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* WPSD TV…
You may not see children sleeping under bridges or asking for a spare dollar on the street, but homeless children are out there. In Illinois, public schools reported more than 59,000 homeless children in the 2013-2014 school year, and nearly half of them are out on their own.
Those kids now have one less safe place to stay because of the state budget impasse.
Normally housing four kids at a time, rooms inside the Mahoney Transitional Living facility now sit empty. Kerie Moore at the Family Counseling Center says she was supervising the shelter but, without the funds blocked by the budget impasse, this once-busy house is now quiet. It was forced to close last week.
“It’s just something that is desperately needed in this area and, right now, it’s just without resources,” Moore said.
* Meanwhile, from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless…
After promising to consider legislation that would immediately fund services to homeless youth, Gov. Rauner, through his policy director, told CCH, youth, and providers on Tuesday afternoon that his office would not support the bills at this time.
The governor met personally with homeless youth on Friday to hear the stories of how the state-funded programs had changed their lives, helping them gain employment and get stably housed. Caprice Williams, 22, said closing the program would be like losing the only family she and her infant daughter have.
“Ninety-percent of the funding contained in HB 4955 and SB 2603 is sitting in dedicated funds that are building up as real estate and foreclosure-related fees are collected,” said Julie Dworkin, director of policy for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. “We can’t understand why the governor would choose to let these funds sit there while homeless youth are going to end up back on the streets.”
The governor’s office agreed to support one small portion of the bill that would release federal funding for affordable housing development. While that is a positive step, it will do nothing to help service providers that are in danger of closing after not being paid for eight months.
Last week, one of the state’s homeless youth providers could no longer float the state and had to shut down its six-bed transitional housing program, leaving seven southern Illinois counties with no housing options for homeless youth. Two other programs have run out of money to pay rent on apartments that house the youth in their programs.
Homeless youth and providers vowed to keep fighting for the release of funding for their programs.
Rauner was asked about this today and he said it was “ridiculous” that the state doesn’t have a budget - even though most of this cash is apparently sitting in special state funds. Ripe for a sweep, I suppose.
Rauner also said he was a “huge” contributor to homeless causes. “I’ve put a lot of money of my own to help homeless veterans.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 11:53 am
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Sickening…that is all I can say about this.
Comment by Wow Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 11:55 am
It’s time to get out your check book and write another huge check Bruce!
Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 11:56 am
But But Gonzalez parking was blocked!!!
Comment by State Engineer Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 11:57 am
===Rauner also said he was a “huge” contributor to homeless causes. “I’ve put a lot of money of my own to help homeless ===
Very important point.
Rauner refuses to see his responsibility as a governor is different than reacting as a private citizen.
Going back to that crutch Rauner used in the campaign, as a candidate, thst he, Rauner, “Donated millions”, is the very clear reminder thst Rauner still refuses to see his role is different now, and caring for all of Illinois is the responsibility of the Executive, not an optional philanthropic choice of a private citizen.
Yikes, that’s so telling.
Nothing learned.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 11:58 am
Any comment from rep. Durkin about this?
Comment by JackD Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:04 pm
OW — nice observation.
Comment by ash Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:05 pm
Sorry, meant Dunkin.
Comment by JackD Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:05 pm
“We can’t understand why the governor would choose to let these funds sit there while homeless youth are going to end up back on the streets.”
Julie Dworkin obviously doesn’t read this blog, or she would know that:
Because he is Rauner… and Rauner doesn’t care about anybody but himself…
Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:09 pm
I believe that all of the comments that I wish to make at this point are banned under Rich’s civility policy.
Comment by Another prof Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:11 pm
It is so telling, OW, you’re right. The range of things about which Rauner cares is limited by his obsession with unions in their capacity as representatives of those who aren’t rich. He isn’t stupid; he displays naivete. He isn’t callous; he just has a limited view of which people deserve his concern. He doesn’t set out to lie; to him, the spin reflects what he views as the end justifying the means. He can’t help himself…
Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:12 pm
Would one of you fine folks who are always telling me Rauner is fighting for the taxpayers care to tell me how this helps? This isn’t an expansion of the budget or an unfunded mandate. The cash is sitting there. Are you alright with homeless children freezing to death in order to get the turnaround agenda???
Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:12 pm
Sorry Rich,
I reread your policy on comments. What is “sock puppetry”? (So that I can be sure to not use it.)
Comment by Another prof Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:12 pm
(Tips cap to - Ash -)
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:13 pm
O Dubs +1
AP,
A sockpuppet is an online identity used for purposes of deception.
Comment by LizPhairTax Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:15 pm
He actually met with these homeless kids face to face and he still won’t release the dedicated funds. Dude is cold.
Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:15 pm
Another Prof, I’m assuming Rich means things like this:
Sock puppetry can take on several different forms:
Creating new accounts to avoid detection
Using another person’s account (piggybacking)
Logging out to make problematic edits as an IP address
Reviving old unused accounts (sometimes referred to as sleepers) and presenting them as different users
Persuading friends or acquaintances to create accounts for the purpose of supporting one side of a dispute (usually called meatpuppetry)
Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Disgusting. These children are being punished so that we, as a State, might maybe hypothetically probably almost see a 1.4% bump in revenue. Years later, of course.
Comment by illini97 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:18 pm
Remember, Sandack and Radogno think this is frustrating, but it’s a good thing to Starve the Beast. Lot’s of consolidatin’ happening, so that’s great to hear.
Comment by illini97 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:23 pm
It costs $18,000.00 to $30,000.00 a year (per person) to house ‘em in prisons.
Comment by Jack Stephens Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:24 pm
Maybe he could put a few of them up in one of his homes. He could probably get them into Walter Payton Prep no matter where they live
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:24 pm
Look outside your window today and realize that this program serving homeless youth — I mean, WEDGES — is already closed.
Seriously.
WEDGE.
Comment by Pawn Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:24 pm
Alternate headline: “Another hostage dies as Madigan refuses to negotiate on any reforms”
But that headline wouldn’t play well here.
Comment by Watchman Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:27 pm
So, if these kids joined the army, then Big Bad Bruce would release the money?
His self-absorbed phoniness makes me want to throw up.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:28 pm
OW well said. I found it interesting he said he contributed to homeless vets. Worthy group but homeless vet programs have exploded so they have funds including through the VA. The youth are still being ignored.
Comment by illinifan Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:29 pm
(Tips cap to - Independent retired lawyer, journalist -)
- LizPhairTax -, thanks. Your shoutout “O Dubs” was way cool too.
To the Post,
The fact that Rauner recognizes the need as a citizen and not as a Governor also puts into perspective that humanity is reserved for the private citizen and not a consideration for government, even if it’s an already recognized function of a government program.
Wow.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:30 pm
+Rauner also said he was a “huge” contributor to homeless causes.+
I think that was a misquote, it should have read, “I’m a huge cause of contributing to homelessness.”
Comment by Tommydanger Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:32 pm
Consolidation is rearranging deck chairs for DuPage Republicans. Why do they have three County Board members for each of six Districts? Why not two, or one? Why have an elected Chairman who meddles in every election, and not a professional manager? Why do they have an airport authority that uses tax dollars for golf courses, business conference centers, and land development?
In the meantime, you hungry homeless poor kids? What we have for you is tough love. Somebody got to feel the pain and it sure ain’t gonna be us.
Comment by Touré's Latte Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:33 pm
Watchman
So the bill in the house and senate show Madigan and Cullerton don’t care? They’re doing their duty it’s the Governor opposing it. So who is it said “it’s not about the budget it’s about reform?”
Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:34 pm
“Alternate headline: “Another hostage dies as Madigan refuses to give in to Rauner’s demands. Gov. Rauner unfazed.”
That headline would play well here because it’s true.”
Better.
(Tips cap to - illinifan -)
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:34 pm
He’s just not that into you.
Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:37 pm
Perhaps Rauners quote should be “it’s not about the citizens it’s about my will?” I suddenly have an image of Lord Farquaad from Shrek “Some of you may die, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.” DreamWorks 2001
Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:41 pm
For all of his hatred of unionized people……it is often unionized teachers who help these homeless kids by providing winter clothing or a snack paid for out of their own pockets. Not that they’re heroes. It’s that they’re human. But what would a venture capitalist know or care about humanity and the needs of people?
Comment by AnonymousOne Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:52 pm
I am sorry, but it is about the state as a whole, not just one piece of context here or there…. Governor Rauner is doing what he, his team, and many of the citizens of this state voted him into office to do, turn the state 180 degrees around… most of the GA can’t stand it and obviously have never had to work with anyone so steadfast in their principles. It will probably get worse before it gets better of that I have no doubt…. but I believe that the state of IL will come out stronger, better, and more able to care for our citizens and ways we can not do now or even before this budget issue. Guess we will all have to wait and see.
Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:54 pm
Rauner to homeless youth:
“Get a job, kids.”
If only the turnaround agenda would be passed, we could get these homeless kids into productive jobs like repairing heavy equipment and coal mining.
Comment by jerry 101 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:58 pm
===Governor Rauner is doing what he, his team, and many of the citizens of this state voted him into office to do, turn the state 180 degrees around…===
Then Governor Bruce Rauner owns his own choices. They are Rauner’s and Rauner’s alone… as his own choice.
Not the GA’s, not Madigan, not Cullerton, not even Rahm.
Why Governor Rauner refuses to own his choices… that should really trouble you about your “leader”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 12:59 pm
So kids freeze to death sleeping under bridges, because money that is sitting in a fund, just sitting in there, can’t be released on principle? What on earth is being smoked in your dorm room. How does that help us to come out stronger? By culling the heard?
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:03 pm
“I believe that the state of IL will come out stronger, better, and more able to care for our citizens and ways we can not do now or even before this budget issue.”
Where will these children apply to get their childhoods back after Illinois is “stronger, better, and more able to care for our citizens”?
If you don’t have an answer to that question, your answer is, “To Hell with ‘em.”
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Allen
So If one of these kids die it’s the cost of “progress?” What about State Universities will we bring in more business with less college grads? I’m curious when in your mind is the damage done to the state become worse than the “good”to be done?
In short how many frozen kids does it take to defrost a raunerite heart???
Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:04 pm
There were figuratively 3 choices on the ballot in 2012
Rauner
Quinn
Not Quinn
The combined votes for Rauner and Not Quinn won by a small margin. I imagine that Quinn actually won a plurality of the vote.
However, as OW is fond of saying, elections have consequences, and they surely do.
What cannot be said is that Rauner told voters this is what he was going to do. Please don’t pretend anyone other than the Governor and his pals knew that this is what he was going to do.
Comment by Tommydanger Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:08 pm
JackD- Dunkin, or Durkin — either works.
Durkin is one of the few people who could end this.
Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:09 pm
“Durkin is one of the few people who could end this.”
I’d like to think on of a handful - Madigan, Cullerton, Radogno and Rauner are the others in that habd. Madigan is probably the thumb though - you know the most important digit! :/
Comment by A Modest Proposal Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:16 pm
-Allen D-
“I am sorry, but it is about the state as a whole, not just one piece of context here or there…. Governor Rauner is doing what he, his team, and many of the citizens of this state voted him into office to do, turn the state 180 degrees around… most of the GA can’t stand it and obviously have never had to work with anyone so steadfast in their principles. It will probably get worse before it gets better of that I have no doubt…. but I believe that the state of IL will come out stronger, better, and more able to care for our citizens and ways we can not do now or even before this budget issue. Guess we will all have to wait and see. ”
That is one of the most callous, detached statements I have ever read. The topic is _literally_ about letting homeless children drop through the social safety net. And your statement is “that’s what I wanted the Governor to do. We’ll all feel better about this in a few years.”
