ROCK ISLAND, Illinois—
As the Illinois budget crisis continues to intensify, the state is ending its fiscal year at the worst position in its history. It's a big concern for agencies that serve the most vulnerable residents.While clients work with flowers in the Moments Remembered program, every petal represents accomplishment.
It's just one of many programs that Arc of Rock Island County provides its clients. Clients with developmental disabilities who are living fulfulled lives. But clients who face more challenges than ever with the state budget crisis.
"Families for individuals who have disabilities, if they didn't have a day program or worksite for them to go to, they may have no other option for the day," said Stacey Cary, Arc's assistant executive director.
Arc serves more than 300 people with disabilities. It receives nearly all its funding from the state of Illinois.
Just last week, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced $1.4 billion in cuts for the coming year. Trying to preserve what he calls core concerns but still slicing an estimated $312 million from the Department of Human Services.
The bill backlog and cash flow problems continue to grab headlines. It's all happening at a time when agencies like Arc wonder how those cuts will ripple to them.
"It's scary because of the unknown," said Cary. "We have no idea what the budget is going to bring us in this next coming year."
Arc's been through this before. Just last year, it had to lay off nearly 40 employees and cut some services. The agency must prepare for the possibility of more cuts.
"Completely uncertain," Cary said. "Our unknowns are mostly greater than the knowns right now."
With clients busy exercising on Friday, Arc is hoping that Illinois can work its way out this mess.
