Governor's Budget Plan Falls Short of Fixing Illinois' Financial Crisis
Statement from AARP Illinois Senior Manager for Advocacy Nancy Nelson
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While Governor Quinn was right in pointing out that Illinois is currently at a crossroads, his budget proposal falls short of fixing our state's deep fiscal crisis.
The Governor's proposed one percent income tax increase is not enough to fix our broken budget – it doesn't generate the revenue Illinois needs at this time, and by tying it to education, it leaves out other critical areas including social and human services.
Furthermore, the Governor's plan to implement deep cuts in other programs, and borrow more money, will make matters even worse for all Illinoisans.
As advocates for older Illinoisans, we are especially concerned about potential cuts to home and community-based programs, cuts in the prescription drug assistance program, and the continued lack of payments to service providers.
In order to fix our broken budget, we need a balanced approach that includes new and fair revenue so the state can fund the services its citizens need, pay its bills, create jobs and generate economic growth. AARP is committed to working with the Governor and the legislative leaders to find responsible solutions to our current financial crisis.
AARP has set up a toll free number for its members and for all Illinois citizens, 1-800-719-3020, so they can call their legislators and urge them to fix the budget mess, and pass a responsible budget.
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SOURCE AARP Illinois
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