All except those kids you’ve let fall through the net. But, hey, cool.
Comment by illini97 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Allen D: Just curious were you warm and dry last night while sleeping? Did you have a warm breakfast today? If you did I think should get on your hands and knees and thank God you did. Then apologize for your post.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:22 pm
We’ve been using the term “kill the hostages” in a rather symbolic way. Things are getting to the point where discontinuing services and denying services can produce an actual body count. I suppose that Rauner will deny any responsibility for the lives he’s ruining. That is Rauner and the lives he controls.
Comment by Aldyth Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Couldn’t pass up
Du(r/n)kin’ brothers in bungles
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:23 pm
“I’m a huge contributor to homeless causes but I’m still not going to release the funding”
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Rauner’s personal donations to homeless veterans are “feel good” for him, they are about him. Perhaps the donations are an enabler. What really makes his day is the kudos he receives from his kind; “Winning”.
Lack of empathy is so foreign, at first there is denial. There is a tipping point when the realization is made that a person’s actions are fundamentally divergent of humanity. It’s shocking and creates a strong emotional imprint for those that have empathy.
Comment by Jimmy H, Empathy for the Stranger Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:30 pm
“he was a ‘huge’ contributor to homeless causes”
Bruce Rauner certainly a huge contributer to the causes of homelessness.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:34 pm
–I am sorry, but it is about the state as a whole, not just one piece of context here or there….–
You’re sorry. My heart goes out to you. I hope you get over it soon. I’m guessing you will.
Would it be okay if one piece of context here or there crashed at your place tonight? Maybe get a shower, a hot meal, wash their clothes, get some peace of mind for one night?
The state as a whole, as you put it, is greatly diminished by this misanthropy you view as progress.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:37 pm
I suggest that those who are now homeless head over to the Rauner household and ring the doorbell, walk in and pick a bed. Surely the Gov won’t mind.
Comment by anonymous Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:45 pm
Further proof that the only qualifier of human value is how much money you have or produce. Unless you’re in his “club” you are nothing. You are to be managed. We are all the little people.
Comment by AnonymousOne Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:46 pm
Who exactly is Rauner doing all this for or is he auditioning for a V.P. spot on a Trump ticket?
Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:48 pm
“…. but I believe that. . . ” Those four words say it all. Your argument is not based on fact, just your opinion. I reply with three words: “Show your work.”
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:48 pm
Activists have asked the United Nations to investigate the Flint Michigan lead poisoning in the public water calling the situation a “humanitarian crisis.”
http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/uncucumbered/michigan_activists_ask_united_nations_to_investigate_flint_water_crisis
Assuming that R’s actions have the potential to lead to similar crises, I thought that the commenters here would be interested in knowing that contacting the United Nations is an option.
Comment by Another prof Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:50 pm
Rauner still thinks that he is winnin’ with strategies like this. He thinks this will melt Madigan’s ” cold, cold heart”. If this is the type of “thinkin’” taught at Harvard and Dartmouth, then I guess Rauner is eligible for the Nobel Prize in economics. Guess homelessness for youth is NOT on the Kiddie Cabinet agenda!
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:52 pm
“I’ve put a lot of money of my own to help homeless veterans.”
Whew, I was afraid all our child veterans had no place to sleep tonight during this blizzard. I feel much better now; thanks gov!
Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 1:58 pm
As a former homeless youth turned parent engagement program organizer- wait budget impasse got me laid off from that. I meant Immigrant rights and citizenship program manage- damnit, laid off again. Ok, teen mom support center coordinator, that’s under his wife I’ll be- sonuva! After-school program coordinator!….? Yes?
Okay. *AHEM*
As a former homeless youth turned after-school program coordinator, I am disgusted by his apparent belief that the only worth he seems to place on people is their net worth.
What a gastrointestinal aperture…
Comment by Burbling 'Burbs Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:07 pm
does this mean that bruce will probley cancel the state fair and ban all circuss inthe state
Comment by jw Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:12 pm
-Would it be okay if one piece of context here or there crashed at your place tonight? Maybe get a shower, a hot meal, wash their clothes, get some peace of mind for one night?-
Why would they impose? I’m sure they’re holding out for term limits, too.
