Opinion

Tax-hike extension would continue services

Posted May 21, 2014 5:01 am

I am writing to support making the 5 percent income tax rate permanent so that the clients we serve and the people of Illinois can continue to receive the human services that they need.

At Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, we provide an array of services to children, adults and seniors throughout the state. I'd like to focus on substance abuse treatment, which enables people to start and maintain themselves on the road of recovery. A significant number of these individuals obtain employment while in the program.

The consequences of not extending the current income tax rate will result in a real cost to individuals, families and our communities. The Department of Human Services has stated that there would be a 24 percent cut to substance abuse services, with 15,922 fewer people getting treatment.

Robert M. Hewitt

Director of Training and Advocacy for Behavioral Health

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Des Plaines

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