Dear Friends,

I wanted to share the news with you personally that today I have accepted Governor Rauner’s appointment to serve as Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), effective July 11. This means I will be resigning my seat as State Representative for the 47^th District. A new representative will be appointed in the coming weeks to serve the remainder of my term that expires in January. 

I am excited to join the talented and dedicated staff of HFS. I look forward to working with the Governor and my former colleagues in the General Assembly to ensure access to quality health care for Illinois’ most vulnerable population and making our health care delivery systems more efficient and effective.

In my new role, I will be responsible for managing Illinois’ Medicaid system, which I have worked to strengthen and reform throughout my entire career in the General Assembly, in collaboration with Governors and fellow legislators of both parties. HFS is also responsible for Illinois’ child support system.

I would like to share the HFS Mission Statement with you:

"The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is committed to ensuring quality healthcare coverage at sustainable costs, empowering people to make sound decisions about their well‐being and maintaining the highest standards of program integrity on behalf of the citizens of Illinois. Establishing and enforcing child support obligations to make sure children and their families have the opportunities they deserve."

Fulfilling this mission statement is my continuing goal. Serving as Director of HFS will help me to serve Illinois’ most vulnerable children, families and seniors in a greater capacity. As I embark on this next chapter of my career, I wish to say a special thank you to each of you for your friendship and support.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the honor and the privilege of serving as your State Representative for these past 20 years. The friendships I have made throughout our community during my years in the legislature have enriched my life beyond measure. To the people of Downers Grove, Darien, Elmhurst, Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Westmont, Western Springs and surrounding communities, I wish you and your families all the very best in the years ahead.

My last thank you is to my family, personal friends, staff, and all members of the legislature for their wonderful support and encouragement in these last 20 years.

Sincerely,

Patti

Deputy Illinois House Minority Leader and State Representative Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, issued the following statement in response to final passage of a bipartisan state budget for Fiscal Year 2019 today by the Illinois General Assembly:

“After three years of turmoil, Democrats and Republicans worked cooperatively to pass a full-year balanced state budget. In the end, we achieved our three main priorities; a balanced budget, full year funding, and no tax increase. This budget also meets our commitment to mental health and combating opioid, alcohol and substance abuse addiction.”

State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, speaks during debate in opposition to HR 1025, a resolution calling for Illinois to implement a Progressive Income Tax system.

State Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, met with members of the 4-H administrative staff this week getting ready for the hundreds of kids in 4-H clubs across the State of Illinois who visited the Capitol the following day. Rep. Bellock enjoyed meeting with the 4-H members and discussing their issues. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth program in the country. There are 6 million kids across the country in 4-H, including 200,000 youth in Illinois, some from each of Illinois' 102 counties.

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation hosted an outstanding luncheon to celebrate the many community successes over the past year. Representative Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, was pleased to attend, shown here with EDC President Michael Cassa, Representative David Olsen, R-Downers Grove, EDC Chairman John Luka, and Senator John Curran.

United Way Children’s Home and Aid and other groups visited Rep. Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, at her Springfield Office to talk about funding for youth in the 2019 budget. Patti is one of the budgeteers for the State of Illinois in 2019 budget negotiations.