State budget cuts are beginning to take their toll on Illinois families. Across the state, people like Alice Palach-Spera–who has a 12-year-old son with downs syndrome–are starting to speak out at town hall meetings with their legislators about the impact cuts are having on them and the need for real leadership to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable from deep cuts.
The Doings LaGrange has more:
State budget reform, funding for social services and accountability in Springfield were on the minds of area residents at a town hall meeting Tuesday in a La Grange senior center.
IRep. Michael Zalewski, D-21st, Chicago, fielded questions from 50 constituents, and community representatives at the Aging Care Connections center. The 21st district includes the eastern portions of La Grange and LaGrange Park, nine other towns and the southwest side of Chicago.
Elected in November, the freshman representative said his first vote in office was in favor of creating a committee to investigate former Gov. Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges.
Most of the legislature’s attention since then has been devoted to funding and budget issues, he said, including cuts as well as the capital bill which will bring needed jobs and projects to the 21st district and throughout the state.
When asked to show political courage, work for bipartisan leadership and be a fresh voice for change, Zalewski smiled and said he appreciated the challenge.
“To me, saying no to a state income tax increase was as much leadership as I could demonstrate until we get spending reform,” he said. “I did what I thought was best for my constituents.
“Saying no when everyone wants you to say yes isn’t easy. There were days when it wasn’t as fun as I thought this job would be.”
Brookfield resident Alice Palach-Spera, whose 12-year-old son has Down syndrome, urged Zalewski to restore social service funding cuts.
“What is being done to help our most vulnerable citizens. It’s embarrassing that Illinois is 51st in terms of funding for people with disabilities,” Palach-Spera said. “I use the respite program, but what about the children or adults in group homes. Are we going to throw them out on the street.”
Zalewski responded that each agency and program has to make its case for continued funding from the governor’s discretionary fund, which hasn’t been defined by clear guidelines.
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