The Illinois Legislature passes passes a partial budget that will increase funding for schools by more than $500 million and keep the state operating for six months.
But the deal means the state will still enter a second fiscal year Friday without a full budget, and will likely extend the partisan fighting over a comprehensive spending plan past the November elections.
The partial budget ensures schools will operate for a full academic year and brings a sigh of relief for districts that wondered whether they could open at all.
Higher education institutions, social services providers, and government operations will get money for six months.