We have been asked to share this as part of a grassroots coalition to preserve services for persons with disabilities in Illinois.
Concerned citizens with disabilities and their friends and families are asking for your support. Now is the time to send the Governor of Illinois a strong message.
You can help by printing out the message below and attaching one penny (one "cent") to the paper. On the side, jot down a personal message about why you think the cuts don't make sense for someone you care about and mail it off to the Governor.
When money arrives at the Governor's office, even though pennies are a small amount, the governor's staff is required to keep track of the money and account for it. The goal of this campaign is to draw attention to the impact of budget cuts on people with disabilities and their families around the state, and the hope is that the pennies will make the message stand out and attract more attention.
A printable copy of the message and instructions are available here for your use, or you can use the text below.
THE MESSAGE:
Cutting Community Services doesn't make CENTS
Community services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness are important to healthy communities.
Illinois can't keep disrupting the lives of so many to save so little.
*Don't cut community services for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness!
*Don't risk layoffs and closures - pay service providers in a timely and consistent manner!
X__________________________________________
(a concerned citizen of Illinois)
*********************************************************************************
THE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Print the message and glue or tape a penny to the circle to give your message impact.
2. Make sure to include your name and/or signature.
3. Print your home address as the return address.
Mail it to:
The Honorable Pat Quinn
Illinois Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601