An association representing nearly 100 local health departments says the state budget impasse is "eroding" the ability to respond to public health emergencies.
The Illinois Public Health Association president says 16 of 97 public health departments have cut back on staff, hours and services. Rural areas have been hit the hardest.
The health department plans to ask lawmakers for $17-million. The money would cover only a fraction of what the departments are owed by the state. But would help fund basic services, like monitoring communicable diseases and restaurant inspections.
Illinois is in its fourth month without a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative Democrats can't agree on a spending plan.
