Funding for Elgin programs still in budget

Banking on state funds can be a risky proposition.

But several Elgin organizations are still in good shape even after Gov. Rod Blagojevich shaved millions of dollars from the state budget.

The city of Elgin, the Elgin Armory, Public Action to Deliver Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin are among the groups that still stand to receive roughly $1 million from the state.

That's after Blagojevich cut $141 million worth of specific projects, which he called pork barrel spending, as part of nearly $463 million in reductions to accommodate bigger health care programs.

"I'm pleased that those programs are still in the budget," state Rep. Ruth Munson said of the money earmarked for Elgin. "These are all projects that are important in our community."

Munson, an Elgin Republican, said she was also pleased that additional funds were set aside for the Community Crisis Center and fast-growing school districts, such as Community Unit District 300.

But nothing is set in stone, Munson cautioned.

"I do hope the governor will release those funds," she said. "Even though they are in the budget, they still have to be given the money."

Not every Elgin organization escaped the governor's knife, however.

Blagojevich eliminated $20,000 for programs at Elgin's Centro de Informacion, a nonprofit Hispanic social service agency.

He also cut $250,000 budgeted for Elgin Community College.

"We were disappointed but to be quite honest not surprised," ECC finance director Carole Robertson said.

The college had wanted to use half of the money on equipment for the college's new radiology program, which is scheduled to launch next year.

Now it'll have to look elsewhere for the money, Robertson said.

"Other programs may have to wait for updates in equipment," she said.

The remaining funds were supposed to be split between campus security upgrades, including surveillance cameras and library materials. Those projects will have to wait, Robertson said.

Legislators are expected to return to Springfield in the coming weeks to try to restore the funding. But unless the House and Senate vote to do so, the governor's version of the nearly $59 billion state spending plan is final.

"This is still a work in progress," said state Sen. Michael Noland, an Elgin Democrat. "Make no assurances for anyone regarding any items or initiatives."

Looks like we made it

Here's a look at some local projects that didn't fall to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's budget knife.

Funding Recipient Purpose

$50,000 city of Elgin Community Park renovations

$12,000 city of Elgin Purchase of ATVs for gang patrol

$15,000 Boys & Girls Club Renovating clubhouse

$100,000 PADS of Elgin Douglas L. Hoeft Resource Center

$10,000 city of Elgin Veterans Memorial Park monument for Elgin veterans

$820,653 Elgin Armory Upgrading interior and exterior