The Illinois House has approved a $600 million short-term funding fix for financially struggling colleges and universities that have been without funding during the state budget stalemate.
The rare bipartisan deal was overwhelmingly approved on a 106-2 vote Friday. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is expected to sign the bill if it clears the Senate.
The bill comes at a critical time for Chicago State University, which is on the verge of closing its doors.
Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks, who voted no on the bill, says he prefers a full resolution to the budget that should've taken effect July 1.
Money for the bill is possible because of a surplus in the state's Education Assistance Fund. The funding proposal also has nearly $170 million in tuition grants for low-income students.
