ISU President Al Bowman reacts to Quinn budget proposal - Pantagraph.com

Saying Illinois faces a financial crisis of "epic proportion," Governor Pat Quinn Wednesday proposed his fiscal year 2011 budget, which includes a $1.3 billion cut for elementary, secondary and higher education. The proposal must still be approved by the General Assembly. For Illinois State, the seven percent reduction would leave the University with a fiscal year 2011 appropriation of about $79.5 million. More than $6 million of the appropriation must be used to pay for group health insurance premiums and veterans and National Guard tuition benefits, expenses the state no longer covers. "That leaves the University with state spending authority of about $73.5 million--about the same spending authority as in 1997," said President Al Bowman.