Western moves past impasse - Nicholas Ebelhack, Western Courier

It took 736 days for Illinois to end a prolonged budget impasse; however, even with a spending plan approved, Western Illinois University, among other state institutions, will have a long road to recover from the last two years of financial strain. In a Western Illinois University Relations press release, President Jack Thomas said that Western’s appropriated funding, totaling $20.1 million for FY 17, $46.3 million for the current fiscal year and $21 million for MAP grant reimbursement, will allow Western to begin the return to pre-impasse operation. “The long overdue spending bill that was passed will provide predictable operating dollars for Western Illinois University and public higher education,” Thomas said. “This will allow our University to continue to advance its longstanding mission of providing a quality, well-rounded, and comprehensive educational experience to a diverse student body.” https://westerncourier.com/38383/news/western-moves-past-impasse/