Stopgap money for social services passes legislature, but budget concerns remain
After 11 months, community organizations that provide support for sexual assault victims, addiction treatment, homelessness prevention and other human services could receive a little less than half their state money under a plan approved by lawmakers Thursday.
Officials from suburban organizations say the move, which hasn't been approved yet by Gov. Bruce Rauner, would help. But lingering state budget uncertainty will continue to leave a mark.
At the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault in Elgin, for example, the money would help restore staff salaries and hours, which were cut last month by 10 percent in an effort to remain open through June.
"It would get us out of the sewer," said Jim Huenink, executive director of the center.
Lawmakers approved a $700 million plan on Thursday to partially fund social services that are not getting money under court orders. The measure, which includes money from a number of special funds instead of the state's general checkbook, now goes to Rauner.
Rauner said Thursday he would prefer a full budget.
Despite the potential influx of state money, Mutual Ground, a women's shelter for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence in Aurora, doesn't plan on filling two vacant positions.
"I don't think it would be very fiscally responsible to hire someone, not knowing what's going to happen in the coming year," said Executive Director Michelle Meyer.
Mutual Ground cut administrative staff salaries in the fall, which caused two employees to leave. They received money from the legislature's last stopgap measure in December and were able to restore salaries. Still, another cut isn't off the table, Meyer said.
For the Northwest Center in Elgin, the next hurdle is to reduce the 45-person waitlist for counseling services, Huenink said. Normally, there are about a half dozen people on the list.
Lawmakers say the money is only a stopgap, and they'll continue working on a compromise for a full budget.
"We're listening to people who are saying if there's a way to help us, please give us some help," said state Rep. Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat.
In the interim, groups have had to fundraise more over the last year, seeking money from fatigued donors to keep operating.
"It's really hard to ask people for more money who are paying taxes," Meyer said. "Everybody is fed up, as we are."
• Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.