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Governor and Legislature still grappling with FY 2010 Budget

The Governor and Illinois General Assembly signed off on a temporary budget for the new fiscal year beginning on July 1^st, 2009.  Grant programs have been reduced by 12%, with the mandate that conversion of these programs take place by February, 2010, to capture as much federal reimbursement as possible.

Should the state fall short in its conversion goal, additional reductions will be implemented in FY 2010.  While the conversion is considered voluntary, agencies need to be warned that future reductions may be targeted toward any remaining grant funded programs.

Because of these uncertainties, many organizations have closed and/or reduced services.  The conversion itself will cause persons to lose services; future funding reductions will affect every residential, day program and employment services participant in the state of Illinois.

During the past 20 years, Illinois has underfunded its disability programs by over 50% when compared to what our state paid its institutional services.  Now, in the midst of the worst economic crisis in 80 years, community disability programs cannot sustain funding reductions at this level and be expected to maintain current services.

You are urged to contact your local state senators and representatives, as well as the Governor and Legislative Leadership to tell them that needed services will be lost unless a new budget with sufficient funding is created for community disability programs statewide.   Many will not be able to be resurrected if this situation is not rectified soon

Please contact the Governor, Legislative Leadership and your local state senator and representative today!

View the TV coverage from ABC 7 Chicago

DHSDD Draft Conversion Plan