State needs to pay service agencies

Agencies that assist developmentally disabled adults in our communities are struggling under the lack of payment from the State of Illinois for services they have provided. The State has not paid money due these agencies since August.

A number of downstate agencies are closing or dramatically reducing their services. As the parent of a son with a developmental disability, who lives and works at Avenues to Independence, and as a board member of Avenues, I am keenly aware of the problems this agency as well as many others are facing.

I urge Gov. Blagojevich to sign SB 1103, which would restore cuts in the FY09 budget, and help developmentally disabled adults throughout our state access the services they deserve.

Bob Healy

Schaumburg