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Illinois Works on Budget for Colleges & Universities

Henryk Sadura
/
123rf Stock Photo

A temporary funding fix for financially struggling Illinois colleges and universities is in limbo because lawmakers delayed a vote on a rare bipartisan measure that would send them $600 million. 

Republican House Leader Jim Durkin told lawmakers Governor Bruce Rauner will sign the bill if it gets to him. The House and Senate was expected to vote on it Thursday, but instead adjourned for the night.

The bill comes at a crucial time for Chicago State University, which is on the verge of closing its doors because Rauner and Democrats can't agree on a budget. The funding proposal also includes nearly $170 million in tuition grants for low-income students.

The money for the bill is possible because of the state's Education Assistance Fund has a surplus. The fund is for public schools and higher-education institutions.

Rob Canning is a native of Murray, KY, a 2015 TV Production grad of Murray State. At MSU, he served as team captain of the Murray State Rowing Club. Rob's goal is to become a screenwriter, film director or producer and looks to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for inspiration. He appreciates good music, mainly favoring British rock n' roll, and approves of anything with Jack White's name on it. When not studying, rowing or writing, Rob enjoys spending his free time with a book or guitar.
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