CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois officials are warning parents and providers that the state has run out of money to pay for a subsidized day care program.

Illinois’ Department of Human Services is short roughly $300 million to fund the program through June 30. Department officials say payment delays are expected to “get progressively longer” and services may be cut.

The problem comes from the $35.7 billion budget lawmakers passed last spring. The plan didn’t allocate enough money to pay for expenses while a debate on whether to extend the state’s income tax increase was pushed off.

Some lawmakers say they believe money can be reallocated from other areas of the budget.

It could be an early test for Gov. Bruce Rauner. He’s pledged to keep “essential” government services functioning but hasn’t provided specifics.

 

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