It's already clear that state lawmakers might cut funding for education and crucial child services in next year's budget. Libraries appear to be next on the chopping block. The Daily Herald reports that regional cooperative library organizations across Illinois have already slashed budgets and let go of staff while they wait for millions in state reimbursements. If the cash doesn't start flowing soon, the organizations -- which operate more than 2,200 public, academic, and special libraries in Illinois -- might have to shut down entirely.