Illinois Senate will vote on stopgap budget Rauner opposes

Democratic Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said Tuesday that his chamber will vote this week on a proposal to send more than $815 million to universities and social service providers that have gone months without funding, despite objections from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The House approved the legislation before leaving town for spring break, though it's possible the Senate may put its own stamp on the proposal instead of sending it directly to Rauner's desk.

Under the measure, two specialized state accounts set aside for higher education and social service programs would be tapped to help ease the financial pressure facing schools and those who care for the vulnerable. Those funds are separate from the state's main checking account, with the money coming from a small portion of income tax revenues.

Of the money, $258 million would be split among social service agencies and $559 million would go to community colleges, scholarships for low-income students and day-to-day operations at state universities.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-senate-president-john-cullerton-2018-met-0426-20170425-story.html