College officials in Illinois warn of more layoffs if budget fight continues - Mike Riopell, Daily Herald

A week after Harper College in Palatine and College of Lake County announced dozens of layoffs because of the state's budget standoff, statewide education officials pleaded with lawmakers to reach an agreement and free up funding soon. Illinois Community College Board Chairman Laz Lopez, an administrator at Northwest Suburban High School District 214, said colleges statewide have raised questions about their viability for the fall semester and that more layoffs could be coming. "There is significant fear that there are institutions that will have a very difficult time opening the doors this fall," Lopez said. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160406/news/160409195/