Update Thursday Evening: Gov. Bruce Rauner signs bill ensuring schools stay open and providing colleges and social services money for 6 months.
Illinois lawmakers have averted a shutdown of schools with a partial budget deal funding education for a year and other agencies for six months.
The Illinois Legislature passed a package of bills late Thursday completing an agreement by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers after days of negotiations.
But the deal means the state will still enter a second fiscal year Friday without a full budget and will likely extend the partisan fighting over a comprehensive spending plan past the November elections.
The partial budget ensures schools will operate for a full academic year and brings a sigh of relief for districts that wondered whether they could open at all.
Higher education institutions, social services providers and government operations will get money for six months.