Comment by Century Club Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:22 pm
From the LAST paragraph of proposed HB4521 UNBALANCED BUDGET RESPONSE ACT (30 ILCS 805/8.40 new)
20 Sec. 8.40. Exempt mandate. Notwithstanding Sections 6 and 8
21 of this Act, no reimbursement by the State is required for the
22 implementation of any mandate created by this amendatory Act of
23 the 99th General Assembly.
(In other words, the Governor can takes ALL he wants and never have to repay.)
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=4521&GAID=13&SessionID=88&LegID=93593
Before Rauner gets handed ANY broom, here are some facts that our “education” Governor should study:
There are TWICE as many youth (2000) as veterans (1000) homeless on any given night in Chicago. Not to mention a whole slew of other dangers these kids face. And this is only in Chicago. Imagine being out on a night like tonight!
http://www.allchicago.org/what-homelessness/facts-misconceptions/facts-misconceptions
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Austin Boulevard 12:37
“He’s not that into you.”
You nailed it.
Comment by gg Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Bruce Rauner rising star, so bright…
“… but the light only seemed to show the boy his own lonesomeness and desolation as he sat with bleeding feet and covered with dust upon a cold door-step.” –Charles Dickens
Comment by Jimmy H Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:41 pm
His royal highness Bruce the first was heard to say “let them eat cake” (Quoting Marie Antoinette)
Comment by Roscoe Tom Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:55 pm
Burblin Burbs an Century Club +1
Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 2:57 pm
“THE AVERAGE AGE OF A CHILD EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN CHICAGO IS 9 YEARS OLD”
THE AVERAGE AGE OF A CHILD is 9 means there are children younger than 9 living on the streets. And you are telling them to get a job? Wake up people!
Thanks Anon221 @ 2:26 pm for providing this link: http://www.allchicago.org/what-homelessness/facts-misconceptions/facts-misconceptions
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 4:17 pm
“Misconception: People experiencing homelessness should just get a job.
Reality: In fact, it is difficult, if not impossible, for homeless people to get employment without a fixed address and access to a telephone. Many potential employers buy into the misconceptions about people without stable housing and won’t offer work.”
This is true - businesses won’t hire a person with no home address or phone number. Homeless people have neither. What is wrong with this picture?
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 4:20 pm
Oh, yeah.
raunner: ‘Crises creates opportunity.’
And distress. And death? And failure of government.
Gotta hand it to ya, 0.01%’er Brucie.
Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 5:10 pm
It seems to me that this action is beyond the usual. Sure give the unions and Dems the blame but a bunch of kids on the streets. The Gospel according to Bruce
Comment by Cleric Dcn Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 5:52 pm
Enough is Enough
Where’s Madigan and Cullerton?
It’s like where’s Waldo .
Comment by No Sense Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 7:34 pm
Funny how people expect the Governor to just fold to the State Congress instead of placing some of the blame on their stubbornness! Typical!
Comment by DemSpin Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 7:56 pm
–Funny how people expect the Governor to just fold to the State Congress..–
The State Congress?
Apparently, the pool of low-rent Raunerbot trolls in the United States has been exhausted and they’ve gone off-shore.
Where you from, cousin, Turkmenistan?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 24, 16 @ 8:05 pm
Rauner contribute to homeless causes, absolutely, do pick on Bruce. He bought a condo in Chicago, claimed a 2nd homestead deduction so that one of his kids could attend Walter Payton HS.
Comment by Tinsel Town Thursday, Feb 25, 16 @ 3:34 am
Seriously those legislators are stubbornly refusing to pass the budget that is 6.6 b off, they didn’t pass last years which was about 3.5 b off, and now they won’t give the Gov unilateral authority over the finances of the state! The nerve! /s
Comment by burbanite Thursday, Feb 25, 16 @ 6:53 am