This morning, I read the proposed cuts in the Illinois budget for 2011. The State Legislature (Democrats and Republicans) left Springfield without passing a budget for 2010-2011. So the Governor is left to make cuts to match whatever funds the State of Illinois has.(It is easy to blame Governor Quinn, but EVERYONE in Springfield is at fault!) If you wish to see how much money each State of Illinois agency will receive, go to: budget.illinois.gov..
These cuts hurt everyone:
Preschool through 12th grade education: $311 million cut.
Children and Family Services: $34.5 million cut.
Human Services(which includes services for mental health, people with disabilities, DEAF PEOPLE, rehabilitation services): $576 million cut.
Services for Senior Citizens: $28.4 million cut.
Public Health: $18.2 million cut.
These cuts may not be the final cuts in the budget.The PENSION funds are very underfunded, and the law requires that the pensions be paid. The problem we have in Ilinois is that nobody in government: Representatives, Senators, Governor wants to take responsibility. Each group - Republicans and Democrats - point the blame at one another. Why? Because there is an election in November! Meanwhile, people with disabilities, children in Special Education, deaf people, children who have been sexually abused or physically abused will suffer because the State of Illinois will not provide the services these people need. What can we do?
There are people begging for your votes for November: Governor, State Representative, State Senator. Ask each candidate: what do YOU plan to do about paying for services in Illinois? Do not let that person blame someone else. If that person wants YOUR vote, then that person owes you a clear, honest explanation of what he or she plans to do to provide services for people in need in Illinois.