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State Funding Tie-Ups Lead To Massive Layoffs At Major Social Service Provider

Brian Mackey/Illinois Public Radio

The state's largest private provider of social-service programs is closing 30 programs serving 4,700 people because of the budget impasse. 

Credit Brian Mackey/Illinois Public Radio

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois announced Fridayit is laying off 750 employees -- about 43 percent of its staff. 

President and CEO Mark Stutrud says the state owes $6 million. He says the nonprofit can no longer rely on bank credit or its fundraising foundation to cover its costs. 

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers have been unable to agree on a budget for the year beginning July 1. Many private service-providers have been fronting the money for months to continue helping clients. 

Affected programs include substance-abuse help, mental health counseling and homeless shelters. 

A Rauner spokeswoman did not have an immediate comment.  

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