By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – As Illinois continues to operate without a state budget, the possibility of more cuts to social services and programs continues to increase.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has proposed cutting $200 million in funding to senior citizen programs and community care throughout the state. Spokeswoman for SEIU Jaque Algee said those cuts would be disastrous for senior citizens across Illinois.
“There are some unknowns of what would happen,” Algee said. “What we do know is that if that funding is cut by $200 million, it can cut off or discontinue service for up to 43,000 senior citizens in the state of Illinois.”
The senior community care program provides senior citizens with state workers that come to their home and help them with tasks such as cleaning and cooking. Algee said as the budget stalemate drags on, children, people with disabilities and senior citizens are paying the price.
“We have some amazing seniors who have contributed to this state and helped this state be what it is today,” said Algee. “Yet they are facing this kind of issue that can and will impact their lives in a very significant way.”
Algee said the solution to cuts like this across the state is simple: make a balanced budget.
“People are hurting,” Algee said. “They rely on these legislators to do the right thing, that’s what they voted them into office for and that’s what they expect them to do. It doesn’t matter what party they’re in. They are supposed to represent their constituents in the best way possible, and that means making sure their people are taken care of.”
Illinois is now in its tenth month without a budget.
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
