WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and RadioSocial service agencies call on state to pay bills
Member Center:
Associated Press - December 10, 2009 4:04 PM ET
CHICAGO (AP) - Social service organizations that serve the elderly are calling on state officials to make good on nearly $200 million in unpaid bills.
Agency leaders said Thursday that without the money, they'll have to lay off staff or shut their doors.
The AARP says more than 60,000 seniors in Illinois depend on social services funded by state money that allow them to stay in their homes rather than go into nursing homes.
Advocates say its costs the state $800 per month, on average, to provide home care to a senior. That compares with $3,000 per month for nursing home care.
Carol Acord says she won't be able to make payroll next week at the adult day care center she runs in Champaign. She says she hasn't received any payments from Illinois since June.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
