After Over $1.6 Million In Funding Disappears, Damage is Done By Rauner’s Budget Crisis

Chicago, IL — Today, JB Pritzker visited Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) in Chicago to learn about the critical services they provide and the impact of Bruce Rauner’s 736-day manufactured budget crisis. MFS has been working to strengthen families and empower Chicagoland communities to reach their full potential since 1857. MFS programs span from outpatient mental health care and housing for adults with mental illness to pre-natal programs and clinical and academic support services for youth who have been in the juvenile justice system.

After the state suffered for 736 days without a budget under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership, the damage is done to agencies like MFS. MFS saw over $1.6 million in state funding disappear because of the lack of a state budget, which forced them to close several programs and affected more than 800 clients.

“For 160 years, Metropolitan Family Services has been empowering Illinois families to reach their full potential through the vital work of their seven community centers,” said JB Pritzker. “This social service agency continues to give families the tools they need to build better lives, but under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership those tools have been decimated. Over $1.6 million in funding was slashed and over 800 clients were affected. Organizations like Metropolitan Family Services deserve a partner in Springfield who stands with them. It will take years to clean up the devastation caused by Rauner’s failure to lead, and after throwing our state into a years-long crisis, the damage is done.”