SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, expressed his frustration following the announcement that Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) will be closing over 30 programs and eliminating more than 750 positions across the state, by releasing the following statement:
“LSSI is a tremendous organization that serves thousands of residents across Illinois and right here in our communities. They have continued to serve through the months of hardships brought on the governor’s unwillingness to work for the greater good through compromise. The dedicated professionals that administer LSSI’s services in Moline, Rock Island and Sterling have made a career out of serving others and they, and the people they help, deserve better. We can’t stand by silently while this, and many other dedicated organizations, close their doors.
“LSSI’s program closures should serve as a wake-up call for all state leaders. We have to refocus our attention to every person who now faces a long, difficult winter without the help they count on. I’m urging Governor Rauner to abandon his pursuit of extreme non-budget items, return to budget negotiations in good faith and work with me to find a way to keep these critical lifelines open for the people who need them.”
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