Clayborne blames governor for layoffs at Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House
From Illinois Business Journal news services
SPRINGFIELD —Yet another social service organization has been hit hard by the state budget impasse, and this one hits close to home for state Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville.
The Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis has announced layoffs of more than 117 social service workers.
Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House is known for providing social services programs, such as the Homeless Youth Services Program, the Community Youth Services Program, the Comprehensive Community-based Youth Services Program and the Illinois Healthy Families Program.
“I’ve seen hundreds of lives in my neighborhoods negatively impacted because our governor has decided to hold the state’s social service programs hostage. If we continue to go down this road, as a state, the long-term implications will be disastrous,” Clayborne said.
Clayborne, whose district includes East St. Louis, was critical Friday of what he called Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “ineffective, all or nothing” approach to governing.