Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and community organizations from all parts of Illinois gathered together at the Plaza Arms (the former Austin YMCA) for a press conference concerning the $26 million in grant cuts that has impacted social services and public health programs. Ford and community organizations called for Gov. Rauner to restore grant cuts that impact programs such as Teen REACH, Burial Assistance for the Indigent and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). “The on-going cuts to vital programs in Illinois is Gov. Rauner’s clear message that Illinois has a serious revenue problem,” said Ford. “He has made it crystal-clear that Illinois cannot afford certain programs unless we have more revenue.”
Corporation; Mark Burger, CEDA & Rep. Ford’s Environmental and Energy Adviser; Andrea Durbin,
Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Collaboration on Youth; Phillip Jimenez, President and CEO West
Cook YMCA; Dashawn Hunt, Teen REACH participant; Wanda Rodriguez, BUILD; Ruth Kimble
Childcare Provider & Rep. Ford’s Early Childhood Adviser; Quiwana Bell, Westside Health
Authority; Leslie Chestnut; Rev. Dwight Ford; Pastor Robbie Wilkerson; Cynthia Williams.
708-445-3673, 4800 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago at 773-378-5902 or in the Stratton Office Building in
Springfield at 217-782-5962, or visit www.lashawnford.com
About Post Author
