Illinois school funding debate breaks along political, geographical lines - Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune

Universities, operating without any state funding, have struggled and smaller schools, without sizable endowments, are facing layoffs, program cuts and potential shutdown. Millions of dollars in unfunded state grants for low-income students will no longer be subsidized by some universities. But with several universities located downstate, Republican legislative districts, there are indications that the unity of the GOP caucuses with Rauner could be splintering. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-school-funding-state-budget-impasse-met-20160407-story.html