Benecke says no budget is hurting the disabled

Posted on July 14, 2015

Advocate urges lawmakers to pass budget. (Courtesy lifecil.org)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County disability rights advocate wants Illinois lawmakers to know not having a budget is hurting real people.

“The longer this budget crisis drags out the worse it’s going to be for our neighbors, friends, and relatives,” said Rickielee Benecke of the Life Center for Independent Living. “These are not numbers, these are not line items, there are people with real lives that matter.”

Benecke tells us two workers have already been laid off because of the budget crisis. She said her organization is saving taxpayers money by providing help for the disabled so that they may stay in their homes.

She encourages residents to call their representatives and encourage them to find a solution so help can once again be provided to those in need.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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