Fifty Government Affairs Committee members gathered on March 16 to learn about the state’s most recent investment in Israeli bonds and discuss the human service cuts proposed in Governor Bruce Rauner’s FY16 budget. Speakers included, newly elected State Treasurer Michael Frerichs; Judith Gethner, the Executive Director of IL Partners for Human Service; State Representative Robyn Gabel, vice-chair of the Human Service Appropriations Committee; and State Representative David Harris, Appropriations-General Service Committee member.

Opening the meeting, Frerichs highlighted the state’s most recent investment in Israel Bonds. Frerichs said his goals as the state’s chief investment officer are threefold: to make safe investments for the state, make good returns for the state, and diversify the state’s portfolio. “By investing $10 million dollars in I-Bonds, not only is the state diversifying its investments, but promising a solid return,” he said.

Israel Bonds have never defaulted on a payment and been a valued investment for several decades. The most recent investment will mature in 2018.

Setting the stage for the discussion on the state budget, Gethner painted a very real picture of the human service landscape in Illinois. “We find ourselves now at a fiscal cliff,” Gethner said, as she outlined how the proposed FY16 budget reflects an overall cut of $6 billion.

She stressed the importance of working with members of the general assembly to understand the impact that the proposed FY16 proposed budget would have on Illinois residents and service providers.

Next, Rep. Gabel, reminded members that the current budget crisis did not happen overnight.

“The system as a whole needs to be looked at and cannot be fixed with budget cuts alone,” she said. “We must look at new revenue streams.”

Gabel highlighted some significant programs on the chopping block that include cuts to the community care program, home care services, higher education, early invention services, and Medicaid.

Although a challenge, Gabel views the current state fiscal crisis as an opportunity to develop a long term strategic plan to have a much healthier state.

Rep. Harris then spoke on the impact of the proposed budget. As an example, he mentioned a residential facility in his district. Clearkbrook, which houses people with disabilities, is facing severe cuts that may force the facility to close some of its homes.

Harris also spoke about the greater impact on the hospitals. If the proposed budget passes, hospitals that participate in the Accountable Care Entity program may have to re-evaluate their participation.

Harris indicated that it is Governor Rauner’s intention to re-make state government, and the budget is one of the steps the governor is taking in that direction.

Passing a budget by June 1 will not be easy. Harris, like many other members of the general assembly, anticipates budget negotiations will spill over the deadline to end of June.

Harris and Gabel encouraged committee members to educate legislators of the genuine impacts of these cuts on their respective programs.