Sunday, May 3, 2015

Rauner Budget Would Be 'Catastrophic' For Illinois Higher Ed System, Report Finds - Ellen Fortino, Progress Illinois

University officials, meanwhile, have detailed what Rauner's proposed budget cuts, if approved, could mean for their local institutions. To name just a few examples, as many as 250 faculty and staff members at Eastern Illinois University could be laid off and Southern Illinois University might have to reduce signature career programs if lawmakers pass the governor's fiscal plan. Rauner's proposed budget would also mean a $209 million cut at the University of Illinois. "A budget cut of that magnitude would substantially harm our students and the people of Illinois by most severely impacting the university's core education and research missions," University of Illinois President Robert Easter has stated. Illinois students also face the prospect of higher tuition costs and fees. http://www.progressillinois.com/quick-hits/content/2015/04/22/report-rauner-budget-would-be-catastrophic-illinois-higher-ed-system