Illinois' Department of Human Services has run out of money to pay some of its contractors.
The agency sent letters to groups that work with the developmentally disabled.
Saying they will have to wait until at least July to get paid for their work.
A similar funding shortage happened earlier this year when the state warned its childcare providers there wasn't enough money in the budget.
That was ultimately resolved.
But this time, groups that work with the developmentally disabled have been given notice.
Beth Neal describes her job drying flowers at the ARC of the Quad Cities.
"We put the rubber bands around them, go underneath, go up, that's it, that's how we hang them."
Neal and Kay Endrizzi prep flowers to be turned into wreaths.
"Pull the plastic down by the stems and throw the plastic away," says Endrizzi.
Both get paid for their work here at the ARC. The job program is one of many provided to people with developmental disabilities. And Executive Director Kyle Rick says these individuals have few options without these programs.
"These people need these services everyday, it's an important part of their life, they could not live independently without it," says Rick.
But Illinois continues to delay payments for these services. It's not the first time that's happened to the ARC. More troubling for Rick, the payments have been frozen at the same level for the last five years.
"95 percent of the income for our organization comes from the state of Illinois through Medicaid and other funding," says Rick.
The payments are supposed to cover the costs of food, utilities, and transportation. but the freeze and delay squeeze the state's service providers.
"It's very difficult when the state isn't a reliable source of income which we've contracted for."
Rick says the ARC is in good financial shape. But she says the state needs to get its act together. Because every resident needs a support system.
Rick says, "Provides them an opportunity to be part of a community like you or I."
There is a ray of hope in the payment mess.
Illinois' Comptroller says she'll give the agencies serving the developmentally disabled top priority.
Paying them in the next budget year as soon as money becomes available.
