Budget Impasse Stops Flow Of Federal Cash To Some Workers, Aid Recipients

(CBS) – Thirty days: That's how long the state of Illinois has been without a budget.

Millions of dollars remain in limbo and can't get to people in need. The irony here is it's not even state money at issue.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports on frozen funds – and the people impacted.

Marc Hefner says he'll be lucky to live another year. The 58-year-old's battle with terminal lung cancer is bad enough. Now, Illinois' budget standoff is making it worse.

Hefner had health insurance, allowing for chemo and medication, through his 24-year job at the non-profit CEDA, until he lost it and his job earlier this month. CEDA gets federal funds to operate, but once the Illinois budget lapsed, so did the state's ability to distribute those now-frozen dollars, leaving agencies like CEDA in peril.

The ripple effect goes beyond layoffs.

People who rely on prenatal, post-partum food, energy and other assistance could soon be left without.

"It's frustrating, because we know the money's there," says Margaret Saunders, CEDA's WIC director.

Until something changes, Saunders says people like Hefner will likely continue to struggle.

"Not all people are generations of welfare. Some people really need the help," Hefner says.

Legislative leaders and Gov. Bruce Rauner blamed each other for the continued budget gridlock.