Look Who’s Suing The State of Illinois (VIDEO)


The Land of Lincoln has seen better days. It’s been 11 months since Illinois was operating with a budget. During that time legislators have fought with each other, battled Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, and generally shrugged their shoulders when questioned on the lack of progress. Now a makeshift coalition of social service agencies have had enough.

A lawsuit was filed in Cook County this week against the State of Illinois by 64 social service agencies. Dealing with everything from sexual abuse to the homeless and senior citizens, each of these groups have gone nearly a year without receiving a dime from state government.

The coalition is appropriately titled “Illinois Pay Now” and seeking $100 million of reimbursement for services provided to the citizens of Illinois.

In the suit, Rauner is specifically identified per his role as the state’s chief executive and because of a veto he delivered in June of 2015 that help throw the state into its current crisis.

Andrea Durbin, chairwoman of Illinois Pay Now, said:

We’ve had to deal with this uncertainty now for the 11th month, over 300 days, without being paid. We’re seeking to be paid in full for the work we’ve done.”

Illinois is dealing with one of the worst budget shortfalls in the nation. Rauner’s office has estimated the gap at $3.5 billion. However, as recently as earlier this month, a Chicago-based government watchdog has called the validity of that number into question.

Civic Foundation believes Illinois is digging out of a hole that’s more like $4 billion to $5 billion.  The Foundation was equally critical of both Rauner and the legislature.

A press release by Civic Foundation said that:

“The current impasse and lack of action in Springfield are causing irreparable harm to our most vulnerable citizens and represent a new low in fiscal management for the General Assembly and the governor.”

While no budget agreement appears to be in sight, the likelihood that social service organizations will see their money any time soon looks slim. Even with the lawsuit not filed, it looks like a long road for any compensation for groups that are helping Illinois’s most needy citizens.

http://youtu.be/ta8X4Xq3hBs

 

Featured image via YouTube

Jeff is reformed conservative who is happy to be thinking for himself again. He's an aspiring author working on his first book. Follow #Brick_Says