Legislators need to do the right thing

As a parent of a young adult with disabilities I am worried and scared about what the state of Illinois' proposed budget cuts will mean for my daughter and her ability to live an independent life without the support of those trained to help her succeed. As a community member, I am angry that such vital community services are being "negotiated" over a desk in Springfield, thus negatively impacting the lives of many people. As a taxpaying citizen I am outraged at the lack of fiscal responsibility that exists in our state and the willingness of the elected leaders to attempt to balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable citizens in our communities.

Today, vital community services are being considered for significant reductions to Developmental Services Center and other community organizations resulting in hundreds of people losing services that are lifelines for them, their families and the stability of our community as a whole. Statistics show that when the safety net of services provided by community organizations is gone the state still pays in more costly settings.