The Illinois Budget Crisis . . . A Sleeping Bear? This past couple of months had marcfirst and the people we serve caught in the middle of the worst financial crisis and legislative stalemate we have seen. Never in our 57 years of existence have we been forced to close entire programs and turn people away - people who need our services now more than ever. Thankfully, we had your support on our side. Your phone calls, emails, and letters to our legislators and the Governor were successful in defeating the significant cuts that were being proposed. For now Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of human Services will continue to fund our programs and services temporarily until the end of December. Although this gives us some relief, we know that the sleeping bear will awake again. When it does, what will happen to vital programs and services after January 1? How will the state pay the backlog of debt owed to community agencies that is now approaching $4 billion? Will the Legislature and the Governor come together once and for all to resolve this crisis? Before this bear reemerges we will again need your help and support in saving vital services. With the legislators not in session, now is a good time to write a letter or schedule a visit in their home office. Let them know how important the services of marcfirst are to over 350 people in need. Remind them that we are one of the largest employers in our county and the positive impact we have on the local economy. Remember to tell them that Illinois now ranks 51st in the nation in what we spend to support persons with disabilities living in their own community. Most importantly, tell them that although tough sacrifices should be made, it should not be on the backs of persons with disabilities.
|
|
|||||||||
|
About marcfirst | Our
services | SPICE | Giving
| Events | Work here
| Useful links | Contact
us |
