Lawlor aids in new governor’s transition

Edward Lawlor, Dean and Professor of the School of Social Service Administration, served for one month as vice-chair of the Social Services Transition Committee for Rod Blagojevich as he prepared to become governor of Illinois.

The Social Services Transition Committee advised the incoming governor on matters related to aging, alcohol and substance abuse, child care, child support, child welfare, disabilities, mental health, social service coordination, veterans’ issues, welfare, and youth services.

The work of the transition committee came at a critical time, Lawlor pointed out. Blagojevich is Illinois’ first Democratic governor in 26 years. In addition, the state is struggling with a growing fiscal crisis and adjusting to the retirement of more than 11,000 career civil servants, resulting from early retirement incentives.

“The re-authorization of national welfare legislation adds another level of complexity to the social services transition,” said Lawlor, who also co-chaired the Social Service Coordination Subcommittee.

“In the midst of all these changes–and particularly in the context of the economy and the state budget–our challenge is to respond in ways that improve the opportunities and quality of life for Illinois’ residents, especially for the most vulnerable.”