By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Fire training and SIDS-related services are among those drying up without state grants, according to what the latest Committee of the Whole in the Illinois House took in.

“More babies will die for lack of education,” says Nancy Maruyama, executive director of SIDS of Illinois, “education you can make possible by reinstating our request for $250,000. That is not to mention all the bereaved families who can once again find hope and solace once our programs can be restored.”

Maruyama, who says she had to lay off her staff, is the parent of a child who died of sudden infant death syndrome.

For members of the Chicago Fire Department, it’s a matter of keeping their word.

“On every one of our trucks, engines, and ambulances, our motto is clearly printed: We’re There When You Need Us,” said Charles Stewart, first deputy fire commissioner. “We need that funding to keep that promise.”

In absence of a settled state budget, House members have been spending their session days hearing from groups affected by the lack of funds.