By Todd Hatton
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-913269.mp3
Mound City, IL – Illinois' fiscal year 2011 budget relies on borrowing, bonds, and cuts to close an almost 13 billion dollar deficit, a shortfall second only to California's. Some are concerned by an over-reliance on debt, but for others, it's the five-hundred and nine million dollars in spending cuts for Illinois agencies, and the attendant human cost, that's causing worry. The largest cut is a three-hundred and thirteen million dollar reduction to Illinois' Department of Human Services budget. The DHS, in addition to the services it offers, funds non-profit service agencies throughout the state. Roger Hannan is the founder and director of the Farm Resource Center in Mound City, Illinois. They provide crisis intervention and mental health care access families in rural southern Illinois. Mr. Hannan says what the FRC is going through is representative of what similar organizations are facing elsewhere in Illinois. Todd Hatton spoke with Mr. Hannan about the FRC's challenges, and what it will take to overcome them.