Illinois lawmakers, governor OK stopgap spending deal

(AP) — Illinois lawmakers approved a partial spending plan Thursday that would ensure schools stay open another year and give colleges and human service programs funding for six months, a rare bipartisan accomplishment but one that won't end the yearlong gridlock on a full budget.

Democratic leaders and Rauner crafted the agreement after days of negotiations amid increased public pressure to avoid entering a second fiscal year without spending certainty.

About a dozen Illinois newspapers used their front pages Wednesday to publish editorials demanding that the two sides strike a deal and stop the bickering that has led to layoffs at colleges and forced social service providers to close their doors or make cuts.

[...] while schools and cash-strapped colleges and social service providers can breathe a sigh of relief, the partial spending plan also means both parties will face high-stakes elections in November to influence budget discussions in January when a new legislative session begins and money starts to run out.

A companion proposal will have the state cover $215 million in future pension costs beginning in June, like it does for all other Illinois school districts, but only if lawmakers pass legislation to reform the overall pension system next year.

Even before the partial budget agreement, a large chunk of Illinois' spending was on autopilot because of court orders requiring payments to Medicaid and state employees.