Governor and Legislature still grappling with FY 2010 Budget

The Governor and Illinois General Assembly passed a temporary budget for the new fiscal year beginning on July 1^st, 2009.  Without a tax increase for new revenues, across the board budget reductions of 14% have been announced.  

Additionally, those programs without a federal match will be impacted by more than the announced 14%. 

Because of these uncertainties, many organizations have been forced to close and/or reduce services.  This could ultimately affect every residential, day program and employment services participant in the state of Illinois.

During the past 20 years, Illinois has underfunded its disability programs by over 50% when compared to what our state paid its institutional services.  Now, in the midst of the worst economic crisis in 80 years, community disability programs cannot sustain funding reductions at this level and be expected to maintain current services.

You are urged to contact your local state senators and representatives, as well as the Governor and Legislative Leadership to tell them that needed services will be lost unless a new budget with sufficient funding is created for community disability programs statewide.   Many will not be able to be resurrected if this situation is not rectified soon. 

View the TV coverage from ABC 7 Chicago

Go to the link below to access the Avenues webpage for legislative and leadership information.  Please make your contacts today. 

Please contact the Governor, Legislative Leadership and your local state senator and representative now!

Read the Avenues Press Release on the impact of these reductions.