Illinois' Budget Crisis

[daughtersrus]

Illinois already ranks #51 out of 50 states (they count Washington DC) in providing services to the disabled. How sad! Now that they are purposing budget cuts of 50% to social service providers, many of these agencies are going to have to stop providing services all together. These cuts would be wide spread including DCFS as well as thousands of other agencies.

Where are the cuts to the salaries of the politicians of this state?

While at the same time, the city of Chicago is trying to secure the 2016 Olympics.

 

[61292cna]

It is because the poor have no lobbyist or unions to stick up for them. Also there are the few who so publicly cheat the system, making people think it is everyone getting government help & so the public thinks "the cheats deserve it". Just think we were told as soon a Blago was gone everthing would be great, what a lie, the new Gov is even worse!!!

 

[Stitchfans]

Don't want to think about it. Been begging DH for years to move. He is still fighting me all the way. Sure wish we could get out of here.

 

[shrubber]

Frankly,
I think it's great.
While Illinois might not have the best record for keeping on a budget, at least cutting welfare programs the state cannot afford is a step in the right direction. It sure beats the heck out of going further into debt.

 

[daughtersrus]

Frankly,
I think it's great.
While Illinois might not have the best record for keeping on a budget, at least cutting welfare programs the state cannot afford is a step in the right direction. It sure beats the heck out of going further into debt.

We may end up with a balanced budget but it will be at the expense of the health and well being of the most vulnerable citizens of this state. Why can't we cut spending in other areas, starting with the salaries of the governor and other elected officials.

Why not put up some toll roads around Springfield and other parts of the state and collect money for roads from the entire state instead of just from those in the Chicago area?

Why not require the state to fill out paperwork correctly and seek the matching funds from the Federal Government like other states do?

How about doing away with some of the pet projects like lights for a baseball field or for building a baseball museum or money for a theater or golf course...
Are these really more important than the health and well being of the citizens?

$500 Millions sure could go a long way in helping the people of IL

http://www.connecttristates.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=307478

 

[Glenn]

I really hate the politicians we have here in IL. And maybe even the public that elects them ( or cant be bothered to vote).
Yes the state is in the red but do they look at cutting the frills before wanting to raise taxes 50% no they declare if they dont get their way all the hospitals, prisons etc will be closed. Its scare tacticks to get their way & dont care who they throw under the bus. Several groups have come up with cuts of around 4 billion which would help. But the politicians wont even consider them. Ive always voted but next time if someone is running I really like I will be volunteering to help get rid of the idiots we have.

 

[Chicago526]

Frankly,
I think it's great.
While Illinois might not have the best record for keeping on a budget, at least cutting welfare programs the state cannot afford is a step in the right direction. It sure beats the heck out of going further into debt.

Cutting welfare programs (along with education, police, and fire) should come LAST not FIRST, and only if other cuts don't balance the budget.

 

[DizBelle]

We may end up with a balanced budget but it will be at the expense of the health and well being of the most vulnerable citizens of this state. Why can't we cut spending in other areas, starting with the salaries of the governor and other elected officials.

Why not put up some toll roads around Springfield and other parts of the state and collect money for roads from the entire state instead of just from those in the Chicago area?

Why not require the state to fill out paperwork correctly and seek the matching funds from the Federal Government like other states do?

How about doing away with some of the pet projects like lights for a baseball field or for building a baseball museum or money for a theater or golf course...
Are these really more important than the health and well being of the citizens?

$500 Millions sure could go a long way in helping the people of IL

http://www.connecttristates.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=307478

You mean you want the politicians to do what is in the best interest of their constituents? Isn't that counter to their DNA?

 

[mamajoan]

Frankly,
I think it's great.
While Illinois might not have the best record for keeping on a budget, at least cutting welfare programs the state cannot afford is a step in the right direction. It sure beats the heck out of going further into debt.

Excuse me,, I just got back from a social service agency ...non profit. It was a very sad visit. For you see, if the state of IL does it's proposed cuts Homes for the Disabled will be closed, foster parent payments CUT IN HALF!,
counseling for abused children- cut
specialized care for children with physical and mental disabilities- cut at least in half

Tell me... how much does it cost you to care for a 4 year old child per month?

Less than $150? cause that is what the state is proposing for foster care parents

Tell me what type of adult will come from a child who has been abused and neglected, removed from his home, placed with people he does not know, maybe changes homes several times ( if there are foster parents willing to go into debt because the state will not cover the cost of care) AND THIS CHILD GETS NO COUNSELING SERVICES?

Tell me what happens to the Mentally disabled when they no longer are able to live in group homes because it is not covered by the state any longer?
Many have no other place to go, no family support.

Yes the state budget must be cut, yes everyone must take a hit.... but at what cost?

Everyone says " we do it for the kids", " It is all about the kids" but the neediest, the kids without a voice.... they will take the biggest hit if these budget cuts occur.
The red tape is overwhelming. It is also costly.
I readily admit that there are people who abuse the Medicaid, Welfare, Disability system on both sides of the system. Yet, would it not make more sense than to clarify and police the system than to cut across the board?

We need Foster Parents. They should be given more help instead of less. I am not sure what will happen when Foster parents are not able to take in children because they can not make their personal income stretch beyond their limits. Foster parents are not "paid" to care for children. They receive funds to provide for children- to cover the day to day costs.
Tell me what will the State of Illinois do when there are fewer foster parents to care for the increasing number of foster children??

