Illinois Public Media and NPR Illinois hosted an Illinois Issues Forum on the state budget impasse. Illinois residents who have been directly impacted discussed the burden placed on their community. 

Higher education has been among the areas feeling the state budget impasse as funding has been cut. It has forced some schools to reduce classes, lay off employees and, in some cases, close for several days. But a review of enrollment indicates small and mid-sized public universities are taking a double hit.   

Part of a potential compromise at the statehouse would make Illinois the first state with a tax on sugary drinks, like soda. 

It’s among new legislation that’s meant to end the budget stalemate and bring in more tax dollars.

University of Illinois Urbana campus interim provost Edward Feser talks about the financial difficulties facing the university due to the state's budget impasse, in an interview with Illinois Public Radio Education Desk reporter Dusty Rhodes.

This Wednesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner will present his budget plan for next fiscal year to the General Assembly. But the state still doesn’t have a budget for the current fiscal year.