SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois budget impasse is affecting the private sector, now, according to a United Way survey released Tuesday.

The non-profit group says because of the financial crisis Illinois has faced over the last several years, the two areas in our state

budget that continue to be decreased — the most discretionary areas — are human services and education.

The survey included human service agencies in Southern Illinois that receive state funding. Conducted Jan. 6 through Jan. 13, agencies revealed nearly half had made cuts to services, programs and/or operations due to the state budget impasse.

The agency reported 88 percent of the 75 agencies reported cutting the number of clients they serve, whereas in 2015 the number was at 35 percent.

The survey states 85 percent of agencies cut programs — most impacting the disabled, victims of domestic violence and children and adults seeking education and jobs.

In addition, the survey showed 24 percent of agencies reported they will struggle to operate at existing levels if the budget impasse continues through March.

The survey also stated 51 percent of the agencies had tapped into cash reserves to sustain operations.
Thirty-one percent of agencies reported establishing a line of credit in response to the budget impasse, taking on more than $7,295,000 in debt to stay open.