Crespo Leads Effort to Restore Funding for Vital Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, fought for the needs of middle-class families by overseeing the passage of legislation to restore federally funded programs for working families, children and elderly residents.

"Throughout the past weeks, the House of Representatives has heard testimony on the importance of state-administered social service programs that have been halted by the governor's shutdown," Crespo said. "The governor's reckless veto of the state budget has put a number of services at risk, and I am continuing to fight for a more balanced approach to the state's financial challenges."

Crespo sponsored Senate Bill 2042, which restores funding to vital state service including, programs from victims of domestic violence, screenings for breast and cervical cancer, Meals on Wheels, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Earlier this week, Crespo held joint meetings between the Appropriations - General Services Committee, which he chairs, and the Appropriations - Human Services Committee to hear testimony from residents who depend on vital state programs and discuss the serious implications of the cuts that have been proposed.

"During a political climate that is extremely contentious, it was reassuring to see members from both sides of the aisle come together to direct partial funding to the services that our state's most vulnerable residents depend on," Crespo said. "There is still lots of work ahead, but is my hope that the bipartisanship observed this week can continue, as it is crucial that we take these actions further to ensure the programs that allow residents to maintain steady jobs, access health care and live normal lives are protected."