Illinois colleges worry about spring semester if budget feud continues - Mike Riopell, Daily Herald

State officials say some community colleges have expressed concern about having to cut back class and program offerings for the spring semester if the ongoing budget feud in Springfield drags on into next year. Local community colleges aren't getting state money via court orders like many programs are, so any money owed to them since July 1 hasn't been sent. "We are hearing from some of our colleges that they are worried about the spring semester," Illinois Community College Board spokesman Matthew Berry said. In remarks this week, Gov. Bruce Rauner publicly raised the idea that the outcome of Illinois not having a budget could be even more severe. "Universities and community colleges will not receive state funding, causing some to wonder whether they will be open for the second semester. Outrageous. Should not happen," Rauner said. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20151009/news/151008731/