FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Senator Hunter: Supplemental budget increases to DHS came just in time

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D–Chicago) supported restoring funding to the Department of Human Service’s (DHS) Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The increase of a couple million dollars would hold off employee layoffs and facility closures for the remaining six months of the fiscal year. It is also paid for by shifting money from other State funds – it is not a spending increase.

"I am grateful for the leadership of my colleagues, Senators Heather Steans and Dan Kotowski, in ensuring that this pressing matter was addressed immediately and not held off until session in the spring," Hunter said. "Over the past year, we have held subject matter hearings and have heard from providers and patients alike how devastating massive budget cuts to human services would be to the families in Illinois. With this supplemental funding, we have given ourselves more time to find a responsible solution."

To view the flyer, please click here.