SEN. AQUINO SHOCKED BY DISORGANIZATION IN STATE HUMAN SERVICES
04/04/2017
SPRINGFIELD — With no information available on how proposed program cuts will affect the state’s black and Latino communities, State Sen. Omar Aquino expressed disappointment with an incomplete budget plan for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Department of Human Services.
In an Illinois Senate committee hearing, State Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) asked Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Department of Human Services (DHS) secretary if his office had any demographic data on the effects of program cuts on minority communities. Director James Dimas responded that DHS only collects data when it is required by the federal government, as in the case of food subsidy programs like TANF and SNAP.
“In order to improve, you need to measure,” Aquino said. “Governor Rauner promised smart government and business-style solutions, yet he doesn’t even attempt to gather important information that would help him govern.”
Aquino then asked Dimas his office’s position on a piece of legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives that would require DHS to the collect demographic data of program recipients. He responded that DHS is neutral on the legislation.
“There’s a reason the federal government tracks this information,” Aquino said. “In Illinois, we need to be asking the same questions: How does this affect our minority communities? When we cut a program, who do we hurt?”
The legislation, House Bill 3131, is currently under consideration in the Illinois House.
In an Illinois Senate committee hearing, State Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) asked Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Department of Human Services (DHS) secretary if his office had any demographic data on the effects of program cuts on minority communities. Director James Dimas responded that DHS only collects data when it is required by the federal government, as in the case of food subsidy programs like TANF and SNAP.
“In order to improve, you need to measure,” Aquino said. “Governor Rauner promised smart government and business-style solutions, yet he doesn’t even attempt to gather important information that would help him govern.”
Aquino then asked Dimas his office’s position on a piece of legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives that would require DHS to the collect demographic data of program recipients. He responded that DHS is neutral on the legislation.
“There’s a reason the federal government tracks this information,” Aquino said. “In Illinois, we need to be asking the same questions: How does this affect our minority communities? When we cut a program, who do we hurt?”
The legislation, House Bill 3131, is currently under consideration in the Illinois House.
