grants to the approved service provider for the design, development, and continuous evaluation of service delivery.
While the bill seems to gain bipartisan support by addressing a critical community need, there could be contention regarding funding and resource allocation. Since implementation is dependent on available budgets, some stakeholders may argue about prioritizing state funding for this initiative versus other pressing social issues. Additionally, concerns may arise among service providers regarding the grant process and how those funds will be distributed to maintain effective service delivery across the region.