Don't forget human costs when cutting

Saving money is critical to keeping Illinois running, but we can't ignore the human side of the issue.

Lake County Center for Independent Living served over 2,000 people with disabilities in Lake and McHenry counties this past year. These individuals are residents of this state and they pay taxes. Centers for Independent Living provide avenues and opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve a greater quality of life.

We assist individuals in transitioning back into the community from nursing homes. According to figures provided by the Department of Human Services, Illinois saves $91,000 with every person transitioned.

In the last three months alone, LCCIL transitioned four individuals, saving Illinois $364,000. CILS help individuals avoid institutional care by providing skills training and community supports so they can remain in their own homes; enter the workforce or re-enter the workforce after a disabling injury.

We are key to our state's economic development and growth. Funding these programs is an investment in Illinois' economic future and the futures of the people we serve. Huge cuts to funding will decimate those services.

CILS provide a multitude of specialized services annually. Programming that is not provided elsewhere in our community. Cuts threaten all services provided by CILS across the state and right here at home.

This is not the time for draconian measures. We ask the governor and all legislators to make decisions that make sense and prevent such losses.

Kelli Brooks, Executive Director

Lake County Center For Independent Living Mundelein