Legislators of both parties have told social services providers that the elected representatives in Springfield are powerless to do anything until their respective leadership approves, and the “other side” is the problem. Because this avoidance doesn’t pass budgets or create a sense of urgency, the impasse continues. If money is the lifeblood of politics, assigning blame seems to be the circulatory system.

Social services agencies are told:

â–º Tap into your reserves; it’s raining and that’s what rainy day funds are for.

â–º Don’t tap into your reserves; funders don’t consider that a best practice.

â–º Spend the money you’ve received for projects; there’s no more money.

â–º Don’t spend the money you’ve received; there’s no more money.

â–º Cut hours and staff because there is no money without a budget.

â–º Don’t cut hours or staff. Demand is growing for services because the state has no budget.

Maybe this is what caused Linda Blair’s head to spin in the movie “The Exorcist.”

Faith based agencies commit to serving the greater and common good. Catholic Charities and other Christian groups take their mandate from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the Golden Rule and the Works of Mercy. Other religions have their own bases for charity.

Government divided by mere political affiliation can learn from organizations that cooperatively meet the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the unemployed or ill, even as they maintain deeply held beliefs that are diametrically opposed.

No matter the foundations of our missions, social services agencies that partner with the state of Illinois have certain reasonable expectations for officeholders:

â–º Lead. Do not accept the status quo by claiming you are powerless to do anything. Your oath of office compels you to adopt a budget, and doing so will support people trying to escape the pain of poverty and the dehumanizing effects of unemployment.

â–º Meet. One day per month of photo-ops in Springfield are not substantive meetings. Meet. And meet again. Soap operas, labor strikes and even political campaigns eventually end and so will this impasse. Make today that day. Come together, serve coffee and lock the rest rooms. Then recess only when settlement is reached.

â–º Watch. Those with boots on the ground can help you meet needs as we help people deal with poverty, mental illness and unemployment. Social services organizations are not just whiners who appear
when their funding is threatened. Social services professionals are taxpayers, too, and want their tax dollars spent wisely.

The numbers have been summarized by United Way CEO’s and local government officials, and every media outlet urges action. Our agencies are committed to a work ethic in employees, volunteers and clients. It’s past time for the legislature and governor to do the same.

After all, another budget is due in five months and real people are being hurt in the interim.