Governor wields ax to social services budgets

Lawmakers' raises not among cuts proposed

[July 10, 2008]  ^"Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today balanced the fiscal year 2009 budget after House Democrats failed to pass new funding to support a spending plan that was over $2 billion out of balance. The governor was forced to veto $1.4 billion in initiatives after the House of Representatives clearly showed Wednesday that they did not intend to take any action on the measure."

That was the official statement from the governor's office in his ongoing dispute with House Speaker Michael Madigan over the failure of the House to agree with the revenue plan already passed in the Illinois Senate. The impasse between the two now has social services and health care agencies concerned about drastic cuts in state funds in the coming months if not for the entire fiscal year.

The governor in his press release preferred to call his cuts "initiatives," when in fact they are badly needed state services. Those affected by his actions would be hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes that would have to wait even longer for state reimbursement. Currently some health care providers are already waiting up to nine months for payments as the state faces a $1 billion-plus backlog in health care claims.

Also affected by the governor's action would be the badly understaffed Department of Children and Family Services as well as community colleges and public transit systems that rely on state subsidies.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers found the governor's actions just another example of his inability to work with lawmakers in either party. Rather than sit down with House members to work on solving the budget crisis, the governor immediately announced the cuts before the committee meeting had a chance to consider any actions, including accepting the Senate's revenue recommendations.

"I am forced to make these vetoes because of the inability of the House of Representatives to pass the revenue needed to support the worthwhile programs funded within the budget. Because of the House's irresponsible action, the state is left with a budget that is a record $2 billion out of balance," Blagojevich said. "The Illinois Constitution is clear -- the state must have a balanced budget.

Although the state is once again backed into a fiscal corner, the chief House budget negotiator, Democratic Rep. Gary Hannig, advised that the state has 15 days to solve the imbalance and reinstate the cuts to state services.

One thing that was spared the governor's ax was the cost of living increases for lawmakers and all state officers.

[News release, AP, LDN]