Are We At The Breaking Point? - Adam Doster, Progress Illinois

Universities and colleges are owed $735 million in state payments, which has forced officials at some Illinois campuses to implement unpaid furlough days, freeze hiring, and make other cuts. Yesterday, the Senate Executive Committee passed a bill that will allow struggling schools to borrow (with interest) up to 75 percent of their payroll. Lawmakers are also looking to cut some aid and scholarship programs. In the meantime, the University of Illinois is asking alumni to write or call lawmakers asking for the state's promised appropriation. If no solution is developed, Illinois Board of Higher Ed Director Judy Erwin warns that some schools may shut down at the end of the semester.