article_snippet: Both save states money over time.
article_snippet: And that's all just at the state level.
article_snippet: The Bruce Rauner budget slashes state spending by over $4 billion, much of the savings gleaned by eliminating or reducing eligibility for programs based in the Department of Human Services (DHS).
article_snippet: Now, as explained to me by a spokesperson for DHS, the program has to save $23 million (they did not explain how this number was picked).
article_snippet: Over the long term, this is not only bad for children, but is bad for Illinois' budget.
article_snippet: Those savings are, in fact, most likely to be realized most dramatically with precisely the children that DHS is trying to exclude.
article_snippet: In fact, the Rauner budget is packed with what Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee chair Heather Steans, a Democrat, called, "penny wise, pound foolish" proposals.  
article_snippet: Throughout, the governor and his administration have found ways to re-write definitions of disability in order to save money.
article_snippet: Not only that, but many of People who now receive aid that allows them to live more independently bring in matching funds from the federal government or other sources, and the state is surrendering those dollars as well.
article_snippet: But I see the Rauner attacks on disability-related services as just the latest example of lawmakers trying to re-define disability in a way that saves them money.
highlights_snippet: David Perry says new Illinois governor is among those making short-sighted decisions .