Crespo Votes to Pass Funding for Vital Human Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With bipartisan support Thursday, state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, helped pass a measure to provide over $700 million for human services programs such as mental health and addiction services, which have not received funding for the 11 months that Illinois has gone without a full budget.

“After months of community service programs closing, laying off hard-working staff, and turning away people in need, I am relieved we are able to help some human services programs keep their doors open,” said Crespo. “A resolution to the state’s ongoing budget crisis is absolutely vital, and I will continue working for a complete budget, so the state’s most vulnerable residents can count on the care they need to stay safe and healthy.”

Serving as the chair of the House committee which reviews funding for the state’s general operations, Crespo has been a leading voice calling for bipartisan cooperation, cautious review of efficient spending, and a balanced resolution to Illinois’ budget. Thursday, he backed Senate Bill 2038 to use over $700 million from Human Services funds to keep a variety of social service programs operating. Funding will go to services for the developmentally disabled, homebound seniors, rape victims, and women unable to afford breast and cervical cancer screenings, among others.

This bill comes two weeks after a similar stop-gap measure that provided emergency funds to the state universities, some of which were days from closing. A staunch advocate for the most vulnerable in Illinois, Crespo hopes this bipartisan effort will strengthen an environment of cooperation and compromise, so that a comprehensive state budget can be finalized soon.

“We have a long way to go before we can consider this budget crisis resolved,” said Crespo. “It is my sincere hope that we can keep this momentum going and find a compromise quickly to prevent any further harm to the vulnerable residents in our communities who need assistance and stability.”

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