Target: Michael J. Madigan, Speaker of the House, Illinois
Goal: Applaud members of Illinois’ House of Representatives for voting to replenish funds for vital social programs during budget crisis.
Proposed cuts for vital social programs in Illinois are thankfully slated to be offset by new stopgap funding. The state’s House of Representatives voted to approve $700 million that will be culled from a variety of special emergency funds. If approved, the plan will ensure that important social services will remain funded after Governor Bruce Rauner’s budget cuts.
These cuts would take resources away from autism, HIV, and AIDS programs. They would cut funding for after-school programming in low-income neighborhoods and smoking cessation programs. The governor even seeks to remove funding that provides burials for deceases public assistance recipients.
Though Governor Brauner insisted that his financial plan was aimed at helping the state’s economy, it appears that the state’s House of Representatives knew better than to believe that lie. They’ve instead stepped up to protect the people of Illinois and to meaningfully support their state’s economy in the process. This has come on the heels of outspoken opposition from the people of Illinois and non-residents alike, as seen in this ForceChange petition.
Cutting necessary social programs is immoral and economically unwise, as these services help keep people in need afloat. Sign the petition below to thank the Illinois House of Representatives for replenishing funds for vital social programs in their state.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Madigan,
I am writing to thank you for working to replenish funds for vital social services in Illinois. Governor Brauner’s dramatic budget cuts to resources for HIV treatment, after-school programming, and other forms of state assistance were completely unacceptable. You have stepped up to protect the people of Illinois from the disastrous consequences of the Governor’s financial plans, and for that I commend you.
It is the duty of elected officials to approach legislation with the interests of their constituents as their number one priority. Though Governor Brauner failed to do this himself, you have stood by your obligation to the citizens of Illinois by providing support for vital social programs in your state. Thank you once again for working to replenish funding for these important services.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Associated Press
377 Signatures