Illinois lawmakers have approved a bill to spend $600 million on universities, community colleges and grants for low income students.

 

It is the same bill (SB2059) that got hung up in the House Thursday night just before lawmakers were expected to approve it.

 

The House voted Friday 106-2 to pass the bill. The Senate followed shortly after on a 55-0 vote.

 

Supporters acknowledged it was only a stopgap funding bill that would buy time for lawmakers to develop a comprehensive state budget.

 

However, Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, one of the two “no” votes, said the bill “only delays the inevitable.”

 

The bill does not contain any money for human services programs which have also been squeezed by the state budget impasse. On Thursday, several Democrats said they were disappointed that money was only being allocated for higher education and human services were getting nothing.

 

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