One thing was for sure, a compromise on funding for higher education wouldn’t be easy to come by and that being proven true at the Illinois Capitol. Lawmakers and allies of education seemed optimistic on Thursday as the House appeared to agree on $600 million of funding for universities, junior colleges and MAP grants. But as things can in the Illinois House, the Speaker stepped in and appeared to squash any vote till today (Friday).

The House seemingly pulled the bill to add more state spending to the measure as an effort to put Governor Bruce Rauner on the spot to approve or veto critical spending on higher ed. There is a chance at a new bill or a vote before the weekend. Governor Bruce Rauner said via email statement late Thursday that he applauded members of both sides of the isle who are coming together to deliver emergency assistance to our universities, community colleges and low-income students.

By the numbers state universities would divvy up $356 million, community colleges $74 million, Chicago State receives $20 million on its own and MAP grants pick up $170 million. The spending is far below what schools were expecting or had received in the past.