Budget cuts lead to loss of jobs, programs

Illinois lawmakers have cut social services funding in the face of overwhelming budget deficits, forcing local agencies to cut jobs and eliminate programs.

Developmental Services Center in Champaign, which serves children and adults with disabilities, has been directly affected.

"We definitely know we are being used for political reasons," said Janice McAteer, director of development. "Our focus is on what we can be to change it and make people aware that it cannot go on."

Lawmakers are currently in overtime sessions working on the budget. Although the final cuts are still being negotiated, as of July 1 all grant funding has been eliminated.

For DSC, that totals $1.8 million. In order to cope with the loss of government funding, DSC cut 18 jobs on Monday.

"We've had a soft freeze for the past year or so," said Nikki Kopmann , development specialist.

Some were unfilled positions, but the majority were layoffs, she added.

"So far we've made about half the cuts necessary," McAteer said. "Our hope is that we will not have to go any further."

Grant funding is mainly directed towards two programs.

Job cuts were made in the middle management of those areas and other sectors where responsibilities could be absorbed, McAteer added.

Champaign County Mental Health has also been affected by the cut.

According to Sheila Ferguson, chief executive of the Champaign County Mental Health Center, 35 mental health jobs will be cut on July 17. In addition, ten unfilled positions will remain vacant.

Employees will not be the only people affected by the withdrawal of grant funding. Individuals in need of services will be greatly affected.

"The biggest effect will be felt from the individuals that receive services," McAteer said.

Grant money was used to give 300 respite families in the community part-time caregivers in order to provide a break for the families or aid disabled individuals. This program also allowed families to keep their disabled child or adult at home.

"Most families want to keep their children at home for as long as possible," McAteer said.

As of July 1, that program was discontinued.

Individuals in need of social services will suffer from a lack of resources. There could potentially be an increase of traffic in jails, an increase in substance abuse and a lack of available mental health medication, McAteer said.

"Nobody wants to see a tax increase, but at the same time we want to take care of members of our community," she added.