02/22/23 Press Release: DCFS Working Group
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Representative Jed Davis was recently appointed to serve on the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Working Group. This key group is bipartisan, consisting of select members from the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate. They’re tasked with developing policies and solutions to help improve the state’s child welfare agency.
“My wife and I are foster parents, so the topic of child welfare hits close to home. Together, we’ve lived the challenges and frustrations of working with the system, but love helping kids by providing stability during volatile situations.” Representative Davis continued, “We need to ask the hard questions and remind Springfield child welfare isn’t about position or power, it’s about kids. Kids are the main characters and they sadly get dismissed or overlooked. Let’s work together to make DCFS a true asset for families and kids.”
DCFS was established on January 1, 1964 as the nation’s first cabinet-level child welfare agency. Approximately 4,000 children were in care during the agency’s first year of operation, compared to a peak of 51,000 children during 1997, and 20,000 today.
For more information about Representative Davis, please call his district office in Yorkville at (331) 867-8200. You may also call or text the Representative’s cell at (630) 724-7600. Feel free to share any recommendations or suggestions as they relate to child welfare.
03/02/23 Press Release: Helping Foster Parents
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Representative Jed Davis is calling upon democrats and republicans to help foster parents with HB 2995.
“From my experience as a foster parent, you spend hundreds if not thousands purchasing essentials for placements. These essentials include things like car seats, clothes, and mattresses.” Representative Davis continued, “Foster parents outlay dollars early, but don’t receive their first full stipend until 60 to 80 days later. Why are we creating these financial hurdles when we desperately need more foster parents. My bill, HB2995, addresses this issue.”
This bill provides foster parents an initial stipend within 24 hours of a permanent placement and this stipend is then credited against the final month’s stipend. So, it accelerate stipends without increasing the state’s obligations.
Representative Davis added, “This bill is a simple fix. We either value foster parents and truly want to partner with them or we don’t. It all ultimately helps the kids which should always be the end goal of foster care. I’m calling on democrats and republicans to pass this bill. I also want people to know it’s not about the money. The money never covers the cost, but it definitely helps, so let’s help foster parents here.”
Representative Davis encourages you to contact your local representative and senator, asking them to support HB2995. DCFS is failing and we need to rebuild from the bottom up, starting with foster parents.
For more information about Representative Davis, please call his district office in Yorkville at (331) 867-8200. You may also call or text the Representative’s cell at (630) 724-7600. Feel free to share any recommendations or suggestions as they relate to child welfare.
03/08/23 Press Release: Most Shocking Since Taking Office
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Representative Jed Davis reflects on roughly the past two months in office, suggesting it’s time we talk truth in Springfield. This release highlights his top three most shocking discoveries.
1. Statements by Fellow Republicans: “I have three great examples, all spoken by fellow republicans around Springfield. 1) Voting to double the gas tax was my best vote. 2) Lots of great initiatives from our Governor. 3) Go ahead, take the hard votes, the lobbyists will protect you.” Representative Davis continued, “So we should increase taxes, push our state’s spend spend spend agenda, and side with lobbyists over constituents. Got it, thanks but no thanks. Now these comments were only from a few, so I’m holding onto hope!”
2. Nothing Starts on Time: Representative Davis reflects, “If we start session 20 minutes late, we’re on time. We’ll often sit 40 to 50 minutes, waiting for session to actually start. Republicans complain, but here’s the kicker. Republicans held caucus yesterday, dismissing at 2:50 pm, knowing six committees were scheduled for 2:00 pm starts. So, we held the entire system hostage for 50 minutes, making us no better. It’s all extremely frustrating.”
3. Beyond Blessed: “Everyone always asks, how do you like Springfield, probably expecting me to answer with anger or angst. I actually love every second.” Representative Davis continued, “I’m beyond blessed to be here and so grateful to represent the 75th. It’s definitely an uphill challenge, but our communities and families are well worth the daily climb!”
For more information about Representative Davis, please call his district office in Yorkville at (331) 867-8200. You may also call or text the Representative’s cell at (630) 724-7600. Feel free to share any concerns or recommendations.
