Monsignor Michael Boland, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Chicago, talks to Bob about the state owing the social services arm of the Church $25 million because of the state budget impasse, and the potential for program and staff cuts. Dr. Richard Dye of the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs discusses a report issued Feb. 15 that outlines the fiscal status of the state midway through this fiscal year without a budget. Considering the governor’s budget address last week, and the Democratic leaderships’ reaction to it, it appears the state is still stuck. Dyes’ report offers harbingers of what’s to come. John Maki, executive director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, offers his perspective on the recommendations issued in December by the Illinois Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform. Maki is a member of the commission and former head of the John Howard Association. The only issue that has received bipartisan support in the legislature during the past year concerns corrections and sentencing reform. Eleanore Strong, a founding member of the new Chicago chapter of Young Catholic Professionals, wraps up the show by talking about future speaking guests after the chapter’s successful launch earlier this month.