Thanks for listening!

 

[MoniqueU]

I live in CA, they are proposing to totally do away with welfare all together. The spending here is out of control and was in good times as well. Some stuff needs to be cut that is just the reality. I hope they vote the fools in legislature out of office but I don't have much hope with the way my state votes.

 

[geffric]

We may end up with a balanced budget but it will be at the expense of the health and well being of the most vulnerable citizens of this state. Why can't we cut spending in other areas, starting with the salaries of the governor and other elected officials.

Why not put up some toll roads around Springfield and other parts of the state and collect money for roads from the entire state instead of just from those in the Chicago area?

Why not require the state to fill out paperwork correctly and seek the matching funds from the Federal Government like other states do?

How about doing away with some of the pet projects like lights for a baseball field or for building a baseball museum or money for a theater or golf course...
Are these really more important than the health and well being of the citizens?

$500 Millions sure could go a long way in helping the people of IL

http://www.connecttristates.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=307478

Cutting welfare programs (along with education, police, and fire) should come LAST not FIRST, and only if other cuts don't balance the budget.

I agree...why can't they cut all salary increases, freeze all pension plans , and eliminate the waste before hurting the poor and defenseless..

 

[61292cna]

Frankly,
I think it's great.
While Illinois might not have the best record for keeping on a budget, at least cutting welfare programs the state cannot afford is a step in the right direction. It sure beats the heck out of going further into debt.

My sister works full time & still can't make ends meet without the minimal help(FS, Child Care & Medical) & she has a 12yo son with mental health problems,
I hope you are still as smug & satisfied that they're no longer getting any state help when he seriously harms or murders someone like maybe someone you love(god forbid!) Most the people that get these benefits desperately need them & would be really happy if they didn't!!! when the needy are living in the streets, how many will you take in or prvide for?

As for why the poor & defensless, It is because they are easy pickings.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I live in CA, they are proposing to totally do away with welfare all together. The spending here is out of control and was in good times as well. Some stuff needs to be cut that is just the reality. I hope they vote the fools in legislature out of office but I don't have much hope with the way my state votes.

Up until one year ago, I was a resident of California. Looks like we got out of there just in time. Why the heck did they have a Laker parade in the face of such deep budget cuts?! And did you know that the Chancellor of the California State University system makes more money than the president of the United States?

So sad to hear this about Illinois. As usual, the most vulnerable will be the ones to suffer. I worry when I think about what will happen to our most needy citizens when there is no help for them.

 

[manning]

It is because the poor have no lobbyist or unions to stick up for them. Also there are the few who so publicly cheat the system, making people think it is everyone getting government help & so the public thinks "the cheats deserve it". Just think we were told as soon a Blago was gone everthing would be great, what a lie, the new Gov is even worse!!!

Not just the poor, more the common people don't have lobbyist. However if everyone voted the lobbyist can be neutralized.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I live in CA, they are proposing to totally do away with welfare all together. The spending here is out of control and was in good times as well. Some stuff needs to be cut that is just the reality. I hope they vote the fools in legislature out of office but I don't have much hope with the way my state votes.

and they require home depot and lowes to build restrooms for the day workers who stand outside....

all government is bad. and anyone who tries to change it is squashed. Voting does nothing...

Mikeeee

 

[Tinks]

Perhaps Illinois should do away with things like this first. If you are a state employee (police, fireman, teachers, IDOT...) you can retire after 30 years with full salary. A great number of these folks are 50 when they "retire". Then they take a second state job and end up double dipping on our lovely state. It's outrageous.

 

[Laurabearz]

Don't want to think about it. Been begging DH for years to move. He is still fighting me all the way. Sure wish we could get out of here.

Same here

Perhaps Illinois should do away with things like this first. If you are a state employee (police, fireman, teachers, IDOT...) you can retire after 30 years with full salary. A great number of these folks are 50 when they "retire". Then they take a second state job and end up double dipping on our lovely state. It's outrageous.

I agree!

 

[SeedsLuvDisney]

If you are a state employee (police, fireman, teachers, IDOT...) you can retire after 30 years with full salary.

False, its around 75%-80% for most....

 

[61292cna]

Up until one year ago, I was a resident of California. Looks like we got out of there just in time. Why the heck did they have a Laker parade in the face of such deep budget cuts?! And did you know that the Chancellor of the California State University system makes more money than the president of the United States?

So sad to hear this about Illinois. As usual, the most vulnerable will be the ones to suffer. I worry when I think about what will happen to our most needy citizens when there is no help for them.[/QUOTE

The Lakers parade was paid for by the Lakers orginazation & private donations, thank you kindly!!!

 

[MoniqueU]

If the lakers hadn't of paid for the parade I am sure Jack would have.
And as far as budget cuts go here in CA they xan start by slashing the teachers pay in LA county where they can only manage to graduate 39 percent of their students. I listen to John and Ken as often as possible and the taxes, spending and government in our state are just insane. And sometimes all the money and funding in the world is NOT the answer. The teachers in LAUSD make great money, the per pupil spending is higher then my sons private school and the buildings in most cases are newer and niceer, yet the successs rate quite frankly sucks. Tenure rules and the students and the taxpayers are all losers.

And I know we aren't supposed to get political but it seems to me from casual observation that the more liberal the state the bigger the problems. I could be wrong about that but that is my observation.