Voice concern about cuts in state budget

I am appalled that the legislature and the governor continue to play politics with the lives of Illinois residents. Using his line item veto, the Governor has once again slashed services for those who need them most: the indigent, victims of domestic violence, those affected by addiction and the mentally ill. With a swipe of his pen, the Governor, a purported advocate of health care for all, slashed the substance abuse budget by nearly 50 percent. The impact of these cuts will be felt keenly in our community: decreased access to services, loss of jobs, increased burden on emergency rooms.

Studies show that one in four Illinois residents has been touched by addiction: a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, themselves. This must be an issue important to all of us. Each of us should contact our legislators and demand this necessary funding be restored.

Sally Thoren

Vernon Hills