IL Reps. Nekritz, Morrison Discuss Proposed Cuts to Human Services Funding
Nearly 50 people attended Countryside Association's listening session on April 11 for supporters of people with disabilities.
The Neighborhood Files; Paletine Patch | April 16, 2012
With over 45 people present, attendees represented clients, employees and board members of Countryside, families of people with disabilities, and respite workers.
According to Rep. Nekritz, “It’s unsustainable; all programs are being squeezed because of out-of-control spending. There is a desperate search for funds. I support pension reform; it’s the other 114 legislators who haven’t voted for it that need to hear your cause as well.”
According to Rep. Morrison, “Money is going toward pensions, Medicaid and employee salaries. You can be an advocate for your cause by addressing the legislature. We are advocating for reform and trying to fix the overall problem because we are so in need of fixing the state and need bi-partisan support to do so.”
Overview of some of the attendee’s comments:
William Basgall, a person with disabilities and a client of Countryside, talked about the importance of having a place to go each day, “a place to do work and feel a part of something good.”
DJ Newport, Countryside’s interim director, said, “I’d like to speak on behalf of the people with disabilities for whom we help get work in the community. The job coaching and support help give them another chance. Everyone deserves a second chance. We provide hope for the future.”
Countryside board member and father a child with disabilities, Rick Wrona, said, “Our kids get to reach their full potential at a facility like Countryside. Parents look to the future and hope that we live at least one day longer than our children, so we know that they will be cared for.
Joanne Kuhstoss, Countryside’s on-site director at the Lakeside facility, Waukegan, Ill., said, “I get calls from families whose children cannot get funded. They are eager to work and be in a community of friends, making a difference, instead of staying at home without encouragement and programs to lead them to empowerment. Our employees, too, are losing motivation, as we all look to the future.”
Countryside’s executive director, Wayne Kulick noted, “We’ve been to this point many times before and we have to fight back. We have laid off employees, frozen wages, reduced use of vehicles for client community experiences, increased employee contribution for benefits, and halted plans for desperately needed residential development.”
# http://palatine.patch.com/articles/reps-nekritz-and-morrison-discuss-proposed-cuts-to-human-services-funding#c
-Submitted by Countryside, whose mission is to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and their families and to support them in their efforts to live and work successfully in their chosen community. Through a continuum of services and supports – and facilities in Palatine and Waukegan, Illinois – Countryside Association serves over 675 individuals with disabilities and their families who reside in northern Cook and Lake Counties. Founded in 1954, the agency contends that people with disabilities have a wealth of potential as employees, community members, volunteers, friends, and next door neighbors. Countryside is committed to providing choices and opportunities for individuals to reach their goals of independence, employment and full participation in their community.
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