LCFS joins more than 300 nonprofits in calling for fair, fully-funded state budget
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois has joined a coalition of more than 300 nonprofit organizations across Illinois in calling on Governor Rauner and the General Assembly to work together to pass a fair, adequate and fully-funded Fiscal Year 2016 budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
A letter from the nonprofits - representing a cross-section of education, health and human services organizations - was hand delivered today to Governor Rauner, Speaker Madigan, President Cullerton, Leader Durkin, and Leader Radogno, along with many other legislative and administrative leaders.
The letter highlights the devastating impact budget inaction has and will continue to have on the nonprofits and the children and adults who rely on their programs and support, as well as those services provided directly by the state.
Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of the delivery of state services to families who rely on child care assistance; individuals with physical, developmental, and/or intellectual disabilities; senior citizens; children and adults with mental illnesses; individuals with HIV; and many more. In addition to the services nonprofits provide on behalf of the state, community-based organizations are significant contributors to the local economy, employing thousands as well as buying goods and services from other local businesses.
With July 1st quickly approaching and no state budget in place, nonprofits across the state have no choice but to contemplate and, in some cases execute, plans to terminate services, lay off staff and close service sites.
"Our clients are counting on the services we provide to nurture and protect children, strengthen families and empower communities. A budget that is delayed, or inadequate, will hurt the children and families on our caseloads," said LCFS President and CEO Gene Svebakken. "We urge the governor and members of the Illinois General Assembly to set aside partisan politics and act quickly and wisely."
To learn more about the urgency to pass a budget that serves all of Illinois, including the sustainable revenue needed to fund the programs families need, and to view the complete letter, please visit www.lcfs.org/2015ILBudgetImpasse.
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois is a nonprofit social ministry organization that annually improves the well-being of more than 40,000 people statewide by nurturing and protecting children, empowering families and transforming communities. For more information on LCFS programs and services, visit www.lcfs.org or www.facebook.com/LCFSIL or call (800) 363-LFCS.