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The Responsible Budget Coalition Joins More than 300 Nonprofits in Calling for Fair, Fully-funded State Budget


Organizations deliver letter urging state leadership to act quickly to preserve services

Chicago, IL –(ENEWSPF)–June 30, 2015. The Responsible Budget Coalition announced that it has joined a coalition of more than 300 nonprofit organizations across Illinois in calling on Governor Rauner and the General Assembly to work together to pass a fair, adequate and fully-funded Fiscal Year 2016 budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1st. A letter from the nonprofits—representing a cross-section of education, health and human services organizations—was hand delivered today to Governor Rauner, Speaker Madigan, President Cullerton, Leader Durkin, and Leader Radogno, along with many other legislative and administrative leaders. The letter highlights the devastating impact budget inaction has and will continue to have on the non-profits and the children and adults who rely on their programs and support, as well as those services provided directly by the state.

Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of the delivery of state services to families who rely on childcare assistance; individuals with physical, developmental, and/or intellectual disabilities; senior citizens; children and adults with mental illnesses; individuals with HIV; and many more.  In addition to the services nonprofits provide on behalf of the state, community-based organizations are significant contributors to the local economy, employing thousands as well as buying goods and services from other local businesses. With July 1st quickly approaching and no state budget in place, nonprofits across the state have no choice but to contemplate and, in some cases execute, plans to terminate services, lay off staff and close service sites.

“The Governor and the General Assembly can either choose gridlock or they can choose revenue. If they choose gridlock they are choosing to eliminate jobs and cut vital services for families and communities,” said John Bouman, President of the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, a founding member of the Responsible Budget Coalition. “They must choose revenue before serious harm is done to our families, communities and the economy.”

To learn more about the urgency to pass a budget that serves all of Illinois, including the sustainable revenue needed to fund the programs families need, visit the Responsible Budget Coalition online.  To view the complete letter, click here.

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The Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC) is a large and diverse coalition of approximately 200 organizations concerned about state budget and tax issues. It includes organizations that serve children, families, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities; education groups concerned about early learning, K-12 and higher education; labor unions; faith-based and civic organizations; and many others.

The individual organizations that belong to the RBC represent a diverse range of interests but are united by these three common principles:

Adequate revenue to support state priorities and make smart investments

No more cuts to vital programs and services

Fairness in raising revenue and making any cuts caused by failure to raise adequate revenue

Source: voices4kids.org

 


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