The Illinois state budget was signed into law just over a week ago by Gov. Bruce Rauner, the first time he's approved a full budget during his time in office.

 

With the approved budget many lawmakers and political minds have weighed in their thoughts on budget items.

 

Dr. Kent Redfield is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois in Springfield.  He attributes a budget signing from Gov. Rauner as a result of both parties tired of fighting.

 

 

 

With a portion of money in the budget going towards specifically higher education throughout the state, Dr. Redfield feels colleges and universities in the state are still struggling but will receive some needed help.

 

 

 

But while money in the budget is going towards higher education, the hardships over the last several years may have dug to deep a hole for institutes to climb out.

 

 

Dr. Redfield says that even though the budget has been signed, there are still short and long-term fixes lawmakers will have to make.

 

 

The full Illinois budget can be seen at Illinois.gov.