Last week, we noted legislation in Springfield to strengthen the safety net for Illinois' poorest families, many of whom are slipping into homelessness as a result of the economic climate.  Specifically, the bills would enhance and expand the state's Temporary Assistance for Working Families program, which provides benefits for families with young children who are looking for work.  On a related note, in remarks this Wednesday in Springfield, the Illinois Hunger Coalition's Diane Doherty highlighting the understaffed and underfunded Department of Human Services offices across the state.  As she explains, these case workers are currently being overhwhelmed by the growing number of unemployed.  Watch it:

Doherty's remarks came during a March 19 press conference by the newly-formed Campaign for Illinois' Future, a coalition of organizations that support the added revenue in Gov. Pat Quinn's budget proposal.  You can learn more about their efforts here.