The backlog of State of Illinois unpaid bills, which has already surpassed $5.1 billion, is beginning to seriously affect McLean County agencies’ ability to serve their clients.
Recently, a group of over 25 United Way of McLean County agencies were surveyed to determine the impact of the payment slowdown. Many of these agencies are struggling to maintain services and staff, and more than $11,258,064 in payments have been withheld from agencies in the county.
The agencies released their findings during a press conference at The Baby Fold in Normal on Tuesday afternoon.
“We feel the need to speak with one voice to insure the community knows what is at risk if social service agencies do not receive payment soon,” said Stacey Tutt, United Way Agency Executive Council President and Managing Attorney for Prairie State Legal Services. “Agencies in McLean County are facing insurmountable demands without the financial support that was promised from the State.”
At least eleven ocal agencies are waiting for the State of Illinois to deliver promised payments, with some waiting over 6 months now. These agencies have struggled to maintain services and staff, and may be facing significant program reductions.
Other agencies, like The Baby Fold, had significant cuts proposed by the State last summer but ultimately had those program funds restored. Nevertheless, it has agencies wary of future funding guarantees.
“We are definitely concerned about the reliability of our State funding in this and future years,” admitted Dale Strassheim, President and CEO of The Baby Fold. “We hope for a solution quickly and that our community of support will respond to our needs appropriately.”
—–
IN THE MEDIA:
The Pantagraph: With state payments still late, human service agencies consider cuts
WMBD TV-31: McLean Co programs brace for cuts
WJBC AM-1230: McLean Co service providers demand state payments
Related posts:
- Agencies threatened by proposed budget
- Editorial: Budget problems are getting worse
- Deputies, Individuals give record amounts for Baby Fold camp
