Illinois to balance budget by cutting social services

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/may2011/illi-m19.shtml

The Illinois House of Representatives and Senate last week both passed their proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1. Though the two budget bills differ in regard to the level of cuts to be imposed, the Democrats who control the General Assembly's chambers are in agreement that the state's deficit will be addressed primarily through vicious cuts to health care, education, workers' compensation, and aid to municipalities.

Under the House budget plan, spending on human services--through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Departments of Human Services, Public Health, Veterans Affairs, and the Human Rights Commission--will see a cut of $750 million from current levels. This would mean a reduction of approximately 6 percent from the current allocation of $12.3 billion. Spending on travel and telecommunication for most of these agencies is reduced by 50 percent, and labor costs are frozen at current levels or set at slightly below. These measures will reduce the ability of state employees to deliver services.

Perhaps most cruel are the planned reductions in spending on developmental and mental health programs that benefit some of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Under the House budget, state-run developmental centers and mental health facilities would see reductions of 18.4 percent. Kathy Hazelwood, of the Association for Individual Development, told the Chicago Tribune that with further cuts “you’re going to find these people are going to be in shelters, in the jails.”

Reportedly wiping away tears as she announced the approved human services cuts, committee chair Sara Feigenholtz said, “Many of us wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning and wonder who it is we're hurting.” Nonetheless, she defended the cuts, saying, “...it's like why does a robber rob a bank? Because that's where the money is.”

More at the link --

[RC]

1. They have theirs. Why should you get yours?

There's a budget crunch, ya know?

[BadgerKid]

2. Die by the regressive tax rate, or by the cutting of services.

Sad. I know I'll be donating more to food shelters, etc.

[hulka38]

3. Thanks for posting this.

Even at the state level, and a solid blue state no less, the Democratic Party is cowering. Waking up at 3 am, tall latte at 8 then brunch at the club by noon. Save your tears. Raise taxes on the wealthy.