David W. Swanson

Pastor and Author

protesting the illinois budget cuts in logan square

Those of us in Illinois- probably like many of you in other states- have been hearing a lot about state budget woes these days.  Without going into the details, the amount of the state’s shortfall is causing the legislature to propose massive spending cuts to many government agencies and social service agencies that receive subsidies.

Depending on your perspective these cuts either make good fiscal sense or are a shortsighted travesty.  As it happens, I’m married to a former case manager for a social services agency and many friends are employed as public school teachers or in other social services state-subsidized jobs.  In addition, we live in a neighborhood with many residents who rely on services that would be cut by this budget.  Subsidized daycare, for example, is not a luxury for the working poor but a necessity in order to earn the money it takes to care for a family in our state.  You can guess how my perspective affects how I view these cuts.

Earlier today Maggie, Eliot, and I joined some New Community friends to participate in a march sponsored by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. Billed as “La Marcha de las Carreolas” (The March of the Strollers), we were encouraged to push strollers (a necessity for us since Eliot wasn’t keen on walking) and wheel chairs to symbolize those most vulnerable to the proposed budget cuts.  Here’s a very brief video of the march.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Maggie’s not sure how she ended up holding the largest banner and standing on the speaker’s platform, but Eliot and I got a kick out of it.  You can see more of this march (and catch a glimpse of some New Com folks if you don’t blink) at CBS 2.

I have enough experience with the church to know that many times it seems best to avoid talking about issues like the proposed budget.  I get it: avoiding anything that smells remotely political is a good way to keep the peace.  Other times we choose silence knowing that other Jesus-loving people have come to far different conclusions than we have about the same issue.

But at what point do we need to risk offense and open our mouths?  As complicated as something like a state budget is, the results of the proposed cuts are rather simple: vulnerable people will suffer.  And while there are likely many ways this crisis can be addressed, saying nothing while an unjust budget is pushed through doesn’t seem like the best choice.

May I make a small suggestion?  Before lending explicit or implicit support to these cuts, talk with someone who would be affected: a social worker, nursing home staff, someone who relies on day care.  I don’t pretend to understand the best way forward, but understanding the passion of those negatively influenced by the state legislature may be the best place to begin.

One last thought.  This may be a time when those of us who tend to be silent instead choose our words carefully to honor and defend the vulnerable among us.

David Swanson

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4 responses to “protesting the illinois budget cuts in logan square”

  1. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Si, se puede? Como se puede? We are in the midst of an economic slump, with double digit unemployment, thus the state has less revenue. When you don’t have it, you can’t spend it, no matter how impacted some might be.

    Reply
  2. Budget Cuts in Illinois « Le Café Witteveen Avatar
    Budget Cuts in Illinois « Le Café Witteveen

    […] pastor friend of mine, Dave Swanson, blogged about what he’s doing here. He says that he and his wife are taking part in something called “The March of the […]

    Reply
  3. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    These sound like more cuts that are penny wise and dollar foolish! I read in our local paper that the proposed cuts also would remove funding for a local drug rehab outpatient program that operates to keep people out of jail and off the street for less than a quarter of what it costs to keep people in jail (the likely alternative for many who use this service) and out of ER rooms. There are so many levels to this issue, but I think there is a definitely a need and place for Christians to be community activists (Christians have historically many times been on the forefront of speaking for the vulnerable, the marginalized and oppressed)–especially on the local level. For years, my parents have been involved as volunteers for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, advocating awareness, programs and policies to help this much under-served group. I think this is far different from pulpit politics (which I don’t support). With government budget cuts, the burden on the local churches will become greater to help come up with some creative alternatives and resources. Could be a good opportunity for the gospel, but definitely would require sacrifice on the part of God’s people. Of course, the larger issue is also the corruption of our political institutions, which has no easy solution. I definitely believe in communities coming together like this in positive ways to raise awareness and ask for accountability in government. It’s true that if you don’t have it, you can’t spend it. But we have something, what are we cutting and what are we allowing to remain? That is an important part of the question, too.

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  4. jas dye Avatar
    jas dye

    Karen,

    re: your “Penny-wise, dollar-foolish” line: good insight. that’s pretty much what’s happening, whether cutting child-care (and effectively laying off thousands of low-income parents who both provide for their families and run many of the perhaps menial but necessary services in the region; as well as practically putting them on the public dole), or early education (for every dollar spent in early childhood education, $7 is saved down the line).

    This is not just a moral issue (it IS and therefore the Church should be involved), but a fiscal issue. what, as you ask, are our priorities in this state. who are we serving? same, of course, can be asked in my beloved city, where we’re focusing a lot of energy trying to get the Olympics here but at what cost?

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