Higher education and low income students were able to breathe a little easier on Friday when the state lawmakers passed $550 billion bill to partially fund them. But after nearly a year without a state budget and a mounting stack of overdue bills many in social services are wondering where their money is or when it’s coming. Senator Toi (Toy) Hutchinson a Chicago Heights Democrat wants something done to help those programs that are hanging on by a string.

The House and Senate are taking another break; the two chambers won’t be back in session till May.