A leading child advocacy group says even if state lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner end the budget impasse, the damage is already done to numerous services, like afterschool programs and efforts to prevent infant deaths. Voices for Illinois Children has released a report outlining more than 60 programs and services being affected. Advocates say it represents at least $3.5 billion.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature and the first-term Republican governor remain deadlocked on a spending plan for the July 1 fiscal year.
Some nonprofit groups providing services have laid off or furloughed staff and worry they won't return because of the unpredictable situation. An organization working to prevent sudden infant death syndrome says it's down to one full time employee.