Grants for autism, addiction prevention, assistance for homeless, teen REACH and other programs were impacted by the freeze. The Governor was able to restore funding to these programs because of better than expected revenues projections. The bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability expects an additional $300 million to $500 million in tax revenue because of an improving economy in Illinois.
It must be noted that this restoration is only for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, 2015. Appropriation hearings have just begun for fiscal year 2016.
Here is what a few of our members are saying:
Rep. David Leitch (Peoria)
“As a member of the Human Services-Appropriations Committee, I understand these issues very intimately...I am very thankful and proud of Governor Rauner for announcing this decision and for his continued stewardship of a very tough financial situation." Read more.
Rep. Mike Tryon (Crystal Lake)
"...The improvement in our state’s revenue numbers is very encouraging and they certainly take some of the budgetary pressures off of the Governor as they relate to bringing the FY15 budget back into balance. However, we still need to address a $6 billion deficit that is projected for FY16, so difficult discussions and decisions are still ahead of the General Assembly.” Read more.
Rep. Mike Unes (East Peoria)
"...We know that nobody wants to make any cuts to programs helping the most vulnerable among us and I view this is as a compassionate move to try to provide relief to those families impacted by these cuts. I look forward to working with Governor Rauner on our remaining budget challenges for both the current FY 15 budget and the upcoming FY 16 budget to begin in July.” Read more.