Documents say Chicago State University spent about $200,000 during the past two years to lobby state lawmakers. The spending raises questions about how the school spent money when it was in a financial crisis. The school's contracts with consultants include those closely tied to legislative leaders whose inability to pass a state budget has contributed to the school's funding woes.
Chicago State's budget has forced school officials to lay off hundreds of employees, including professors. There's currently no additional funding allotted to state universities, social service providers and others this fiscal year.
