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Ounce joins budget coalition statement

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* This is, of course, Mrs. Rauner’s group, which makes it newsworthy. From a June 30th press release…

The Ounce of Prevention Fund 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 service 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 budgetary inaction has and will continue to have on the nonprofits 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.

“When the state government is in a stalemate, it is our most vulnerable citizens and the organizations who serve them that pay the highest price. But these children and families, and these organizations, are our friends, our families, our neighbors, our communities. When they suffer, we all pay the price in the short- and long-term,” said Elliot Regenstein, senior vice president of advocacy and policy, Ounce of Prevention Fund. “Already we are seeing the consequences of not having a fair, fully-funded budget, with partners like Family Focus and Easter Seals Central Illinois reducing or making plans to reduce staff and services. They are just two organizations of the hundreds being forced to make these difficult, devastating decisions.”

Family Focus offers a wide range of family support programs for children and families, plus outreach, referral and crisis services at 7 direct service centers in low-income communities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

“If the state does not have an approved budget on July 1, we will have to immediately suspend services to more than 3,600 people and lay off 50 staff. Working families cannot afford continued cuts—they need these critical supports to effectively contribute to our economy,” said Mariana Osoria, center director of Family Focus - Nuestra Familia.

The impact of the budget impasse will be felt throughout the state. For example, Easter Seals Central Illinois will have to suspend its Child and Family Connections-Early Intervention service coordination if there is no budget in place by July 1. According to Jim Runyon, executive vice president of strategic initiatives, governmental affairs, & grants, the organization will have to furlough 37 staff and 1,600 families and their children will see their Early Intervention support services suspended until a resolution is reached.

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, and to view the complete letter, please visit theOunce.org.

Discuss.

…Adding… From an e-mail…

Rich,

In addition to my role as Voices’ Policy and Advocacy Director, I also run the Responsible Budget Coalition (along with Dan Lesser at Shriver.)

I want to let you know that the Ounce has been a part of the RBC since its inception. They have been a major player in all of our work, and there has never been a departure from our pro-responsible budget, anti-cut position. The Ounce has always stood strong with the entire RBC in our belief that families and communities do not function in silos, and cannot be bifurcated into line items that can be eliminated or reduced.

That’s why the Ounce, along with Action for Children, Voices and the Latino Policy Forum, officially testified against all of governor’s proposed budgets, including the K-12 budget—taken as a whole, cuts it hurts families and communities.

To see the Ounce’s position on revenue, one only has to look at everything the RBC has said. They are an active member of the group, and their knowledge base is vital to our success.

Just want to make sure that’s clear—this is not a new development.

Thanks.

Emily

Emily Miller
Policy and Advocacy Director, Voices for Illinois Children
Co-Coordinator, Responsible Budget Coalition

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 8:54 am

Comments

Some awkward conversations in front of the help, I’m sure.

Comment by Albany Park Patriot Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 8:57 am
LOL.

Dear Ounce:

Both the governor and Democrats have recognized the need for new revenue.

The real hold up is on whether what you either refer to as the “Turnaround Agenda” or “non-budget items” are an indispensable part of this year’s final budget.

Where do you stand?

Sincerely,

Everyone

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:01 am
The Governor Rauner Budget: Illinois held hostage…Day One.

Comment by Johnnie F. Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:02 am
Making that commercial vouching for your husband had consequences, Mrs.Rauner.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:04 am
“But honey,” Bruce meekly says at the dinner table, “they didn’t do what I told them to do yet.” “No excuse, Bruce, you can just go sleep in the ranch house tonight!”

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:10 am
Stunning interpretations….not.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:22 am
Governor Rauner apparently doesn’t mind the little lady having a few little hobbies and charities and whatnot - but he’s not gonna let ‘em interfere with his serious Governin’

Comment by Bluegrass Boy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:23 am
===Stunning interpretations….not.===

What IS the interpretation, “We love Bruce Rauner”?

Please add to your comments some thoughtful reasoning, otherwise that drive-by really refutes… nothing.

Thank you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:26 am
What a boffo reality show! Perfect slot between the Kardashians and Duck Dymasty.

“He’s a reactionary plutocrat. She’s a suburban do-gooder. Watch the sparks fly as these two crazy opposites try to make it work in tneir dangerous Springfield fixer-upper…..”

DR: “Bruce, have you seen my early childhood grant?”

BR: “Ummmm, I had to kill that grant, honey. That Madigan guy was pushing me around…”

DR: “Brucie, you’ve got some ’spainin’ to do…..yikes, the stairs collapsed….”

BR: “Uh, call your chief of staff. I gotta go turn around somethin’…see ya…”

Rated MIA. Not suitable for mature or intelligent audiences.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:35 am
Ah Willy, simply passing on a thought regarding the reaction here thus far. My friend, when you speed past the point where no matter what is put in front of you is opposed before you even read it, you’ve reached a point where no reasonable submission of any kind will satisfy. That’s where we are. Mostly I avoid these topics because it devolves immediately into a circular firing squad and ultimately the comments become so idiotic trying to top one another, that it’s a fruitless discussion.

I’d have been better advised to do so this time and let the harpies just have at it. Lesson learned. (at least for today-lol)

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:37 am
“Stunning interpretations ….not”

The beauty is in its completeness! There is absolutely no reason for “A guy” to revise and extend his remarks.

Comment by DuPage Don Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:39 am
Funding for ‘The Ounce of Prevention Fund’ was approved at the same time the P-12 Education appropriation was approved by the governor. Why would Ounce join 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 when Ounce’s budget has been passed. Please correct me if I wrong.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:40 am
Its not enough to say pass a fair budget. These groups need to come out, at least, against the anti union provisions of the agenda, if not the whole package. Other than his stubborn ego, who is telling rauner they want his agenda?

