State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) heard from a number of state agencies that will have to cut nearly 20 percent out of their budgets for next year.

The Department of Human Services stated that nearly 200,000 people would lose access to substance abuse treatment and the agency will have to cut all of their substance abuse prevention programs. In addition, nearly 25,000 people with developmental disabilities would lose services.

“From what I heard today, these cuts will be disastrous for the people who rely on state services,” said Delgado. “Human services, which will take the hardest hit, provide the programs we need most.”

Educational programs are also going to suffer under the proposed cuts. Programs such as English as a second language, after school programs, and early intervention for students will see their budgets slashed.

“These cuts are unacceptable, and I will continue to fight to ensure they are not in the final budget,” said Delgado.