The United Way of Illinois conducted its third State Budget Impasse survey, results of which show a very troubling picture of the Illinois human services sector. Below are links to both state-wide and regional data sheets. These results were from a sample of 444 non-profit agencies who receive some level of state funding. Many of the respondents provide health, mental health, and other wraparound services.
Key findings from the third survey reinforce the impact of the budget impasse on programs and services for people across Illinois.
As of January 2016:
- 85% of survey respondents reported cutting the number of clients they serve, up from 34% in July 2015
- 84% of survey respondents reported cutting programs; since July 2015:
- Cuts to programs supporting the mentally ill have risen from 3% to 25%
- Cuts to programs supporting the disabled have risen from 3% to 29%
- Cuts to programming supporting seniors, children and adults seeking education or jobs have more than tripled
Survey findings also highlight the financial strain the impasse is having on the state’s human service infrastructure:
- 49% of respondents have tapped into their cash reserves
- 26% of respondents have utilized lines of credit
- Respondents have taken on a combined $35 million in debt
- The average credit extension taken on by respondents was $300,000
- 27% of respondents have been forced to lay off staff and 5% reported having to skip payroll
Budget Survey Results by Region
Budget Survey Statewide Results
