Illinois budget

(Updated 6/21/10)

Yes, we have a state budget.  Well, sort of.  Actually, it’s kinda complicated. 

Let’s break it down. 

The General Assembly passed on May 25 a state budget.  However, this budget is deeply flawed.  It doesn’t address the state’s nearly $6 billion in unpaid bills, relies too heavily on one-time revenue, and jeopardizes services for all Illinoisans.  Most importantly, legislators failed to pass new revenue, the only sustainable solution to the state’s budget problems.

This week, the Illinois General Assembly sent Governor Pat Quinn a state budget bill (HB 859) that gives him unprecedented ability to fund - or not fund - state programs in fiscal year 2011. The ball is in the governor's court.

HB 859 gives Governor Quinn sole authority to allocate funding to lifesaving HIV programs such as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), HIV prevention programs, and housing and care services.  Though the Governor will have large pots of funding to allocate among various priorities, it  is painfully clear that the need far outpaces available funding. 

On May 21, a state public health advisory panel recommended that Illinois immediately institute a waiting list for ADAP because available funding was insufficient to maintain the program in the face of extraordinary growth.  HIV advocates, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), and legislative allies urge Quinn to provide $9.68 million in additional funding to maintain ADAP, as well as $7.4 million to restore previous cuts to HIV prevention, housing, and care programs.

Facing an historic budget crisis that could destabilize HIV treatment access for more than 4,000 low-income Illinoisans with HIV/AIDS, a state advisory panel voted on May 21 to urge Illinois to immediately close the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to new applicants and begin a waiting list.  The recommendation is now under review by state officials. 

“Because the program is deeply underfunded, Illinois must take immediate steps to preserve services for those who rely on ADAP for their life-saving care,” said David Ernesto Munar, vice president of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), and a member of the ADAP Medical Issues Advisory Board, which made the recommendation. “The program faces total fiscal collapse unless immediate actions are taken.” 

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Washington Needs to Hear from You!

In early January 2010, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes announced that the state has over $5.1 billion in unpaid bills but no cash to pay them.  As a result, service providers can't meet payroll, agencies are at risk of shutting down, and clients may lose services.  

On July 16, more than two weeks after the beginning of the new state fiscal year, the Illinois General Assembly sent Governor Pat Quinn a state budget plan that largely avoids massive social service funding cuts.  Governor Quinn almost immediately signed the bills into law.

Nine days into the new fiscal year, Illinois still doesn’t have a state budget in place.  What does this mean for people living with HIV/AIDS and other special needs? Without state funds, agencies can’t afford to keep the staff that provides essential services to Illinoisans with complex health conditions.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is deeply concerned that state budget cuts and delays will force agencies to cut HIV prevention and care services. AFC is working with a broad coalition of social service organizations to advocate for an Illinois state budget that adequately funds needed services.

Coalition Supports Quinn’s Veto Pledge
No vacation for lawmakers until they pass 12-month budget that is morally and fiscally responsible, group says

Tuesday June 30th
Mass Convergence at the Thompson Center!