While the State of Illinois is messaging a positive step forward to better fund the providers those with disabilities in our communities depend on, a local advocate says that doesn't tell the whole story.

Providers for those with disabilities have long struggled with adequate funding to maintain their services. Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and indicates while the State of Illinois did approve some increases, they also took action that is going to mostly offset those increases.

Kirkman gives credit to Sen. Chapin Rose, whom he calls a great advocate for the developmentally disabled in Illinois, and for properly funding the services they depend on.

For Kirkman, the workers of his agency and many others deserve more credit than they get because they work for a very low wage and feels they are doing many of the things they are asked out of the passion they have for the individuals they serve. 

Illinois has historically lagged in its support for community-based services. Illinois consistently ranks low in national comparisons for its funding of community living services for people with developmental disabilities.

In 2020, the State of Illinois committed to using adult-use marijuana tax money to various public services, with a notable focus on agencies like the Piatt County Mental Health Center; however, Kirkman has noted before, they have yet to see those dollars.