Gov. Bruce Rauner says he can address the state's funding woes for universities and college students.

In a visit to Springfield's Southeast High School, Rauner said he could boost funding for Monetary Award Program grants for struggling college students if lawmakers green light his plan to change the way the state engages in purchasing.

The Republican governor said he would also be open to current legislation that would give him the power to reallocate state spending toward education as a means to fund MAP grants.