Illinois higher education funding bill offers hope for budget solution - Quincy Herald-Whig

Now that Illinois legislators and Gov. Bruce Rauner have agreed to send desperately needed funds to universities and colleges, there is a glimmer of hope the state budget impasse could be solved. The $600 million stopgap appropriation is nowhere near the funding level schools need, but it is a start. Funds were released only days before some schools were expected to close. Chicago State University had moved up its commencement ceremonies to April 28, as administrators feared they could not maintain payroll into May. Western Illinois University at Macomb was not in danger of closing, but officials were forced to lay off about 150 non-academic staff. In addition, more than 500 employees are participating in a furlough or pay reduction program. By mid-April, WIU had made $6 million in cuts. http://www.whig.com/article/20160501/ARTICLE/305019954