In the Spotlight: Chopping state programs rather than pruning may cause irreparable damage to vital human services - May 2 2011 Peoria, IL - pjstar

In the Spotlight: Chopping state programs rather than pruning may cause irreparable damage - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com
Posted May 02, 2011

The powers in Springfield are on the verge of making disastrous cuts to vital human services that will harm children and families, undermine their success in school and at work, and jeopardize the stability of seniors, people with disabilities and communities throughout the state. This will continue the trend of placing the heaviest burden of cuts on human services at a time when the need and demand for these services are especially high.

These cuts must not be made unless absolutely necessary, and then there should be shared sacrifice across all state services. Disproportionate cuts to human services are shortsighted. The members of the General Assembly and the governor must first pursue all viable ideas for utilizing existing state revenues and apply a thoughtful approach to avoid unforeseen negative consequences.

First, begin with an accurate revenue estimate. The bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CoGFA) has the best track record for accuracy in projecting revenue. The Senate has based its revenue estimate on this figure while the House is estimating next year's revenues to be $1 billion less. The House estimate would necessitate harmful cuts. Both chambers should use the CoGFA figure for FY12 as the base for spending decisions.

Second, consider the outcomes of spending decisions. Further cuts in community-based programs that support children and families will result in bad outcomes as well as increased costs to the state and taxpayers in both the short and long term. While spending controls are needed, cuts in programs that improve long-term functional abilities for children with disabilities, effectively "break the cycle" of poverty, improve graduation rates, reduce juvenile crime, treat those with addictions, and address domestic and child abuse make little sense.

The 24 member organizations of the Peoria Council of Illinois Partners for Human Service provide essential services to more than 150,000 children and families each year. We employ some 2,400 people in this community and are vital contributors to the local economy. We all understand that the state's financial crisis calls for reforms and spending restraint. But it is wrong to place the heaviest burden on our most vulnerable when the result is both more costly and damaging to people's lives.

We must insist that the final budget decisions be balanced and thoughtful. It is a huge mistake to chop rather than prune, especially when the consequences will be severe and long-lasting for us all.

Jim Runyon is co-chairman of the Peoria Council of Illinois Partners for Human Service.