On the backs of the most vulnerable

To the Editor,

Due to our present deficit, Gov. Quinn is threatening many spending cuts if new revenues are not found. One group of people to be hurt the most by these cuts, who cannot fend or fight for themselves, are the mentally and physically disabled.

Local services that care for this group, such as Gateway Services in Princeton and Horizon House in Peru, provide a wonderful placement for these persons. If state funding to Gateway and Horizon House is cut or reduced, these agencies will be forced to reduce or eliminate the services that they can provide.

Having a son under the care of Gateway Services, I know what splendid treatment he is receiving. The staff at his group home are dedicated, caring and insightful people. As parents, we are grateful for the entire staff at Gateway and would hate to see any staff reduction.

I challenge lawmakers and the governor of Illinois not to hurt our disabled citizens by reducing funds to the agencies that care for them. You cannot balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable of our citizens.

Michael Johnson

Princeton