Continued cuts to health and human services ultimately will cost the state more, not less, JUF leaders told Gov. Bruce Rauner during a private July 23 meeting.

The session continued a conversation begun last September, during the gubernatorial campaign. JUF President Steven Nasatir said he and those in the group told the governor that further funding reductions will lead to increased nursing home placements, emergency room visits, incarceration rates, special education services, and the like.

JUF supports one of the largest social service networks in the state, and has long partnered with the state in providing a wide range of services. Nasatir raised concerns about the potential costs and impact of further reductions on JUF’s partner agencies.

In April, JUF brought the same message to leaders of the General Assembly in meetings with House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno, and House Republican leader Jim Durkin.

The group that met with the governor also included JUF board and Government Affairs Committee leaders Bill Silverstein, David Golder, Peter Friedman and Steve Greenbaum. As the meeting concluded, Golder, who chairs the GAC, asked for opportunities for JUF to have candid dialogue with administration officials proposing policy changes.