By AP/KWMU
Springfield, ILL. – Many school districts in Illinois have canceled summer reading programs because the state budget was unsigned when districts had to decide whether to start the programs.
They were afraid they might start the "Summer Bridge" program and then find no money for it.
Most years, the governor signs the budget in early June, which gives schools enough time to figure out to balance their books. But this year, Governor Rod Blagojevich waited until July.
The State Board of Education is still figuring out how much money schools will get this fall. It says at least 21 districts have so far canceled the reading program.