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:42 am
HBO - “Dad’s Home State” Season 1, Eposide 9

Bruce decides it’s worth shutting down his home state while Diana ponders what no funding means at her job, with her own state employee. Bruce gets Strawberry shake at Portillo’s, Lance gets in Twitter “battle”. Comedy, 62 minutes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:45 am
Mama - To their credit, the Ounce recognizes that achieving their mission is about more than their grants and contracts. If you care about kids, you need to care about a lot more than just early childhood education. They could just focus on their narrow self-interests, but they are not. Good for them.

Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:48 am
===Ah Willy, simply passing on a thought regarding the reaction here thus far.===

So it was a drive-by, not really making a case against.

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:52 am
Compare Mrs. Rauner’s group:

“When the state government is in a stalemate, it is our most vulnerable citizens and the organizations who serve them that pay the highest price.”

With Governor Rauner:

On Tuesday, Rauner told Illinois workers the “pain” of a state shutdown could be worth it if major change comes to Illinois as a result.

Then compare with…

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

Comment by AC Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 9:58 am
Mama, most of Ounce’s contracts are with DHS, not ISBE.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:02 am
AC–exactly. The pain Bruce is willing to inflict will not be felt by those with whom he travels. It will be inflicted on and felt by the most vulnerable members of our society. And the gain will be lower taxes on the wealthy. Thus, Bruce considers the pain to be worth the prize. Welcome to the plutocracy, where your worth as a person is based solely on your worth in economic terms.

Comment by Concerned Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:04 am
===So it was a drive-by, not really making a case against.===

Fair enough. I already admonished myself for even going that far. My bad x 2.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:09 am
Guy, it’s really sad that you deprive everyone of your knowledge and insight and just reduce yourself to meaningless drivebys.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:12 am
I hope that this group is also participating in the committee of the whole meetings. That way they are getting their point across to everyone, correct? Of course, some people claim these meetings are shams, politically motivated. I happen to think both sides should take the time to be well informed about the consequences of their disagreements. That being said, I consider the Governor responsible for the lack of the budget - and I am sure he doesn’t care about these meetings.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:24 am
Lol, Wordslinger. Funny stuff.

Good for Ounce, for joining with the nonprofits and standing for more revenue that is desperately needed to help our most vulnerable residents. Better late than never, I guess.

I read an interesting article today that is relevant to our current situation. It’s about Scott Walker and unions, and it mentions studies that find budget deficits and pension deficits are not correlated with higher union density. Pension deficits like those in Illinois are created in large part because of irresponsible fiscal practices. Wisconsin’s pensions were almost fully funded when Walker became governor, per the article.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/scott-walkers-tenure-done-wisconsin-111700707.html

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:24 am
==the organization will have to furlough 37 staff and 1,600 families and their children will see their Early Intervention support services suspended==

3rd quarter economic data is going to be in the tank. Illinois is a beacon of wisdom in governance and economic stewardship.

Rauner might learn the hard way that moderation, public and transparent compromise, and economic issues are more important than personal agendas.

Comment by cdog Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:27 am
The Ounce et al asked for a quick budget agreement, and presented their reasons as to why it hurts their and the public interests not to have one. That’s exactly what they should do.

To expect them to take a stand on the Turnaround Agenda, since in many minds that is clearly the hold up, is political insider hubris.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:29 am
“The pain Bruce is willing to inflict…”. Come on! The “pain” is caused by Madigan and the Dems overpromising to all these groups to get their political support. Their moneys were borrowed and not sustainable. All you defenders of the failed status quo just want more taxes to continue the charade. And “cut everybody else, not me” is unhelpful. Groups should explain their plans to operate with less state funding, which is inevitable.

Comment by Let'sMovetoTexas Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:39 am
They wasted the leap second, they had more time before July 1st and they blew it.

Comment by Joe Spivey Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:43 am
Let’sMovetoTexas, I think many here are willing to have the debate. So let me know when the Governor has a balanced budget that isn’t premised on taking a pension holiday.

Thanks.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:44 am
The NFP community is going to have to face the fact that the expansion of their funding and programming has reached high tide, and will be receding. There will always be one more social service program that is worthy of being fulfilled if the state has the money. It does not. I know that sounds heartless, but it is a reality. The prioritizing of programming will be difficult, but it must be done. The taxpayers are only going to go so far, and I’m not talking about millionaires.

Comment by Percival Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:50 am
== Wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:12 am:

Guy, it’s really sad that you deprive everyone of your knowledge and insight and just reduce yourself to meaningless drivebys.===

I’ll reflect on this. Thanks for pointing it out. You’re good that way.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 10:51 am
Percival, I think if you talk to the NFP community, there hasn’t really been much of an “expansion of their funding and programming” over the last seven years.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 11:19 am
Maybe so, but some of the existing programs are going to fall victim to the pensions and other overspending, I suspect.

Comment by Percival Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 11:27 am
@Texas, many of them are explaining and enacting their plans for operating with less. Cutting services to the needy and laying off employees.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 11:30 am
Percival, the NFPs I work with all can document that their programs save the state monies in the long run. Better health outcomes; fewer folks ending up in jail or prison; and so on. It is really a matter of whether we (taxpayers) want to spend some now or a lot more later. (For the record, we are a well off household who would support higher taxes to meet the needs of the state.)

Comment by uptown progressive Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 11:36 am
I am confident that every NFP can do so. Telli it to the taxpayers.

Comment by Percival Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Sounds like a CYA letter.

Comment by jt Wednesday, Jul 1, 15 @ 2:01 pm