United Way of Central Illinois President John Kelker isn't a weather man and he doesn't work for the Farmer's Almanac, but he's predicting a long, cold winter for human services agencies if the state continues to operate without a budget.

A new survey conducted by all 52 United Way of Illinois chapters shows the budget stalemate has become a crisis for most at risk citizens. The survey claims children, low-income families and the mentally ill continue to suffer the worst. United Way of Central Illinois President John Kelker says it's time for lawmakers and the Governor to put an end to the endless budget saga.

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84 percent of human services agencies reported they have cut the number of clients they serve. That's up from 34 percent in July. 79% of respondents have cut programs, most impacting children and working adults.

Cash is getting tight as well. About a third of agencies say they have one month or less of cash reserves, 8 percent have used all of their reserves and a quarter of the respondents have turned to lines of credit to get by. 22 percent of agencies have laid off staffers.