Find money to stop human services cuts

Illinois lawmakers are on the verge of making disastrous cuts to vital human services that will undermine the success of children, youth and families. The heaviest cuts have already fallen on the most vulnerable at a time when the need is especially high.

The General Assembly must pursue all viable ideas for tapping existing state revenues to avoid unnecessary and harmful cuts, including:

Ÿ Utilizing the legislature’s own bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability revenue estimate, which has the best track record for accuracy in projecting revenue. The House is currently estimating next year’s revenues to be more than $1 billion short of the commission’s projections, an estimate that will drive unnecessary, devastating cuts.

Ÿ Decoupling Illinois tax law from the new, federal bonus-depreciation tax law for businesses (saving $600 million in tax revenue) and authorizing transfers of surplus revenue from special state funds into the General Revenue Fund ($283 million).

Ÿ Considering programs’ track record in achieving positive outcomes in spending decisions. Cuts in effective programs that support employment, improve graduation rates, reduce juvenile crime and treat mental health needs make no sense.

Children’s Home and Aid serves more than 40,000 children, youth and families each year, employing more than 700 people. We understand that the state’s financial crisis calls for reforms and spending restraint. The heaviest burden should not fall on the neediest, especially as human services cuts are likely to cost taxpayers far more down the road. We must insist that the final budget be balanced and thoughtful.

Nancy Ronquillo

Carpentersville