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Dear Friends,
A new session of the legislature is upon us, and over the past couple of weeks, we have heard from Gov. Bruce Rauner about his budget priorities for the state of Illinois. Unfortunately, what we heard is in keeping with his past proposals, which have invariably sought to undo programs and services that aid the neediest and most vulnerable in our community.
In addition to outright eliminating certain initiatives that help university students, the governor’s 2019 budget proposal reduces spending on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, mental health services, and Redeploy Illinois, which has focused on keeping youth out of prison. After-school programs that seek to keep our children off the streets are also reduced or eliminated.
Gov. Rauner himself has pointed out that the situation for the African-American community in Illinois is dire, with the worst unemployment rate in the nation and worse-than-average showings in every quality-of-life indicator. These are the root causes of violence in our communities. It is broadly understood that we combat the blight of violence through education, through attention to mental health and through job opportunities. Yet his budget proposes the exact opposite.
I say it often because it bears repeating: A budget is a moral document. It is not solely about a bottom line, but about what statement we send to our community and our world about what we value as a society. I believe Illinoisans value using our resources to aid, protect and empower those who need help, because any of us might find ourselves in similar straits. That is why I oppose these cuts and urge you to raise your voice in opposition to them as well.
Please call my office at 773-224-2830 to tell me how these proposed cuts might affect you or somebody you care about, or to speak about any other important topic in state government.
Sincerely,
Senator Jacqueline Collins
16th District – Illinois
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