Pols play shameful game of 'chicken'

Once again, as the Illinois legislature plays a game of "chicken" with the budget, they shamefully hold hostage the most vulnerable population in the state, those who least have the ability to speak for themselves or express their needs.

Illinois is already in last place in the nation in its funding for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and now the governor's plan eliminates even that pittance.

I hope the lawmakers who refuse to take the necessary steps to fully fund these most vulnerable citizens aren't sleeping any better at night than the parents, siblings and loved ones of those whose very living stipends, group homes and respite care are being eliminated.

Where will these people go? How do our elected officials go to rest in their comfortable beds each night and still consider themselves good and just people when they have left so many of their constituents desperate and in financial ruin by removing the little support they had from those they thought were there to help protect the vulnerable, to protect them.

Attached photo is of my son, one of those vulnerable citizens.

Karen Seymour-Ells

Wheaton