Gov. Bruce Rauner delivered his State of the State on Wednesday, where he urged the General Assembly to make a bipartisan effort in approving a budget.

Illinois is now in a seven-month deadlock as the Republican governor and Democratic leaders continue to disagree on a state budget.

The budget impasse has impacted NIU in multiple ways as the university is operating without state funding and students are being credited, but not paid, their MAP Grants — financial aid provided by the state.

NIU has the funds to get through the fiscal year, which would be the end of June, according to Chief Financial Officer Alan Phillips. Faculty Senate President Greg Long said Phillips said things will get “dicey” after June.

Rauner said efforts to pass criminal justice reform should inspire the state to pass a budget.

“If each of us commits to serious negotiation based on mutual respect… there’s not a doubt in my mind we can come together to pass a balanced budget alongside reforms,” Rauner said. “If we work together, Illinois can be both compassionate and competitive.”

Rauner also named 10 long-term goals he had for education which were mainly focused on early childhood education. One of his goals, however, pushed for a reduction in administrative costs and unfunded mandates in universities.

“… And then offer additional financial support to those schools that show real progress in putting more resources in the classroom where [they] belong,” Rauner said.