We have had 5 hours of respite each week for probably close to a year now. Our respite worker is wonderful with Jackson and I think it is an even bigger treat for him to be able to spend time with her as it is for Lee and I to get a chance (albeit with Zoe) to spend some time together.
Illinois has been in this crazy battle over the state budget. Our new governor wanted to raise taxes because there is no way they can afford everything with the money they have but the republicans in the senate would not approve an increase so there was no budget at all for a long time. They finally did pass a budget this week without the tax increase but since it took so long, we now have no funding and will be losing all of our respite hours as of Aug 1.
It is possible that some or all of our hours will be restored, but as of right now we get nothing. Thanks a lot, republicans! : (
