We must protect the most vulnerable

As a parent of a now young man with special needs, I am calling upon the governor and lawmakers to give careful consideration and reflection to their proposed budget cuts that target the not-for-profit agencies that serve the needs of people with disabilities.

I know very personally how my son has benefited and been enriched from programs both within and outside of the school system. Had it not been for programs (and the people that work there) such as Special Olympics, Lekotec, NWSRA, Buddy Baseball, Avenues to Independence and many others, his quality of life and opportunities for growth and development would have been severely limited.

We are very blessed that he now calls Misericordia his home. He and 600 other individuals with varying levels of need are able to live a life that is both safe and meaningful.

As State Rep. Laura Fine, a Glenview Democrat, said so eloquently in Tuesday's paper: "a lot of these groups are helping the most vulnerable people in Illinois."

This echoes the very poignant quote by Gandi, "The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members."

Unfortunately, standing in front of Jewel Food Stores collecting for Candy Days (April 24-25) while helping to meet some of Misericordia's budgetary needs will not come close to closing the funding gap created by Illinois' proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

Gov. Rauner, do the right thing and do not attempt to balance the budget on the backs of those individuals who cannot care for themselves. We are their voice and their protectors.

Phillip Zbaraz

Prospect Heights