This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
-- despite their known benefits, early childhood programs are being eliminated, likely when the Illinois Preschool for All program expires in summer 2010;
-- one in eight adults avoided doctor visits in the past year because of cost;
-- 52% of Illinois school children qualify for free or reduced cost school lunches, an indication of impoverished families; the 2008 number was 42% higher than in 2000, and today it's much higher still;
-- impoverishment means doing without health insurance and doctor visits when needed;
-- 50% of Illinoisans choose between paying for food or utilities like heat in winter;
-- 44% decide between buying food or paying rent or mortgages;
-- for 36%, the choice is between food and medicines and medical care;
-- in March 2010, one of every 371 Illinois homeowners got a foreclosure notice; a far larger percentage is at risk;
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).