- Published: Thursday, May 07, 2015 05:21 PM
In April, Governor Rauner announced he would sweep special funds in an effort to close a $1.6 billion shortfall in the 2015 budget year. The reduction meant critical services, such as programs to help autistic children, Medicaid for the poor and services for homeless youth, among other critical services, would be halted or stopped completely.
Senator Sandoval conducted numerous town hall meetings on the Southwest side of Chicago and in west suburban Cook County. On April 30, Rauner announced his plan to restore approximately $26 million in social service and public health grants that would help services, such as autism treatment, stay open.
"My optimism has been revived because of Gov. Rauner's decision to restore funding for critical programs, said Sen. Sandoval. " The restoration of funds shows that he is willing to compromise and establish a budget that benefits all types of families in Illinois. The decision will surely bring a sense of relief to families who previously wondered how they were going to continue to support their loved ones. The voices of residents who were not happy about the previous cuts were heard, and heard loudly. I believe this will lead to more agreeable budget negotiations and therefore a better, more sustainable Illinois."