CHICAGO (AP) - The lack of a state budget is putting stresses on Illinois' public universities that still aren't receiving money from the state.
Larger schools such as the University of Illinois are faring better than smaller schools where enrollment has fallen or fundraising is harder. Those schools have seen layoffs and furloughs, funding cut for athletics, and cash reserves raided.
Alan Phillips, chief financial officer at Northern Illinois University, says it would be "very difficult" to get through a full year without state funding.
Some lawmakers hope problems at universities will lead to a push to get a state budget passed by year end. The Illinois House is expected to hear testimony from college and university officials about the budget situation when lawmakers meet Tuesday in Springfield.
