The end of the spring semester is a little festive than usual at Illinois public colleges and universities. While this time of year is known for commencement speakers and caps and gowns, many state schools are like a driver trying to reach the next gas station on fumes.

The spokesman for House Speaker Mike Madigan, Steve Brown, says college funding needs to get rolling again soon and not just for the good of the colleges and universities themselves.

Chicago State University in particular is concerned about its ability to keep students and even stay open as higher education continues to feel some of the worst pain of the ten month old budget impasse.