As Gov. Bruce Rauner prepares to deliver his second State of the State address, the CEO of a social services network in Illinois says the budget impasse will force his organization to close 30 of its programs and lay off 750, or 40%, of its employees.
Rauner, a Republican currently in the midst of his first term has been deadlocked with Democrats on a budget agreement since last summer.
Mark Stutrud, CEO of Lutheran Social Services Illinois, the largest provider of human services in the state, is imploring Rauner and legislators to raise taxes to generate revenue to pay for safety net programs. Lutheran Social Services provides care for seniors, the homeless and people with mental health issues.
Advocates say the lack of a state budget has meant fewer healthcare services for the public. Lutheran Social Services helps more 70,000 clients a year, according to its website.
Because of the seven-month budget deadlock in Springfield, the not-for-profit has lost $6 million in state funds.
Rauner is delivering his second State of the State address Wednesday during one of the most tumultuous times for Illinois in recent history.
