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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois lawmakers have approved a $600 million short-term funding infusion for higher education institutions that have been struggling financially due to not receiving state money during the state budget impasse.

The Senate unanimously approved the deal Friday after House members voted for it 106-2.

Chicago State University president Thomas Callhoun had expected to lay off 900 employees today.

Because of the 10 month budget impasse, he already shortened the school year by nearly a month. All seniors are graduating next week.

But now the 150-year-old primarily African American university will operate through the summer, thanks to SB2059. $20 million will go to Chicago State University. That's about 60 percent of what they would normally receive from the state.

“We're delighted. We're relieved and pleased,” Dr. Callhoun said. “We still have quite a financial challenge ahead of us. It's just there has been some relief to the challenge. But the problem has not been solved.”

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is expected to sign the bill. He issued a statement through his spokeswoman that praised lawmakers in the Democrat-led chambers for putting "aside political differences" to provide emergency assistance for colleges and universities.

Rauner and legislative Democrats have been deadlocked on a spending plan for the fiscal year that began July 1, which has led some state universities to institute layoffs and cutbacks. Chicago State University is on the verge of closing.

In a statement, House Speaker Michael Madigan blamed Rauner for the stalemate, saying the resulting lack of funding is, "destroying the safety net for those most in need."

Money for the education fix 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.

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