SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The chairs of House and Senate mental health panels, Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, (D-Chicago), and state Sen. Laura Fine, (D-Glenview), issued the following statement Friday regarding unacceptable cases of abuse and exploitation at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, IL.:

“These vulnerable residents, and all who depend on Illinois for care and protection, deserve so much better. Working with the Department of Human Services and AFSCME, we are examining the specific abuses at Choate and the broader systemic issues, including the endemic underfunding of our community-based developmental disability services. These conversations have proven productive and will continue as we pursue both immediate and long-term solutions. We are committed to doing all we can in our capacity as lawmakers to build a care system that supports a dignified life for our most vulnerable neighbors.”