Candidate Responses

mike boland

Candidate for State Representative

District 71

4416 River Drive
Moline, IL 61265

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Do you believe that people with disabilities have the same rights as anyone else?

YES

Do you believe that individuals with disabilities should be the primary decision maker in their lives?

YES

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

Will you make it a priority to include people with disabilities as part of your political team and/or as advisors on relevant issues?

YES

If YES, how do you intend to do so?

I would welcome any advice on issues.

TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities in Illinois?

YES

What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities in Illinois?

I need information from the disabilities community on the issue. Please keep me informedon legislation on this issue.

INTEGRATED COMMUNITY LIVING

Do you support funding mechanisms, such as "Money Follows the Person," that allow people with disabilities in Illinois who are currently unnecessarily institutionalized to move into integrated settings?

YES

How would you increase opportunities for people with disabilities in Illinois to live in the most integrated settings?

We need more funding and incentives to builders to build taking account of needs.

How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants in Illinois?

We need to increase pay and especially benefits such as health insurance for direct care attendants.

HOUSING

What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?

See #4.

EMPLOYMENT

What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in your district and in the entire state of Illinois?

I believe strong enforcement of anti-discrimination laws would help. Perhaps we need to look at increasing penalities on those who do this. See #7.

EDUCATION

Federal and state laws require that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment and that appropriate accommodations and support services are provided to them. How would you ensure that these laws are enforced in Illinois?

Not sure except to make sure there is enough staff and resources for the Executive Branch to enforce these laws.

HEALTHCARE

What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities in Illinois have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their individual needs?

This should be a first step in universal health care. Increase income levels on circuit breaker.

How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities in Illinois?

I was chief sponsor of veterans' lottery ticket with all proceeds going to veterans' care. Support more funding.

TRANSPORTATION

What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities in Illinois, especially in rural areas?

This should be the first priority in our efforts to expand public transportation, especially to current non-served areas.

VOTING

What steps would you take to ensure that voters with disabilities in Illinois are able to vote privately and independently?

I was chief sponsor of legislation providing voting access for those with disabilities. I would also support voting by mail which would make it easier to vote.