The Illinois' Government News Network, a website that covers the goings-on of state government, has summarized the budget changes recently announced by Governor Quinn, which identify four priorities:
- economic growth
- paying bills on time
- budgeting for results
- spending restraint
Those are obviously necessary priorities for a state with over $14 billion in debt. And if the state doesn't emphasize job growth and budgetary responsibility, there won't be funds to support the social programs many of our residents are depending on more and more in a harsh economic climate.
But it's all rather vague, isn't it? For example, take the commitment to "budgeting for results." Does the state provide food stamps because it expects "results," or because a family has hungry kids, disabled veterans or out-of-work laborers? And what kind of results does our state government expect from funding organizations like the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, other than to provide critical counseling and advocacy services to assault survivors?
In short, do we help people because it's useful, or because it's right?
This question has real-world applications. For example, a results-based budget looks at a department like DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) and says, "They aren't producing much. They don't pay bills, create jobs, or engender economic growth. Let's cut it by 30 percent." But a values-based budget says, "It's right to help kids and families in need. Let's see what other cuts we can make in order to preserve the help we give them."
Illinois needs spending restraints. We obviously can't run the state the same way we did before. What I don't understand is why the cuts come first for people who can't help themselves or defend themselves.
Therefore, I would like to propose a set of values to accompany Governor Quinn's budget priorities. We will agree to work toward the four priorities above, provided that any actions taken by the state conform to the following values:
- No children can be harmed by the laws, actions, or policies
- Job growth and other economic growth initiatives focus on the underserved
- Policy-makers make their share of the sacrifices before asking Illinois children or families to do so
- Cuts in programs or human services are last resorts in all cases
Illinois must do better with its precious few resources. Sacrifices will have to be spread around, and nobody's going to be spared from belt-tightening. We're willing to do our part to help Illinois weather this storm. But, choices have consequences, and I'm not willing to push those consequences off on those who never made the choices. If it puts people in danger, if it makes children pay for adult mistakes, if it further victimizes those who are already victimized, it's the wrong choice.
If you agree, let your voice (or your emails) be heard.