Illinois legislative leaders are praising a short-term plan to help struggling universities during the budget impasse, though both sides are bickering about its meaning and how to move forward.
Lawmakers approved a $600 million-dollar higher education fix Friday as the budget impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats who control the Legislature reaches its tenth month. Already, some universities have had layoffs, and Chicago State University had expected to close its doors.
Rauner is expected to sign the measure, which provides a one-time infusion of money thanks to a surplus in a state education fund. It'll likely take weeks for the money to reach universities.
House Speaker Michael Madigan says the funding fix isn't a solution, but emergency relief for those in need. He accuses Rauner of creating the situation and says he hopes Rauner approves human services funding too.
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno says the plan is a model because Illinois has the money and the situation is a "reset in budgeting."
