SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois General Assembly Friday passed legislation to partially fund state universities and community colleges and avoid further cuts and potential closings. Governor Bruce Rauner is expected to sign the legislation:that also includes funding for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for college students.

Comptroller Leslie Munger responded to the bill’s passage that she has directed her staff to begin processing payments immediately, giving top priority to students and the institutions that are suffering the most.

“The $600 million in funding for this legislation comes from the state’s Education Assistance Fund, which today has $354 million on hand. Those dollars will allow us to immediately pay student MAP grants and work closely with our universities and community colleges to ensure they have the resources they need to avoid further cuts and closings. We will continue disbursing funds as they become available, with final payments being made in July. Our students and schools have paid a heavy price for this budget impasse, and we will do everything possible to provide long-overdue relief.

“It is my deep hope that the spirit of cooperation we saw today will continue and lead to the comprehensive balanced budget that our state so badly needs.”

Today’s measure was truly a bipartisan effort by rank-and-file lawmakers. The outline of the plan was drawn up by Republican Rep. Mike Fortner, of West Chicago, and Democratic Sen. Pat McGuire, of Joliet.