Stop governor from cutting funding

For Illinoisans living with MS, the Department of Human Services -Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Home Services Program is essential to maintaining independence in their community. More than 30,000 residents with disabilities live at home and receive the support and services they need from personal assistants (PAs).

Governor Blagojevich recently cut $10 million dollars in the state budget for the DRS Home Services Program which will lead many Illinoisans with disabilities to lose the ability to live independently. This budget cut will force individuals with disabilities, many under the age of 65, into institutions costing the state considerably more than the proposed budget cuts.

Although $10 million may seem like a solution to the governor, an estimated cost to the state for an individual on the home services program is $6,500. If an individual is forced into a nursing home, an average cost per year for a semi-private room is $65,000. In 2003, Medicaid paid for 46 percent of the national nursing home costs. This cost saving measure will be a cost spending measure, resulting in the state spending an additional $23,500 per individual.

When this proposed budget cut goes into effect, thousands of people with MS and other individuals with disabilities in our community will lose their freedom and independence. As Illinoisans, we should be outraged that the independence of people with disabilities is being compromised.

Take a stand today. Please call your state representative and senator, and tell them you will not stand for these inappropriate cuts, urge them to override the governor's veto and restore funding for the Home Services Program. You will help ensure that the people with disabilities in your community who need the support and services of PAs will retain their dignity and independence.

Deborah A. King

St. Charles