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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Budget Debacle: Funding for Vulnerable Illinois Kids in Limbo

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Tuesday, July 7, 2015   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois budget debacle is not only putting state workers' pay in limbo, it is also threatening funding that helps some of the state's most vulnerable children.

The ACLU of Illinois is asking a U.S. District Court to enforce a consent decree to ensure continued payment of state workers responsible for protecting children in the care of the Department of Child and Family Services.

According to Benjamin Wolf, associate legal director with the ACLU of Illinois, State Comptroller Leslie Munger has indicated she isn't authorized to pay workers without a state budget.

"Kids have rights," he says. "Kids have constitutional rights and whatever the chaos in the state legislature and in the governor's office and the issues of their relationship, it can't be used as an excuse to violate the constitutional rights of the children."

In a statement released by her office, Munger said she's confused by the motion and will be in court Tuesday to request an order to allow state employees to receive pay as scheduled. Illinois has been operating without a budget since July 1. House lawmakers return to Springfield on Wednesday, and the Senate resumes its session July 14.

In 2009, the ACLU won a similar court order during a budget impasse, and Wolfe says it was believed that order was sufficient to ensure continued funding. He adds the state must meet its obligation to protect these children.

"Many of them are in foster homes, where the foster parents depend on funding from the state to provide the food and shelter they need," he says. "Children that are alleged to be abused and neglected also need prompt investigations to see if they're unsafe."

A U.S. District Court judge in Chicago is expected to hear the motion today.


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