Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decision to sign a bill that takes money from dedicated state funds and use that money for other purposes does not sit well with the groups the money was taken from.

It doesn’t sit well with us, either. However, if it’s a choice of our dollars going toward hunting and fishing or our dollars going to help an abused woman and her child find shelter, we think it’s pretty clear where the money should go.

But that should not be a choice we have to make.

There are certain things we expect our state government to provide: roads, transportation, state parks and services for people who have fallen on hard times and have no where else to go.

Illinois’ elected leaders have been irresponsible with our tax dollars. There is no clear vision on how money should be spent. Who gets how much depends more on politics than need.

How else do you explain the governor’s decision to cut $55 million — 50 percent — from the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, which sends money on to local agencies such as Rosecrance, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities and PHASE/WAVE.

In August, Philip Eaton, president and chief executive officer of Rosecrance, speculated that the reason cuts were made from agencies such as his was because his clients lack political clout.

“It’s not a popular client base,” Eaton said. “We don’t see active substance abusers ... lobbying for their treatment services.”

How sad that our neighbors who are most at risk are neglected because they don’t “pay to play.”

The existence of agencies that these neighbors turn to is at risk because of budget cuts and payment delays. Comptroller Dan Hynes recently reported that the state does not have enough money to pay its bills and that it takes an average of 42 business days — a record – before agencies get paid.

Some agencies, such as PHASE/WAVE, have yet to receive a payment this fiscal year, which began July 1. PHASE provides specialized treatment for people suffering various forms of chemical dependency, while WAVE provides domestic violence victims shelter and counseling.

Youth Services Network, which provides youth services, especially for foster children, has only received one payment this fiscal year.

Both agencies have had to tighten their belts to continue to offer vital services.

Stepping Stones, which provides housing and rehabilitation services to adults with serious mental illnesses, has had to tap into its line of credit to pay its bills because it gets paid late from the state. Stepping Stones has paid $33,000 in interest over the last two years, money that the state does not reimburse.

We’re sure other local agencies are hurting as well, and we worry that they may not be able to continue their good work if the fiscal picture does not improve.

If these agencies and the services they provide are shut down, they would be difficult to bring back and as Stepping Stones CEO Steve Langley said, “in that sense a part of the community dies.”

There should be enough money in a $59 billion budget to finance the many things the state is responsible for.

There should be no reason to raid from hunting and fishing funds. There should be no reason to close state parks. There should be no reason not to finance agencies that help folks who are struggling.

The governor and Legislature must fix this in the post-election session of the Legislature. If there’s not enough money to go around sacrifices should be shared among agencies and not fall disproportionately on a few.

Unfortunately, we don’t have much hope. Reason seems to be on a permanent holiday in Illinois.

Rockford Register Star