ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Goldie Floberg Center, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is sounding the alarm over proposed state budget changes that could severely impact care for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable residents.

Goldie Floberg operates more than 20 group homes across Winnebago County and supports over 70 individuals.

The organization says while the state is giving their service providers a raise, they’re taking away funding from critical service hours that their residents rely on. 

On one hand, the state has allotted a $20 million wage increase for support staff for similar agencies across Illinois. For the Goldie Floberg Center, that’s a boost of $130 thousand dollars for their workers.

However, the proposed budget also eliminates $32 million worth of patient support hours statewide, leaving providers like Goldie Floberg to face deep service reductions. According to the organization, residents would lose $148 thousand dollars worth of care.

John Pingo, CEO of Goldie Floberg and a 30-year veteran of the organization, says the math doesn’t add up for those relying on 24/7 care.

“Imagine I gave you 50 cents, then I pulled $1 at the same time out of your wallet. Would that feel like you got an increase? No,” said Pingo.

“It’s hard not to get a little bit angry when you see that the State of Illinois is trying to balance the budget on the backs of individuals with intellectual development disabilities, some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

The center provides critical daily care, including help with bathing, eating, and dressing. Their direct support professionals work with residents living with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.

Cutting this funding limits Goldie Floberg, but at the end of the day, regardless of how much funding they receive, the services they provide must continue. The organization has to look to cut funding from other areas to continue to provide care. 

Pingo expressed the emotional toll these changes could take on the families they serve.

“They’re scared, they’re concerned. I completely understand that. They’re talking about the care and services of the most important person in their life, their sons, their daughters,” said Pingo.

“This impacts not just the Goldie Floberg Center, but every provider trying to help adults with developmental disabilities in the state of Illinois.”

Goldie Floberg is urging the public to get involved and encourages the public to call local legislators and share your concern.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday with only a week and a half left to finalize the budget. As of Monday, an $11 million gap still divides Democrats and Republicans. Talks are scheduled through Friday.

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