Addiction Treatment Groups Protest Quinn's Cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS/AP) -- Groups that provide treatment services for peopl addicted to drugs and alcohol are protestic dramatic funding cuts by Gov. Pat Quinn.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has begun informing vendors that provide addiction treatment services that state funds will be cut off on March 15.

The move is part of Quinn's efforts to cut spending and help balance the state budget for 2012.

Advocates said Wednesday the cuts will force them to halt service for 55,000 people and lay off 5,000 employees. They predicted the move would result in more crime, more traffic accidents and more pressure on hospitals and jails.

Bruce Swuardini of Urbana's Prairie Center Health Systems said his organization already started shutting down its treatment program.

The Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association accused Quinn of a "cruel hoax" for seeking their support on a tax increase and then slashing funds.

Quinn's office did not return repeated messages seeking information on the cuts.

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