State must avoid social service cuts

Our mission is to promote the well being and progress of Michoacanos and Mexicans living in Illinois and the Midwest as well as the ones living in Michoacan -- through educational, cultural, productive and social projects in a bi-national context.

Signature projects and programs include community organizing, transnational development, promotion of culture and heritage, education and social support and advocacy.

We are writing this letter as a means to communicate to our legislators the importance in balancing the state budget.

The important work that we do and the services we provide are being threatened by the budget deficit in Springfield.

At the end of May, the Illinois General Assembly passed a budget that was $2 billion out of balance.

We know that, just like our own budget, the state too must balance its budget, or else face a lack of money when it comes time to pay for its vital services.

It is irresponsible and dishonest for our legislators to play out an ambitious spending plan and then starve it by not providing the money to pay for it.

If organizations like ours lose money for the important programs and services we provide, we will be leaving a lot of good people out to dry.

Now, the General Assembly has a choice to make -- Pay for its promises to the people of Illinois or have the budget get cut back to its bare minimum.

If that happens, the impact will be felt statewide -- cuts to health care, education and transportation.

Alheli Herrera

Director of Programs

Federation of Michoacan Clubs in Illinois

Chicago