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SPRINGFIELD — The presidents of three state universities say their schools likely will be able to continue through the fall semester without drastic changes regardless of whether lawmakers approve more funding before the new budget year begins Friday.

Illinois State University President Larry Dietz, Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn and Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman joined several higher education colleagues Tuesday at a Statehouse news conference to urge the Democratic-controlled General Assembly and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to approve more funding for universities, community colleges and the Monetary Award Program, which provides grants to low-income students.

Amid the budget impasse between Rauner and legislative Democrats, higher education went nearly a year without receiving any state funding before the governor signed off on a $600 million plan that provided 31 percent funding for most universities and 60 percent for Chicago State University, which was on the verge of closure.

“What we really need is a budget for (fiscal year) ’16 (and) a budget for (fiscal year) ’17 that restores the faith and confidence of the people of Illinois who are sending their sons and daughters to us for a good education,” Dietz said.