University presidents write Illinois Governor Rauner letter over budget impasse - Chicago Tribune

The presidents of Illinois' seven public universities sent a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner and the four legislative leaders saying the budget impasse "casts a shadow of uncertainty over the campuses" that is unsustainable. University leaders asked for a meeting to try to resolve the issue, which has left schools footing the bill for financial aid -- though they've warned students may be forced to pay those dollars back. "The uncertainty of not knowing when, or at what level, appropriations will be forthcoming is resulting in some students and faculty questioning whether Illinois is the best place to learn or to teach," they wrote. "We are on the brink of serious operational damage. Mid-term exams are not far off, and so too are decisions that must be made about staffing, academic offerings and student services for the spring semester." http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-public-universities-presidents-bruce-rauner-impasse-20151001-story.html