Budget stalemate causes cuts at North Side social service agency

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The state budget crisis is in a stalemate between Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders.

And without a budget in place, the state is unable to pay some people who work in programs throughout the state.

With the exception of a tutoring lesson Thursday, Centro Romero is a quiet place these days, with empty classrooms, unused toys, and vacant staff cubicles. This far North Side social service agency has been serving immigrants and refugees for over 30 years.

But because 50 percent of its funding comes from the state, the budget crisis has gutted the place. Eighteen staff members have been laid off, as well as many adult and GED classes cancelled.

"When we lose 1,000 students in just one organization, it will have a ripple effect on the economy in Illinois," said Deana Giacometti, Centro Romero adult education director.

Students like Diana Viquez, because Centro Romero was forced to cut child care. Viquez had to quit her GED and language classes.

"I was going to go to another place like Truman College, but they don't have child care. This is really affecting me," Viquez said.

Additionally, Centro Romero can no longer afford to pay rent for all of its space, so a third of it is now for lease.

Maria Salgado is one of the few staff members that remain. She and her family were clients here for years.

"If it wasn't for Centro Romero, I don't know where I would be. It was a place that I would come after school, it was a place where I could come in the summer, it is a place where I learned that I was part of a community and that I also had a responsibility to give back to that community," Salgado said.

Centro Romero and other social agencies are planning a mass protest at the Thompson Center on Monday. They hope this time Rauner and Springfield leadership are listening.