They might seem like tiny spending reductions when stacked next to the state's looming budget deficit, but even marginal cuts to core services in Illinois can have huge ramifications in vulnerable communities across the state. A slim $32 million budget cut to the state's police force would shutter five state police district headquarters. HIV/AIDS awareness advocates argue that lives will literally be lost if the state doesn't appropriate new funding towards prevention and medical programs for low-income patients. And a new report (PDF) from the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness and its allies shows that the state's budget crisis is seriously endangering homeless and housing service providers statewide.

Most homeless providers in Illinois receive funding through a combination of four line-items in the state budget that total about $36 million annually. These programs include immediate shelter services to homeless people as well rental housing assistance and supportive services for both the recently homeless and kids and adults on the cusp of homelessness. Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed slicing almost $400,000 from these items in his FY 2011 budget. And that comes on top of $10.6 million worth of previous cuts over the past decade along with the $10.2 million in delayed state reimbursements that 54 agencies surveyed for the study report.

Without a serious investment, some agencies will have trouble staying afloat in the coming months. If homeless programs are cut substantially in next year's budget, the report estimates, 79 percent of the agencies said they would reduce services. Over 74 percent said they would also lay off staff. Currently, state funding for 61 agencies in Illinois support more than 1,600 private-sector jobs.

"Human services, along with education, are taking the brunt of the cuts in the [proposed] budget," Nicole Amling with the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness tells us. "Not enough people in the state recognize how important having a strong safety net is in our communities ... These services can be cut without huge political ramifications."

Amling says that comprehensive tax reform is the only way to ensure homeless Illinoisans aren't left out to dry. Over 40 providers and clients expressed that message during a legislative breakfast with lawmakers in Springfield this morning. This afternoon, members will lobby their own representatives. The Heartland Alliance is urging readers to contact their elected officials remotely, as well.